EL PASO, Texas — FCS Wrought Iron, a small business in central El Paso, has found unexpected success amid the challenges posed by tariffs announced earlier this year. Ary Marivani, CEO and owner of FCS Wrought Iron, said the company initially anticipated increased material costs would be passed on to customers. However, by collaborating with local suppliers and purchasing materials in bulk from domestic sources, the business managed to maintain costs and even expand.

“We are taking on bigger projects, we’re being awarded larger contracts, commercial contracts, with the government as well, as with the city as well. So this is something that has impacted our business in the positive,” said Marivani.

The company has expanded its operations, purchasing a second facility and increasing its project capacity from 75 to over 120. This growth has led to the hiring of more local employees.

“Yes. More capacity means very much to take on more jobs, and we hire more employees and faster leads out as well for customers,” Marivani said.

While FCS Wrought Iron has thrived, the tariff situation has been challenging for many businesses. Adriana Pulecio, an International Business & Trade Development Manager with the City of El Paso, said the city is working to support struggling businesses.

“That has contact with 25 non profits locally that are meant to help small businesses thrive. And we host workshops, we are doing one a month where we are informing the community on any updates on what’s going on with tariffs and we present different options and resources that they can use to help mitigate that impact,” said Pulecio.

Despite the uncertainty, FCS Wrought Iron’s story highlights how disruption can also present opportunities for growth and adaptation.

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