Full Breakdown
Quality Plating: The End of a 99-Year Legacy
3/2/2026, 10:46:39 AM
Closure of Quality Plating in Salt Lake City
Quality Plating, a family-owned business in Salt Lake City, is set to close its doors after 99 years of operation. Owner Glenn Fassmann announced that the company will cease operations at the end of March 2023, marking the end of a legacy that began with his grandfather, Walther Fassmann, who established the business after fleeing Nazi Germany. The 30,000-square-foot facility will be sold to developers for new apartment construction, reflecting the city's ongoing housing demands.
Historical Background of Quality Plating
Walther Fassmann learned the electroplating trade in Germany in 1910 and later returned to a war-torn country after World War I. He and his wife, Anna, managed to survive the tumultuous years under both Nazi and Soviet regimes. Their faith as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints played a crucial role in their resilience. In 1949, after facing imprisonment by Soviet authorities, the family fled to Berlin and eventually immigrated to the United States, where they started anew in Salt Lake City.
Growth and Evolution of the Business
In 1955, at the age of 59, Walther began Quality Plating in his home, using fish aquariums as plating tanks. The business quickly expanded, necessitating a move to a larger facility in 1957. Over the decades, Quality Plating became known for its diverse services, including gold plating for various items, from boxing gloves to space shuttle components. Walther continued to work until he was 88, and his son Walter took over until his retirement in 1987, passing the reins to Glenn Fassmann.
Reasons for Closure
Despite the business's viability, Glenn Fassmann, now 62, decided to close Quality Plating due to several factors. His sons and sons-in-law have pursued successful careers outside the family business, and the value of the land has surpassed that of the business itself. Glenn expressed pride in his family's legacy but acknowledged the emotional difficulty of closing the business. "I know it's going to be hard leaving. I'm so proud of what my grandfather and father built. They were real survivors," he stated.
Reflections and Future Plans
As Quality Plating prepares to close, Glenn plans to reconnect with his German roots by visiting Zwickau, where his grandfather's first plating shop once stood. The building remains, though the original business has long since disappeared, replaced by apartments. This closure symbolizes not only the end of a family business but also the evolution of the Salt Lake City landscape.
Official Statements & Responses
Glenn Fassmann remarked on the emotional weight of the closure, emphasizing the pride he feels for his family's history and achievements. He noted, "It's emotional, but you have to take all the facts into consideration when making a decision."
Criticism & Opposition
While the closure of Quality Plating reflects broader economic trends, some community members have expressed concern over the loss of local businesses in favor of new developments. The transition from manufacturing to residential spaces raises questions about the preservation of local heritage and employment opportunities.
What's Next
As Quality Plating concludes its operations, the site will transition to new ownership, paving the way for future residential development in Salt Lake City. The legacy of the Fassmann family, however, will remain a significant part of the community's history.
