Kyle Yoder of MetalFab Manufacturing

Kyle Yoder embraces his hometown and keeps his family’s business on the path to success in Oscoda County

For Kyle Yoder, general manager of MetalFab Manufacturing, success has always been shaped by family, faith and a deep connection to the land he calls home. Raised in Oscoda County, Kyle has carried forward the legacy of MetalFab, a family-run business that has grown into a key player in Michigan’s automotive industry. With a focus on innovation and community, Kyle is showing how a small company from Northern Michigan can make a big impact.

 

What was it like growing up in Oscoda County and how has your background shaped who you are today?

I’ve lived in Oscoda County my entire life. Most of my memories are from growing up east of Fairview, where our family farmed. As the oldest of eight children, I helped raise animals and even convinced my dad to buy me a flock of sheep when I was nine. After high school at Fairview Area Schools, I traveled as a Christian missionary to countries like Peru and Nepal. Although I loved those experiences, Fairview was always home. Today, I live nearby with my wife Anna and our three kids on a 10-acre property that keeps me close to my roots.

 

How did MetalFab evolve from its founding to its current role in the automotive industry?

MetalFab was founded by my father, Joel Yoder, in 1990. He and his brother started a tool fabricating business, Metalfab Tool and Machine, building custom machines for other manufacturers. In 2003, they shifted focus when a customer encouraged them to start producing parts. This led to the creation of MetalFab Manufacturing, where we specialize in tube and hose assemblies for the automotive industry. Over the last 20 years, our products have ended up in vehicles from all the major automakers in the U.S. and internationally.

 

Did you always plan to be part of the family business?

I didn’t plan on joining the family business at first — I thought I was going to be an architect. But after spending time as a missionary, my perspective changed. My faith and family drew me back to Oscoda County and over time, I started helping my father with various projects. Eventually, I took on more responsibilities at MetalFab, starting in administrative roles and moving into management. By 2020, I was officially named general manager as we took on one of our largest projects.

 

How has the leadership at MetalFab evolved and what is your vision for the company moving forward?

In 2023, we restructured the company’s leadership. My father, now semi-retired, chairs an advisory board, while I lead the day-to-day operations as general manager. We’ve brought on two directors and we’re hiring a third to oversee manufacturing. With help from the MEDC’s System for Integrated Growth program, we’ve set goals to diversify our work beyond passenger vehicles and into other sectors. My vision is to continue innovating while staying true to the values my family established —integrity, hard work and community.

 

What are the benefits of running a business in Oscoda County and how does the location impact your work?

The main reason we’re in Oscoda County is that this is home. However, being in Northern Michigan has its advantages. There’s a strong manufacturing presence here and we’ve built great relationships with other local companies. We’ve also found that talented people want to move to the area for the quality of life. Many of our employees have relocated because they’ve vacationed nearby and wanted to live here permanently. Being just a few hours from Detroit also makes it easy to meet with our customers.

 

As a smaller company, how does MetalFab manage to stand out in Michigan’s competitive automotive industry?

Our vision at MetalFab is to simplify tube assembly manufacturing through bold innovation. We’re a small company, but we offer something larger manufacturers can’t — speed, agility and a collaborative mindset. Customers appreciate that when they call us, they get a person on the other end who knows how to help. That’s part of the Northern Michigan mentality — we work hard, find solutions and deliver. It’s what sets us apart in the automotive industry.

 

What do you enjoy most about living and working in Michigan, particularly in a community like Oscoda County?

I love living in a small community where I know most of the people I interact with. It gives you a sense of belonging and the opportunity to make a real difference. Outside of work, I spend as much time as I can outdoors — fishing, canoeing, hiking with my family. My kids are already following in my footsteps and it’s something we all enjoy together. I can’t imagine living in a place where I’d always be wishing I was somewhere else.