Founded in 1978, in Hampton, Virginia, with the primary market of heating, air conditioning and ventilation systems. The company relocated, from Hampton, to the Oyster Point Industrial Park area of Newport News in 1979. In 1981, the company begun offering custom manufacturing of specialty items from stainless steel and aluminum.

In 1982, the company was purchased by Ronald T. Nelsen, who had worked in the metal industry for 15 years with Reynolds Metals. Mr. Nelsen made specialty manufacturing the company's focus. Through his leadership, Hampton Sheet Metal, Inc. has become one of the Peninsula's premier custom metal manufacturers. By offering a broad range of services, Hampton Sheet Metal, Inc. is able to handle the needs of a cross section of the areas businesses.