Richmond’s Own Kevin Berera Wins Grand Prize at International Metal My Way Contest
In a remarkable celebration of creativity and craftsmanship, Kevin Berera from Richmond, British Columbia, has been crowned the Grand Prize winner of Metal Supermarkets' illustrious annual contest, the Metal My Way competition. This international event, which champions innovative metalworking, invites participants to submit their projects that creatively transform raw metal into unique and functional pieces. The contest is designed to highlight not only the versatility of metalworking but also the ingenuity and skill of its practitioners.
Kicking off on October 1, 2025, and concluding on September 30, 2026, this year's competition saw an unprecedented participation level, with over 1,480 submissions pouring in from across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. The essence of the contest is to celebrate the art of metalworking, whether it be an intricate sculpture, an innovative tool, or a one-of-a-kind artwork. Each submission was rigorously evaluated based on several key criteria, including creativity, craftsmanship, complexity, and the amount of metal utilized.
Berera's winning project—a giant radio-controlled buggy—stands out for its meticulous construction and thoughtful design. Weighing in at a hefty 160 pounds, this impressive vehicle stretches five feet in length and four feet in width. Powered by a 70 cc engine, the buggy was crafted almost entirely from materials sourced from Metal Supermarkets Vancouver (Richmond) and showcases Berera's ability to meld technical skill with artistic vision.
The buggy's structure includes components fashioned from 6061 aluminum alloy, demonstrating Berera's knowledge of materials and their specific applications. The steering servo was ingeniously created using a modified windshield wiper motor, indicative of Berera's innovative approach to design. Additionally, the electric resistance welded chassis was constructed from 6061 aluminum wall tubing, while other components, such as shock assemblies, were built from brass, enhancing both the performance and aesthetic appeal of the overall project.
Berera shared his excitement about the recognition, stating, "I'm incredibly excited and honored to receive the Grand Prize in Metal Supermarkets' Metal My Way contest. This was a labor of love, constructed in my spare time on weekends during a particularly busy time of my life, while raising young children with my wife and overseeing home renovations." His win not only rewards his hard work but also sets the stage for future projects, with the Grand Prize including a trip for two to Las Vegas to attend the prestigious SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) trade show, held from November 3 to 6.
Metal My Way is aptly themed 'Metal My Way Everyday' for its 11th-year celebration. Offering an inclusive platform for both professionals and hobbyists, this year’s competition opened its doors for submissions over an extended period of one year, inviting a diverse range of talents and perspectives into the fold.
The President and CEO of Metal Supermarkets, Ryan Pryznyk, expressed pride in the vibrant community of creators participating in the contest. He remarked on the exceptional level of detail and ingenuity demonstrated in Berera's project, declaring, "His RC buggy displayed an exceptional level of detail, complexity, and ingenuity that showcased his talent and dedication to metalwork and machining."
Alongside Berera, other notable winners included Jeremy Werkheiser from Pennsylvania with a striking steel sculpture, 'The Deep Sleep,' and Peter Machen from Maryland whose piece, 'El Toro Inferno,' intricately features a forged steel bull with fiery horns. Each winner brought a unique vision to the competition, further illustrating the diverse applications of metal in artistic expression and engineering.
With a legacy spanning over 40 years, Metal Supermarkets provides rapid and convenient service as the largest supplier of small-quantity metals in the world, boasting over 140 locations across North America. The company prides itself on empowering customers with a wide array of metals and processing services tailored to meet their individual needs.
To witness the creativity that emerged from this year’s contest, photos and videos of the winning projects can be viewed on Metal Supermarkets' official contest website, www.metalmyway.com. As the contest draws to a successful close, it leaves behind not only a collection of remarkable works of art but also a community inspired to continue exploring the boundless possibilities within the realm of metalworking.
Kicking off on October 1, 2025, and concluding on September 30, 2026, this year's competition saw an unprecedented participation level, with over 1,480 submissions pouring in from across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. The essence of the contest is to celebrate the art of metalworking, whether it be an intricate sculpture, an innovative tool, or a one-of-a-kind artwork. Each submission was rigorously evaluated based on several key criteria, including creativity, craftsmanship, complexity, and the amount of metal utilized.
Berera's winning project—a giant radio-controlled buggy—stands out for its meticulous construction and thoughtful design. Weighing in at a hefty 160 pounds, this impressive vehicle stretches five feet in length and four feet in width. Powered by a 70 cc engine, the buggy was crafted almost entirely from materials sourced from Metal Supermarkets Vancouver (Richmond) and showcases Berera's ability to meld technical skill with artistic vision.
The buggy's structure includes components fashioned from 6061 aluminum alloy, demonstrating Berera's knowledge of materials and their specific applications. The steering servo was ingeniously created using a modified windshield wiper motor, indicative of Berera's innovative approach to design. Additionally, the electric resistance welded chassis was constructed from 6061 aluminum wall tubing, while other components, such as shock assemblies, were built from brass, enhancing both the performance and aesthetic appeal of the overall project.
Berera shared his excitement about the recognition, stating, "I'm incredibly excited and honored to receive the Grand Prize in Metal Supermarkets' Metal My Way contest. This was a labor of love, constructed in my spare time on weekends during a particularly busy time of my life, while raising young children with my wife and overseeing home renovations." His win not only rewards his hard work but also sets the stage for future projects, with the Grand Prize including a trip for two to Las Vegas to attend the prestigious SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) trade show, held from November 3 to 6.
Metal My Way is aptly themed 'Metal My Way Everyday' for its 11th-year celebration. Offering an inclusive platform for both professionals and hobbyists, this year’s competition opened its doors for submissions over an extended period of one year, inviting a diverse range of talents and perspectives into the fold.
The President and CEO of Metal Supermarkets, Ryan Pryznyk, expressed pride in the vibrant community of creators participating in the contest. He remarked on the exceptional level of detail and ingenuity demonstrated in Berera's project, declaring, "His RC buggy displayed an exceptional level of detail, complexity, and ingenuity that showcased his talent and dedication to metalwork and machining."
Alongside Berera, other notable winners included Jeremy Werkheiser from Pennsylvania with a striking steel sculpture, 'The Deep Sleep,' and Peter Machen from Maryland whose piece, 'El Toro Inferno,' intricately features a forged steel bull with fiery horns. Each winner brought a unique vision to the competition, further illustrating the diverse applications of metal in artistic expression and engineering.
With a legacy spanning over 40 years, Metal Supermarkets provides rapid and convenient service as the largest supplier of small-quantity metals in the world, boasting over 140 locations across North America. The company prides itself on empowering customers with a wide array of metals and processing services tailored to meet their individual needs.
To witness the creativity that emerged from this year’s contest, photos and videos of the winning projects can be viewed on Metal Supermarkets' official contest website, www.metalmyway.com. As the contest draws to a successful close, it leaves behind not only a collection of remarkable works of art but also a community inspired to continue exploring the boundless possibilities within the realm of metalworking.
Topics Consumer Products & Retail）
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