“You work hard every day to earn customer loyalty and keep it”

~ Larry Loeb, 2nd Generation Valley Metal Ltd.

When we look at the present, it is always clear that it is history that informs our path. A brilliant history is what you will find when looking at the family of Valley Metal Ltd. Built on family values, hard work and vision, Valley Metal Ltd. has stood the test of time since 1965. Walter, Larry, Jeff and Dan have carried the Valley Metal Ltd. name with pride for over 50 years.

Valley Metal Ltd. was created by Jeffs grandfather Walter Loeb in October of 1965. At the time, the projects were mostly tubular furniture components and table bases for cabinet industry in town. It was not long until Valley Metal started doing architectural furnished metal work for restaurants through their cabinet industry clients. One by one, Valley Metal earned the respect and loyalty of their customers in and around Calgary.

In those days Valley Metal consisted of Walter Loeb and two partners. Valley Metal was run out of a single 3000 square foot bay on Cleveland Crescent. In about 1966, plating services were introduced and the shop moved to Manchester Industrial in 1967 on a 10 year lease. The foresight and confidence needed to sign a 10 year lease was no small feat. The ten years ahead would define the future of the business; a business built around hard work, family and vision.

Larry worked for Walter, his father, as he grew up and took the reigns of their family business in 1981 at the age of 31. Walter retired in 1991, leaving his son at the head of the growing business.

Larry became pivotal in expanding the business. In 1977 expansion to the south side of building gave birth to a true fabrication shop. This fabrication shop complimented the spinning operation added a year later in 1978. These changes became instrumental in expanding Valley Metal’s clientele to include restaurant supply.

The expansions continued by adding equipment for light wall tube bending to satisfy a major contract for a customer chair tendered for the Alberta Forensic Hospital in Edmonton.

As Valley Metal’s roots ran strong through the foundation of Calgary and throughout Canada the projects continued to expand as well. These years saw some projects like: custom architectural rails and office interiors, Bootlegger display racking/merchandising and our now long time client Boston PIzzas’ architectural and smallwares contract. The business was growing rapidly and it was clear that Valley Metal Ltd. was the business of choice to work with as more clients began contract work with us. Clients such as: Custom home work for Alfred Baum, John Forzani, Ron Mannix, and many Calgary office towers.

It was in 2008 when Walters grandsons, Larry’s son’s, Jeff and Dan Loeb took a turn at the wheel of the family owned business. However, in 2019 Dan decided that this path was not truly meant for him and left the business to pursue different goals. He left the business in the highly capable, experienced and dedicated hands of his former partner and brother Jeff Loeb. Dans Legacy at Valley Metal Ltd. is not only kept by his brother or by the Loeb name behind the business, but also by his oldest son Peter Loeb who can currently (2020) be found working hard as a capable welder in the shop. That makes 5 generations of Loebs to date.

Larry would later comment on the transition:

“I have watched from retirement in 2008 as Calgary and Canada’s economy tanked, I have watched as many of Calgary’s finest manufacturing companies have disappeared unable to survive the downturn. It give me an immense feeling of pride to see the family business survive and adapt through it all. Not without bumps and bruises, but still smiling and still looking forward to the next challenges and new ideas and innovations.

These days Valley Metal Ltd. has three main components: Architectural, Residential and Hospitality/Restaurant. The architectural component allows Valley Metal to actualize many different designs, from traditional handrails to modern stainless steel panel systems. Residential services continues to offer homeowners the ability to realize their cocktail napkin sketches into physical reality, ranging from classical to ultra-modern creations. The contribution to the hospitality industry is significant and carries long lasting relationships with many local, national, and international chains. From one off custom showpiece installations to stock items establishments such as the Banff Springs Hotel, Moxies and Boston Pizza are all proud customers.

Valley Metal Ltd. still creates custom work for friends and neighbors with small requests. Jeff still makes it a point to come out of his office to greet each client with a handshake and a smile. The large projects for franchised hospitality and luxury architecture projects are treated with the same Loeb way. Whether it is the Telus Spark Science Centre rings, Craft Beer Market, or a 4th generation cradle that comes through our door for a ‘touchup’ every project is handled with care.

There is no question that the Loeb dynasty is still going strong and instrumental in many projects in Calgary and across Canada. Valley Metal Ltd. is working hard to be progressive in an ever changing landscape while holding strong to the values it was built on.

“Valley Metal says what they will do and then do exactly what they said they would. We take pride in all we create and do. We are ownest. We area fun company to deal with and treat everyone as a special customer.”

~ Larry Loeb

Take the time to stop in at Valley Metal Ltd., and be greeted by a handshake and a fair estimate and project that is delivered on time and on budget. Enjoy the laughter and familiar ease of conversation that is rooted in integrity, family and good old fashioned hard work.

From all of us here at Valley Metal Ltd. Thank you for your time.

Walter, Larry, Dan and Jeff Loeb