Partnership pays off for Local 12 sheet metal workers, Avalotis Corporation

Good partnerships in the union sheet metal industry don’t happen by accident. They’re built the same way anything worth a damn is built: with time, trust and hard work.

That’s exactly how things got rolling between Local 12 (Pittsburgh, Pa.) and Avalotis Corporation.

Back on October 14, 2025, Local 12 Business Manager Geoff Foringer connected the local with Chris Avalotis, owner of Avalotis Corp. Chris isn’t new to the skilled trades, and he knew what he was looking for. Avalotis Corp started as a family painting business more almost 60 years ago, in 1967. In the decades since, the company has grown into a multi-trade operation, taking on jobs across the country.

During the conversation with Foringer, Chris made it clear what he needed: skilled workers who could deliver on architectural work at a higher level. While his company was already performing that work, he saw something different in what Local 12 brings to the table.

About a week after the first meeting between Avalotis and Local 12, the conversation moved from the phone to the field.

On October 23, Foringer and International Organizer Shane Vermilye sat down with Avalotis reps to talk shop — what Local 12 can do, where the local fits, and how SMART can help Avalotis get the job done right. The focus was simple: show the company the value of trained, union sheet metal workers when it comes to architectural applications.

The foundation was set for the potential partnership to grow.

“During this meeting, we outlined how Local 12 could serve as a strategic partner and addressed questions regarding our capabilities,” said Vermilye. “Avalotis expressed strong interest and requested a follow-up visit to tour the training center and learn more about our programs. Plans were made to prepare a contract in anticipation of that visit, with the goal of executing it at that time.”

Of course, like any job, there were a few starts and stops.

On November 11, 2025, Chris reached out to say they’d reconnect after Thanksgiving. That was no problem for Local 12. The lines stayed open: calls, emails and steady communication, “allowing both parties to further develop the relationship and build mutual trust between Local 12 and Avalotis Corporation,” Vermilye said.

That’s how trust gets built in this business.

Fast forward to March 9, 2026. Business Agent Joe Schueler and Vermilye met with Chris and Art Avalotis for a full facility tour and to talk next steps. What came out of that meeting was big:

• Avalotis is working nationwide
• They’re planning to partner with SMART sheet metal locals across multiple regions
• They’re actively looking to bring in more union workers  

And it wasn’t just talk. The company is already looking to put Local 12 members to work, starting with a roofing project in Aliquippa, said Vermilye. On top of that, the company is feeling good about landing insulation and lagging work at a huge project near Homer City, which could mean even more opportunities for SMART sheet metal workers.

All the groundwork paid off on April 6, 2026. Art Avalotis sat down with Foringer and Business Agents Schueler, Dave Boyd and Kodee Bailey to make it official, signing the contract with Local 12.

With ink on paper, the conversation shifted to where it belongs: putting members to work.

Plans are already underway to staff upcoming projects, both locally and nationwide, getting Local 12 members on the job and expanding opportunities across the board. That means:

• More job opportunities
• Travel work potential
• Stronger union presence across multiple jobsites
• Work that matches our training and skill level

When contractors recognize the value of union labor, everybody wins. And this partnership? It’s just getting started.

That’s why we organize!