From Magnetic Shields to Interior Design

Incorporated in 1965, Amuneal produced magnetic shields for electronics particularly within the Defense industry. These prefabricated metal shields, when placed in certain electronic products, reduced disruptive electromagnetic interference. With the end of the Cold War in the late 80s, the Defense industry began shifting its priorities, forcing small businesses like Amuneal to extend their reach to other industries.

However, the market for magnetic shields in general was rapidly maturing and Amuneal had to act. Successfully positioning itself as a custom sheet metal fabricator, Amuneal has since become a distinctive player in the high-end interior design industry with a growing list of clients that includes Barney’s of New York, Calvin Klein, Burberry’s and Banana Republic. The turnaround was the result of some creative thinking on the part of one of its owners and some flexible small business financing from TRF.

Adam Kamens, CEO for Amuneal and the son of its founder, is an artist in his own right. Passionate about glass blowing, decorative arts and industrial design, Kamens was able to find a way to merge the artistic with the practical applications of sheet metal fabrication.

For help growing this new business line, Amuneal approached TRF. “It seemed pragmatic for us to work with a non-traditional small business lender like TRF,” explains Kamens, adding “We wanted to make an investment in technology and TRF saw in our business the same kind of potential we saw in ourselves.”

TRF provided Amuneal with a loan to partially finance a Flat Bed Laser Cutting Machine, a computer programmable tool capable of intricate metal cutting. The machine would improve the company’s manufacturing process and increase production.

Based in the close-knit, old, working class neighborhood of Frankford, Amuneal has also cross-trained its old production staff as well as hired several new workers to maximize its flexibility as a manufacturer competing in the global market.

According to Kamens, “The investment and our cross-training efforts transformed us from a traditional manufacturing shop to a much more flexible and diverse operation. We now have metal fabricators, artists and designers working side by side, trained in the same skills.”

“TRF has always had a particular interest in companies such as Amuneal that values its workforce,” notes Linda DeJure, TRF’s Executive Vice President for Economic Development. “By providing their new hires and employees the too rare opportunity to develop new skills while working, these companies are helping our region build a sustainable workforce.”