Sheet Metal Workers Union, Local #359
Sheet Metal Workers Union, Local #359 (SMART Local 359) is an Arizona-based building-trades labor union representing approximately 1,400 members. It runs a five-year NCCRS-accredited apprenticeship and journeyman continuing-education program, places skilled sheet metal workers with mechanical, architectural, and manufacturing contractors statewide, and administers member benefits including health, pension, and 401(k).
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1937
- HeadquartersPhoenix, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Sheet Metal Workers Union, Local #359 does
Sheet Metal Workers Union, Local #359 (SMART Local 359) is a nonprofit building-trades labor union headquartered at 2604 E. Adams Street, Phoenix, Arizona, chartered on July 22, 1937 and affiliated with the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail, and Transportation Workers (SMART). It represents approximately 1,400 members across the state of Arizona, following the 1978 consolidation of Tucson Local #426 into Local #359 that created a single building-trades local for the state. The local operates a five-year apprenticeship program delivered through the Homer D. Dukes Sheet Metal Training Center (built 1982) and the Robert H. Walker Training Center (opened 1999), with NCCRS college-accredited classroom instruction covering HVAC fabrication and installation, architectural sheet metal, AutoCAD, BIM design, Testing Adjusting and Balancing (TAB), and welding across mild steel, stainless, aluminum, copper, and brass.
The local's primary products and services are the apprentice training program, journeyman continuing education and specialty certifications (TAB, BIM, service), and workforce placement to mechanical and architectural contractors throughout Arizona. Member benefits administration, including health insurance, dental, vision, prescription, pension, and 401(k), is delivered through Southwest Service Administrators (SSA) and partners such as Delta Dental, TruHearing, and Elixir RX, with a 24/7 Employee Assistance Program and SMART PAC political advocacy rounding out the service portfolio. Five pricing schedules are published: Phoenix-area apprentice wages scaling from 47% of journeyman scale in year one to 71% in year five, Phoenix journeyman at $36.15/hr base plus $19.26/hr benefits, Tucson journeyman at $28.06/hr base plus $16.36/hr benefits, and apprentice tuition at $285 per semester / $855 annually.
The business model is membership-fee and tuition-based: members pay recurring dues (amount not publicly disclosed) for representation, benefits, and training access, while apprentices pay tuition on top of on-the-job training hours. Distribution is direct and relationship-driven, with in-person apprentice applications at the Phoenix JATC office, contractor partnerships providing on-the-job training sites, and recruiting channels including high-school counselor referrals, Helmets to Hardhats for veterans, and word-of-mouth from current members. The local serves a diversified base of commercial, industrial, residential, and food-service contractors as well as manufacturing partners such as Price Industries, ADTI, Metal Form Manufacturing, SubZero/Wolf, and Exential US, with a small staff of approximately 15 administrative and representative personnel led by Business Manager Jeff Holly.
Sheet Metal Workers Union, Local #359 firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Sheet Metal Workers Union, Local #359
- Legal name
- SMART Local 359
- Website
- https://smw359.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1937
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Sheet Metal Workers Union, Local #359 (SMART Local 359) is an Arizona-based building-trades labor union representing approximately 1,400 members. It runs a five-year NCCRS-accredited apprenticeship and journeyman continuing-education program, places skilled sheet metal workers with mechanical, architectural, and manufacturing contractors statewide, and administers member benefits including health, pension, and 401(k).
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Sheet Metal Workers Union, Local #359 industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Trade Union Services
- NAICS
- Structural Steel and Precast Concrete Contractors (238120), Structural Steel and Precast Concrete Contractors (23812), Other Specialty Trade Contractors (2389)
- SIC
- Sheet Metal Work (3444), Construction - Special Trade Contractors (1700), Services-Employment Agencies (7361)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Sheet Metal & Ductwork Contracting (IMAFALAH)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Labor Hire & Specialist Workforce Services (Operators, Trades, Technical Staffing) (IMAKAKAL), Sheet Metal & Ductwork Fabrication/Installation (EDAOACAH), Incumbent Worker Training & Upskilling (EDAAAOAE), Sheet Metal & Flashing Works (Gutters, Copings, Edge Metal, Downspouts) (IMAFAMAE)
Keywords
Where Sheet Metal Workers Union, Local #359 is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Phoenix
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices3 records
Markets served
Sheet Metal Workers Union, Local #359 business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Others, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Member Dues: Union members pay dues to maintain their membership and receive benefits including healthcare, pension, training, and representation
- Apprentice Tuition: Apprentices pay tuition for the five-year training program: $285.00 per semester, with three semesters per year ($855.00 annually)
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Phoenix Area Apprentice (1st Year) |
| Subscription | Annual | Phoenix Area Apprentice (5th Year) |
| Subscription | Annual | Phoenix Area Journeyman |
| Subscription | Annual | Tucson Area Journeyman |
| Subscription | Annual | Training Tuition |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels2 records
Marketing channels5 records
Sheet Metal Workers Union, Local #359 product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Sheet Metal Workers Union, Local #359 (SMART Local 359) is a trade union that recruits, trains, and supplies skilled sheet metal workers to contractors across Arizona. Its core offerings are a five-year college-accredited apprenticeship program, journeyman continuing education and workforce placement services, and administration of member benefits (health, dental, vision, pension, and 401(k)) through partner administrators.
Product overview
Sheet Metal Workers Union, Local #359 is a trade union offering a portfolio of workforce development and member services. The core offerings include a five-year apprentice training program providing college-accredited instruction in AutoCAD, TAB (Air Balancing), welding, and HVAC fabrication/install; journeyman continuing education services; and sheet metal workforce staffing for contractors. Member benefits encompass health/welfare administration through Southwest Service Administrators, dental coverage via Delta Dental, hearing care through TruHearing, prescription benefits via Elixir RX, and 24/7 employee assistance through Union EAP. The union also operates a Political Action Committee for legislative advocacy.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Apprentice Training Program Five-year apprenticeship combining paid on-the-job training (1,600 OJT hours/year) with NCCRS-college-accredited classroom instruction covering AutoCAD, TAB (air balancing), refrigeration/service, welding, and HVAC fabrication and installation. For prospective apprentices and entry-level sheet metal candidates.
- Journeyman Continuing Education Continuing education and advanced training services for skilled sheet metal journeymen, including service training, TAB certification, and BIM training. For union journeymen seeking to advance their skills.
- Sheet Metal Workforce Placement for Contractors Staffing of highly trained sheet metal journeymen and apprentices to contractors for commercial, industrial, residential, and food service projects; services span design, fabrication, and installation of flashing, gutters, metal roofs, ductwork, kitchen equipment, and HVAC systems, including CAD/BIM and welding. For sheet metal and HVAC contractors across Arizona.
- Member Benefits Administration Multi-employer benefits administration handled through Southwest Service Administrators (SSA) for union members, including health, dental, vision, and life insurance, two pension plans, and 401(k). For active and retired Local #359 members and their families.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 24/7 confidential support through licensed Care Coordinators providing mental health support, substance use resources, crisis support, legal consultation, and financial resources. For union members and their families.
- Delta Dental Coverage Dental insurance providing preventive care coverage, negotiated lower fees with dentists, and support for oral health maintenance. For union members and their families.
- TruHearing Program Hearing care program providing savings on hearing aids and professional care through TruHearing, with tiered pricing from Value ($499) to Premium ($1,799) per aid. For union members and their families.
- Elixir RX Prescription Benefits Prescription drug benefits and mail order prescription services through Elixir Solutions, including Medicare Part D insurance options. For union members and their families.
Companies that use Sheet Metal Workers Union, Local #359
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Sheet Metal Workers Union, Local #359 technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
Sheet Metal Workers Union, Local #359 partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- International Training InstitutecoreThe International Training Institute is the education arm of the sheet metal and air conditioning industry, providing curriculum and support for apprenticeship programs across the country.
- Southwest Service AdministratorscoreIndependent Third Party Administrator specializing in labor-management, Taft-Hartley Fund Administration. Provides SSAPortal offering 24/7 access for member and provider online assistance.
- Western Apprenticeship Coordinator AssociationminorRegional association coordinating apprenticeship programs across the western United States.
- Sheet Metal Occupational Health Institute TrustminorTrust focused on occupational health and safety in the sheet metal industry.
- Price Industries, Inc.coreSheet metal manufacturing partner. Testimonial from President/COO Marv DeHart describes cordial and respectful working relationship with the union, treating it as a partner in many areas.
- Air Distribution Technologies, Inc (ADTI)minorPartner company producing air movement and heating/cooling equipment.
- Metal Form ManufacturingminorSheet metal fabrication and manufacturing partner.
- Exential US, Inc.minorSheet metal production services partner.
- SubZero, Wolf Appliance, IncminorAppliance manufacturing partner for sheet metal production.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves11 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Sheet Metal Workers Union, Local #359 competitors and assessment
Company assessmentOthers
- National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER): National craft training and credentialing organization for construction trades; an alternative credentialing pathway for open-shop sheet metal/HVAC training that competes with union apprenticeship programs like Local #359's.
- Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC): Open-shop construction trade association representing merit-shop contractors that train and employ non-union labor; the principal organizational competitor to building trades unions for contractor allegiance and apprentice recruitment in Arizona.
- International Training Institute (ITI): The national education arm of the sheet metal and air conditioning industry that provides curriculum and instructor certification for apprenticeship programs; a direct strategic partner of Local #359 and the upstream enabler of its NCCRS-accredited training.
Regional players
- Ironworkers Local 75 (Arizona): Arizona ironworkers union with comparable apprenticeship, journeyman, and contractor workforce model; structural peer in the Arizona building trades ecosystem though operating in a different specialty.
- Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 469 (UA): Arizona-based building trades union offering a five-year apprenticeship and benefits-administered workforce for mechanical contractors; comparable as a competing skilled-trades labor supplier in the same Phoenix market.
- IBEW Local 640 (Arizona): Arizona electrical workers union providing apprenticeship-trained labor to contractors; adjacent building trades peer serving the same contractors and competing for the same construction project scopes.
Direct peers
- SMART Local 38 (Pacific Northwest): Pacific Northwest SMART local providing the same apprenticeship/journeyman/contractor workforce model as Local #359; relevant peer for benchmarking training quality, member compensation, and contractor engagement.
- SMART Local 104 (California): A sister SMART local representing sheet metal workers in California; structurally identical organization with NCCRS-accredited apprenticeship, journeyman services, and contractor workforce placement — the most directly comparable peer to Local #359.
- SMART Local 33 (Cleveland): Another SMART sheet metal local providing apprenticeship, journeyman, and contractor workforce services; comparable in mission, training program length, and member benefit structure, though operating in a different regional market.
Broad incumbents
- SMART (International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers): Parent international union of Local #359; directly comparable as it charters and oversees all sheet metal worker locals in the U.S. and Canada, with shared curriculum, training standards, and collective bargaining frameworks.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Sheet Metal Workers Union, Local #359 social profiles
Digital presenceSheet Metal Workers Union, Local #359 financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Sheet Metal Workers Union, Local #359 leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles4 records
Sheet Metal Workers Union, Local #359 subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries3 records
Sheet Metal Workers Union, Local #359 funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Sheet Metal Workers Union, Local #359 M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Sheet Metal Workers Union, Local #359
What does Sheet Metal Workers Union, Local #359 do?
Sheet Metal Workers Union, Local #359 (SMART Local 359) is a trade union that recruits, trains, and supplies skilled sheet metal workers to contractors across Arizona. Its core offerings are a five-year college-accredited apprenticeship program, journeyman continuing education and workforce placement services, and administration of member benefits (health, dental, vision, pension, and 401(k)) through partner administrators.
Is Sheet Metal Workers Union, Local #359 a public or private company?
Sheet Metal Workers Union, Local #359 is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Sheet Metal Workers Union, Local #359 founded?
Sheet Metal Workers Union, Local #359 was founded in 1937. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Sheet Metal Workers Union, Local #359 based?
Sheet Metal Workers Union, Local #359 is headquartered in Phoenix, United States, in the North America region.
How does Sheet Metal Workers Union, Local #359 make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Member Dues are the primary driver. The others are apprentice Tuition.
Who are Sheet Metal Workers Union, Local #359's main competitors?
Others on record are National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER), Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) and International Training Institute (ITI). Regional players are Ironworkers Local 75 (Arizona), Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 469 (UA) and IBEW Local 640 (Arizona). Direct peers are SMART Local 38 (Pacific Northwest), SMART Local 104 (California) and SMART Local 33 (Cleveland). SMART (International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers) is listed as a broad incumbent.
Does Sheet Metal Workers Union, Local #359 have an API?
No public API is recorded for Sheet Metal Workers Union, Local #359.
What industry is Sheet Metal Workers Union, Local #359 in?
Sheet Metal Workers Union, Local #359's product category is Trade Union Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAFALAH, Sheet Metal & Ductwork Contracting, with a secondary code of IMAKAKAL, Labor Hire & Specialist Workforce Services (Operators, Trades, Technical Staffing). Its NAICS code is 238120 and its SIC code is 3444.