Historical Societies & Museums

MetALcRAft of MAyVILLe

ROOtS Run DEEp FOR maYVILLE’S mEtaLcRaFt

Although it wasn’t always referred to by the same name, Metalcraft of Mayville has always had its roots planted firmly in the metal fabrication and manufacturing industry – and the community of Mayville. Its heritage can be traced back to the Peerless Traveling Goods Company founded in Mayville in 1920. While Peerless focused on manufacturing luggage products, another Mayville business, J. Dorst Company, had its sights set on metal stamping. Eventually calling itself Dorst Metalcraft, the company began producing parts for the automotive industry, as well as parts for Peerless, until it ceased operations and was sold to Dorst Metalcraft in 1958. In the years leading up to the purchase, Dorst Metalcraft had refocused its efforts to customer-contract sheet metal fabrication. In the early 1970s, Dorst Metalcraft was purchased by Edwin “Ned” Gallun Jr. Within a year, a new, 63,000 square-foot plant was constructed on 30 acres of land, and the company’s name changed to Metalcraft of Mayville, the name it still holds today. By the end of the decade, Metalcraft employed about 100 men and women. While it continued its tradition of metal fabrication for various industries, it also ventured into the commercial lawnmower industry with its purchase of Scag Power Equipment in 1986, whose products had been built under contract by Metalcraft since Scag’s beginnings in 1983. The Scag brand would quickly become a top choice of lawn care professionals and continues to reinforce its position today as an award-winning industry leader. Metalcraft still calls Mayville home, but has since expanded to West Bend, Beaver Dam, Fall River and Horicon. In recent years, the company has further grown, acquiring an automation division consisting of FJR Manufacturing out of West Bend and Gamache Systems of New Berlin, now known as Metalcraft Automation Group. Most recently, the company acquired Versatran of Watertown, a manufacturer of the “Retriever” line of heavy-duty truck beds for equipment transportation. From its humble beginnings of 100 men and women workers, Metalcraft now employs more than 1,400 people between all sites in a wide variety of positions. Metalcraft of Mayville has earned a spot as a national leader in the metal fabrication and manufacturing industry, specializing in large original equipment manufacturers (OEM). Under its subsidiaries, it has become a trusted partner in commercial & residential lawn mowing and debris/turf management equipment, as well as holds an industry leading lineup of Retriever industrial equipment carriers and turnkey manufacturing automation solutions. According to Jeff Fuller, content marketing specialist for Metalcraft, despite its size, the company is still family-owned, and places emphasis on its people. “We’re not owned by a billion-dollar corporation or subject to the influence and demands of public shareholders,” Fuller said. Metalcraft’s focus is to be the Employer of Choice with the best work environments in regards to safety, technology, equipment and processes. With the best possible benefits, including healthcare with access to 24/7 free health clinics. Additionally, all employees receive a catered lunch from a local business during every shift on “Thank You Thursdays,” and have access to a free healthcare clinic for primary care services. These are just some of the many ways Metalcraft creates an engaging environment for its employees. That environment extends to maximizing individual talents. Customers are treated with the same care and effort in mind: Metalcraft’s corporate philosophy is to work continuously on providing excellent customer service at fair prices, and always strive to be the best no matter what they do. With a goal of growing profit under those same standards, shareholders are also part of the company’s focus, as is the community: employees are given the opportunity to work one day annually at the charity of their choice - and still get paid. Metalcraft also partners with local schools to promote STEM learning opportunities for students through Learning Labs. These are backed by a deep curriculum from LAB Midwest, featuring industrial grade Robotic, Welding and CNC Machining technology. Additionally, the manufacturer sponsors community events throughout its facility footprint project; such as local fireworks, summer gatherings, parades, sports teams and more.

Being a good community partner is a hallmark of the manufacturer, with owners who believe in giving back to the community that have supported them for more than a century – and hopefully will continue to for another 100.