Local Business Owners Open Metal Supermarkets Store in Akron

Local husband-and-wife team with over 20 years of manufacturing experience takes on new opportunity, converting family-owned machine shop into a Metal Supermarkets store

October 13, 2025 | Akron, Ohio – Metal Supermarkets, the world’s largest supplier of small quantity metals, will open its newest location in Akron, Ohio, on October 13, 2025. Led by local entrepreneurs and husband-and-wife team, Aaron and Ashley Podnar, the new Metal Supermarkets location is set to become the one-stop shop and premier metal supplier for local professionals, businesses and hobbyists alike.

For over seven years, the Podnars ran a successful manufacturing business and machine shop founded by Aaron’s grandfather. When it came time to transition from the family business, the Podnars decided to convert the machine shop into a new Metal Supermarkets store, retaining their experienced team.

Aaron and Ashley Podnar: Bringing white-glove customer service to local businesses, manufacturers and metal enthusiasts

Bringing hands-on manufacturing experience and a knack for customer relationships and business operations, the Podnars are excited to introduce Metal Supermarkets Akron to local businesses and customers.

“Having spent our entire careers on the manufacturing side, we really understand what our customers are going through when they need metal,” said Ashley. “Aaron has been machining parts for over 20 years, so he knows firsthand the frustration of waiting for material deliveries or not being able to find the right grade or size when you need it.”

“We’re excited about flipping the script and being the ones who can help solve those material-sourcing headaches for other manufacturers and fabricators in our area,” said Aaron. “We want to be the place people can count on to have what they need, when they need it.”

Passionately providing metal to over 300,000 customers worldwide

Each Metal Supermarkets location provides solutions to customers’ metal needs in both the business-to-business and business-to-consumer categories with a diverse product base and no minimum order quantity.

“We are excited to welcome Aaron and Ashley Podnar to the Metal Supermarkets franchise network,” said Ryan Pryznyk, President and CEO of Metal Supermarkets. “With their extensive background in business ownership and manufacturing, we are confident the Podnars and their skilled team will deliver unparalleled service to metal users in the Akron area.”

Metal Supermarkets Akron will offer over 8,000 types, shapes and grades of metal, which can be cut to each customer’s exact specifications with several other value-added processes available, such as bending, drilling and notching.

The new Metal Supermarkets Akron store will serve Akron and the surrounding areas. Located at 6250 Van Buren Rd., New Franklin, Ohio, 44216, Metal Supermarkets Akron is open 5 days a week, Monday – Friday, from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

For additional information about Metal Supermarkets Akron, visit www.metalsupermarkets.com/location/akron/.

For further information: Laura Schober, Senior PR & Communications Specialist | (647) 981-9040