Whether it is a Navy Super-Carrier, locker room for a semi-professional hockey team, or residential kitchen, — no job is too big or too small for JPL Habitability Incorporated. Located just east of the Manette Bridge in Bremerton, JPL is a privately owned business specializing in metal and wood products fabrication. With a product line that ranges “from decking to overheads and everything in between,” JPL has the capability to manufacture a variety of special purpose furniture and fixtures from metals, wood, and plastics. The company also fabricates and installs custom flooring and decking.

Owner Jerry LeTexier started the business in 1992. Since then JPL has completed custom projects on more than a dozen US Navy and Coast Guard vessels including USS Carl Vinson and USCGC Polar Star. In recognition of its expertise and craftsmanship JPL is now listed on Naval Sea Systems Command blueprints as a source for chair railings and cove bases. This listing shortens the amount of time required for the shipyards to contract with JPL to work on naval vessels.

LeTexier is most proud of the work his company recently did on the USS Abraham Lincoln. “We accomplished a lot of work in a very short period of time,” he pointed out. “We delivered first quality at a competitive price. That is how we want to build our reputation.”

One potential problem area that LeTexier foresees is the availability of skilled sheet metal workers. “Metal fabricating is both an art and a science,” LeTexier explained. “It is getting harder to find people with that particular skill set.” LeTexier believes that the reason the skill set is getting harder to find is because young people believe the craft is not technology driven. “That’s simply not the case,” LeTexier emphasizes. “Several of the machines we use are controlled by a computer and practically every metal working machine being made today has some sort of computer interface. If a person has the aptitude, we can train them to bend metal to close tolerances.”

When not in the shop, Youth Soccer attracts the time and attention of several staff members. The company also sponsors a fast-pitch softball team and a hockey team. In addition to providing sponsorships, LeTexier coaches both a softball and a hockey team. The company recently provide aluminum park benches to the City of Bremerton through the Leadership Kitsap program.

In February 2005 JPL Habitability will be expanding its operations by opening a powder coating facility on Bruenn Ave, off Auto Center Way in Bremerton. “I was tired of sending out work and not getting back a quality product,” stated LeTexier. LeTexier considered opening a powder coating business in Woodinville, but abandoned the idea because of escalating utility costs. Initially this capacity will be for in-house use only but LeTexier anticipates providing powder-coating services to local businesses by midyear.

When asked what makes his business special or unique, LeTexier’s points immediately to the quality consciousness and commitment of his employees. “Everyone in the company is dedicated to the ideal of providing the best product and customer service possible,” he notes. “Everybody wants to do a good job.”

JPL Habitability • 112 Shore Drive • Bremerton, WA 98310
(360) 377-7660 • www.jplhabitability.com