0
+
Years Of Experience
After retiring from the Air Force in 2007, Rob Hrabe founded HF Webster Engineering Services to commercialize metal repair technologies from SDSM&T, later partnering with Dr. Christian Widener in 2010 to explore advanced repair solutions for the Department of Defense, especially cold spray.
In 2013, after collaborating with the Army Research Laboratory to develop and patent a hand-held high-pressure cold spray system, Rob Hrabe and Dr. Christian Widener founded VRC Metal Systems to commercialize the technology, later acquiring HF Webster Engineering Services in 2018.
VRC developed a mobile, hand-held cold spray system to enable agile, high-quality repairs for DoD weapon systems, later expanding into full turn-key solutions for both military and commercial clients while continuing to advance cold spray and manufacturing technologies.
VRC Metal Systems is a veteran-owned leader in high-pressure cold spray technology, headquartered in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Since 2013, we have grown into a trusted U.S. manufacturer of advanced cold spray systems that restore, protect, and rebuild mission-critical metal components. Our equipment and services power industries such as aerospace, defense, energy, maritime, and heavy equipment, helping organizations reduce downtime, extend component lifecycles - safely.
Backed by engineers from leading universities and a workforce made up of nearly 20% U.S. military veterans, VRC blends academic excellence with field-proven expertise.
As industries demand faster, smarter, and greener repair solutions, VRC continues to lead. We are committed to advancing cold spray into the future—delivering sustainable, cost-saving solutions that redefine industrial repair and additive manufacturing worldwide.
VRC believes in investing in our employees, whether that’s through total compensation packages, access to high-quality trainings, professional development and tuition reimbursement. It’s important that we continue to invest in the people that make us great.
VRC Metal Systems is an award-winning leader in cold spray technology, recognized for innovation and excellence:
Exceptional Small Business Award
Four-time honoree for fastest-growing private companies.
Top 15% technology recognition for defense applications.
Large Business of the Year.