Work originally done by hand now primarily handled by state-of-the-art-technology
Did you ever wonder who makes those scale models for architects or court cases? Lou Bassler, NFIB member and owner of Bassler Williamsport Pattern Works, has been creating them for over 40 years. The company, which began in Bassler’s basement, now produces patterns, prototypes, molds, and many other design and development products for local and national companies.
Lou, who always dreamed of owning his own business, began by making scale models for local builders and creating parts for Shop-Vac. He recalls the early work was crafted by hand but today is mostly produced by computers. One challenge has been keeping up with technology and the related costs. Today, the firm even creates products with the latest technology, a 3-D printer.
Bassler Williamsport Pattern Works assists inventors, entrepreneurs, and companies by giving form to their ideas and concepts. His team, which includes his sons, Aaron and Argus, can turn a client’s back-of-a-napkin concept to artist-quality renderings and final production. The prototypes and mock-ups can determine a new product’s viability or find pre-production flaws, saving the customer a lot of money.
Bassler’s firm was once contracted to make bison sculptures for Union County’s “Bison-tennial.” Three-quarter-scale sculptures were made from fiberglass, painted by local artists, and put on public display. The company’s customers include amusement parks, such as Hershey Park and Disney World.
Bassler joined the Air Force at age 17 and served overseas in Thailand and Vietnam. His first civilian job was drafting tax maps, which he did for 10 years. He also speaks to students at Penn College of Technology about the industry and where it is headed.
