Welcome to
the Foundation.
Built for precision with an eye for innovation, Keel was formed through the merger of Pegasus Steel, Merrill Technologies Group, and Metal Trades. We are focused on delivering unmatched quality in fabrication, machining, and integration to the U. S. Navy, the broader Defense Industrial Base supply chain, and our industrial customers.
There Are No
Hard Jobs –
Just Hard Work.
From strength to execution, our team is capable of taking your project from start to finish, driven by three simple principles: quality, precision, and timely delivery.
These principles enable us to proudly serve the U.S. Navy, Army, and Air Force, as well as commercial customers within a diverse range of end markets.
From our mastery of fabricating and machining large structures to our innovative engineering, we empower missions that protect and preserve freedom both here at home, across the globe, and even into the depths of space.
We Are Masters
of Our Craft.
Whether it’s something that’s been done before or needs to be done better, we pride ourselves on the quality and versatility of our work and the speed at which we can deliver.
Our Markets
01.
Nuclear Navy
We specialize in crafting large, fracture-critical steel fabrications using advanced welding and construction techniques to meet stringent NAVSEA nuclear standards and support the safety and reliability requirements for surface and undersea naval platforms.
02.
Land, Radar & Space
From essential armored vehicles to advanced radar systems to complex aerospace infrastructure and components, we provide tailored, dependable, and durable solutions to accommodate a diverse range of environments and missions.
03.
Maritime Defense
We supply cutting-edge steel fabrication solutions for crucial maritime technologies and mission-critical naval programs. Our advanced manufacturing techniques ensure precision, reliability, and success – eliminating the high cost of failure for demanding systems.
04.
Infrastructure, Industrial & Commercial
We provide expert solutions based on the most comprehensive and stringent requirements across the commercial and industrial spectrum including ship maintenance, repair and modernization, manufacturing, heavy equipment, scaled infrastructure, and marine construction.
01.
Nuclear Navy
We specialize in crafting large, fracture-critical steel fabrications using advanced welding and construction techniques to meet stringent NAVSEA nuclear standards and support the safety and reliability requirements for surface and undersea naval platforms.
02.
Land, Radar & Space
From essential armored vehicles to advanced radar systems to complex aerospace infrastructure and components, we provide tailored, dependable, and durable solutions to accommodate a diverse range of environments and missions.
03.
We supply cutting-edge steel fabrication solutions for crucial maritime technologies and mission-critical naval programs. Our advanced manufacturing techniques ensure precision, reliability, and success – eliminating the high cost of failure for demanding systems.
04.
Infrastructure, Industrial & Commercial
We provide expert solutions based on the most comprehensive and stringent requirements across the commercial and industrial spectrum including ship maintenance, repair and modernization, manufacturing, heavy equipment, scaled infrastructure, and marine construction.
01.
Nuclear Navy
We specialize in crafting large, fracture-critical steel fabrications using advanced welding and construction techniques to meet stringent NAVSEA nuclear standards and support the safety and reliability requirements for surface and undersea naval platforms.
02.
Land, Radars & Space
From essential armored vehicles to advanced radar systems to complex aerospace infrastructure and components, we provide tailored, dependable, and durable solutions to accommodate a diverse range of environments and missions.
03.
We supply cutting-edge steel fabrication solutions for crucial maritime technologies and mission-critical naval programs. Our advanced manufacturing techniques ensure precision, reliability, and success – eliminating the high cost of failure for demanding systems.
04.
Infrastructure, Industrial & Commercial
We provide expert solutions based on the most comprehensive and stringent requirements across the commercial and industrial spectrum including ship maintenance, repair and modernization, manufacturing, heavy equipment, scaled infrastructure, and marine construction.
Our Capabilities
01.
Large-Scale Fabrication
We excel at delivering unmatched quality and reliability for critical applications in the U.S. Navy, defense, and commercial end markets.
02.
Cutting-Edge Machining
With unparalleled precision and innovation, we are pioneers in crafting complex components for diverse industries and applications.
03.
Precision
Integration
We provide turnkey assembly and integration solutions at the intersection of large-scale fabrication and cutting-edge machining.
04.
Innovative Engineering & Design
We don't settle for the easy path; we engineer the right one. We transform designs into powerful, cost-effective solutions. With a penchant for innovation, our engineers redefine the norm to craft precisely what you need.
05.
Special
Processing
Using state-of-the-art equipment, we expertly transform steel and other metals via seamless integration of precision cutting, rolling, forming, and welding processes to provide customized solutions that are adaptable to a broad spectrum of applications.
Our Capabilities
01.
Large-Scale Fabrication
We excel at delivering unmatched quality and reliability for critical applications in the U.S. Navy, defense, and commercial end markets.
02.
Cutting-Edge Machining
With unparalleled precision and innovation, we are pioneers in crafting complex components for diverse industries and applications.
03.
Precision Integration
Elevate your mission-critical projects with our turnkey solutions that seamlessly integrate precision fabrication with cutting-edge machining.
04.
Innovative Engineering & Design
We don’t settle for the easy path; we engineer the right one. We transform designs into powerful, cost-effective solutions. With a penchant for innovation, our engineers redefine the norm to craft precisely what you need.
05.
Special Processing
Whether your project is classified or in need of custom treatments, we are able to handle special processing of all types.
Our People
Steering The Way
Keel’s leadership team is a blend of accomplished professionals with diverse expertise, dedication, and vision, steering the company towards innovation, excellence, and unwavering commitment to quality and performance.
Brian Carter
CEO & Board Member, Keel
Brian brings a remarkable legacy of industrial leadership spanning 25 years to Keel Holdings.
Notably, he led Seaspan Shipyards to unprecedented success, adding thousands of jobs and steering outsized organic growth. In addition, Brian previously was an executive at GD’s NASSCO unit in San Diego.
Brian Holds an MBA from UC San Diego and a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Seattle University.
Mike Beyer
Interim CFO, Keel
Michael “Mike” Beyer is the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Merrill Technologies Group, where he has been instrumental in the company’s growth since joining in 1998.
With experience across a wide range of financial disciplines and senior management roles, Mike oversees financial operations, information systems, human resources, risk management, and mergers and acquisitions.
Throughout his career, he has demonstrated expertise in corporate strategic planning, organizational leadership, financial planning, forecasting and reporting, treasury management, lender relations, manufacturing/operations management, human resource management, management information systems, and risk management.
Mike is a graduate of Ferris State University and a Certified Public Accountant in the State of Michigan. He is also an active member of several professional organizations and community boards.
Matt DeMichiel
VP Corporate Development, Keel
Matt is an accomplished finance professional who joined Keel Holdings as the VP of Corporate Development in 2023. He brings invaluable expertise honed during his time at UBS Investment Bank and as a U.S. Naval Officer.
Matt holds a BS in Economics from the U.S. Naval Academy.
John Geiger
President & COO, Merrill Technologies Group
John N. Geiger II is the Chief Operating Officer and President at Merrill Technologies Group and has been with the organization since 2016. With over 20 years of experience in the automotive industry, John brings a wealth of expertise in program management, quality assurance, supply chain, manufacturing, and integration. His leadership skills and statistically supported solutions have helped drive Merrill to financial success.
Prior to joining Merrill, John held various positions, including Director of Quality Assurance and Program Engineering, Senior Engineer within Purchasing, Corporate Supplier and Quality Development, and Weld Engineer.
John has a Master of Business Administration from Walsh College and is certified in Project Management, CQA, CQE, and CSSGB by the American Society for Quality.
Shaun Flynn
Jayme Hightower
CFO, Pegasus Steel
Jayme is a seasoned financial leader, serving as Chief Financial Officer at Pegasus Steel. She joined the company shortly after its inception and has previously held roles including Controller and Vice President of Finance.
Jayme holds an MBA and a BS in Accounting from the University of South Carolina at Aiken.
Paul Kekel
Director of Corporate Services, Merrill Technologies Group
Paul Kekel is a highly accomplished Director of Corporate Services / Controller at Merrill Technologies Group. He has been with the company since 2013 and is responsible for overseeing the accounting, human resource, information technology, and overall corporate activities and internal structure.
Paul is known for his leadership skills and has been instrumental in the successful implementation of various initiatives, including the transition to new accounting software, reconstruction of the contract review process and internal reporting, replacement of an outdated quoting system, and development of a new efficient scheduling system.
He is a CHRS-Certified Human Resources Specialist and a graduate of Saginaw Valley State University. Paul is committed to enhancing Finance, Human Resources, and Information Technology to provide an extraordinary employment experience for all Merrill team members.
Daniel Reed
VP Finance, Metal Trades
Daniel’s career in the heavy steel industry began as an Accounting Manager at Metal Trades and has most recently served as VP of Finance. Daniel has a passion for embracing technology to increase efficiency and drive productivity.
Daniel holds a BS in Accounting from College of Charleston and is currently pursuing his MBA at the University of South Carolina.