Thursday, October 1, 2026
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Cherryville, NC (WNN) - Those familiar with Cherryville, NC, may have noticed the new construction within the Gazebo Mini Park located on Main Street. However, you may not be aware of how or why Cherryville’s newest art installation exists. The answer to that is that Farris Fab & Machine wanted to display their work in their hometown while also using it for market research.
The same people who have seen the new project likely remember the old red fence that used to separate the back alleyway of Main Street from the railroad. After its removal, Farris Fab realized the area would be ideal for a large-scale display. So they provided the materials and labor to celebrate the company's hometown, hoping to showcase what they can create for consumers. Brand Development Coordinator Marie Mackie called the project an “exploration into launching an architectural panel division.”
The project spanned around nine months from idea to finished product; however, construction was delayed due to winter season considerations. Mackie says that, typically, this project would take around 2 to 3 months if taken on for a customer. The display itself is made from powder-coated carbon steel. While carbon steel is susceptible to rust, powder coating is highly durable and should provide a weather-resistant coating, making this project last a lifetime with proper maintenance. The choice of carbon steel was to showcase its aesthetic potential, as it is one of the core materials of their business.
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Mackie developed the design concept, but it didn’t happen without collaboration with engineers, manufacturers, and finishing teams. According to her, those efforts transformed her initial vision into the structure that Cherryville’s visitors can enjoy.
For those who aren’t familiar with the business, it is an entirely locally operated fabrication company offering a wide range of products and services. It was established as a family business and is currently run by Bryan Farris. The company operates from 3 locations: its corporate offices at 1006 W Academy St, Cherryville, NC; its painting group in Bessemer City; and its Assembly and Kitting Group in Gastonia. These locations provide lathing, milling, grinding, 3D printing, laser cutting, CNC work, robotics, welding, and, of course, painting. It goes without saying that these projects wouldn’t be possible without the company's design and engineering teams. With this project being fully completed and donated by the company, it's showing how proud it is to have begun in Cherryville back in 1979.
"Farris Fab & Machine would like to extend its sincere appreciation to Brian Dalton and the Cherryville City Council for their support of the project and for granting permission to utilize the space for the installation. We are also grateful for the assistance provided with installation and landscaping efforts. It is our hope that this display will become a point of pride for the Cherryville community and something residents and visitors will enjoy for years to come."
- Farris Fab & Machine
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