Setting a Higher Standard Since 1930

What began as a family-owned fabrication shop in Minneapolis has grown into one of North America’s top metal fabricators. As our industry and customers have changed, we’ve changed alongside them while keeping our focus on one mission: To be a source of value and strength for OEM and contractor supply chains. 

To meet our customers’ evolving demands and challenges, Standard Iron has:

  • Invested millions in cutting-edge fabrication technology that is deeply integrated across our operations.
  • Upgraded our 3D modeling software with the latest BIM technology.
  • Promoted continuous education and ISO certification training.
  • Continually improved Six Sigma quality control systems.

Standard Iron's History

1930—1940
Standard Iron Was Born

In 1930, a Demeules brother founded the first facility in an abandoned saloon in Northeast Minneapolis, establishing a niche in fabricating metal products for the building construction industry.

Learn More
1941-1950
Moved Into Agriculture After World War II

After World War II, Standard Iron continued to expand metal fabrication services for the booming building construction industry. We also began fabricating niche parts for farm implement manufacturers.

Learn More
1951-1960
Adapted to Changes During the Korean War

As Standard Iron began manufacturing steel joists across the Midwest, our architectural metals business exploded, with over $250,000 in sales, from metal hoppers to over-the-road refrigeration units.

Learn More
1961-1970
Supported Contract Manufacturing in Agriculture

Standard Iron established our contract manufacturing division to help agricultural equipment manufacturers grow their businesses.

Learn More
1971-1980
Expanded Our Manufacturing Footprint

The 1970s brought increased competition. So Standard Iron built additional manufacturing facilities in Sauk Centre and Alexandria, Minnesota to lower our costs for our growing customer base.

Learn More
1981-1990
Thrived Through a Recession

In spite of starting the decade in a recession, Standard Iron expanded into North Dakota, Iowa, and Illinois markets. In 1990, we became the general contractor for the Mall of America.

Learn More
1991-2000
Handed the Reins to a New Generation

As sales grew to nearly $30 million in the late 1990s, Standard Iron's leader, Rusty Demeules, retired. His three sons — Rich, Joe, and Bill — stepped up to lead and expand the company's reach.

Learn More
2001-2010
Increased Our North American Reach

We launched our manufacturing facility in Grand Island, Nebraska, at the beginning of the new century. We then expanded internationally, opening a manufacturing facility in Monterrey, Mexico, and obtained our ISO 9001 Certification for all Contract Manufacturing facilities.

Learn More
2011–2020
Continued Innovation and Expansion

From the Mall of America expansion, the LA Rams NFL Stadium, to the expansion in the Southeast with a new plant in Thomson, Georgia, Standard Iron has continued to thrive by investing in new technology and facilities.

Learn More