Ironmen Industries opened their doors Friday morning to staff, media, and invited guests for a fun anniversary celebration, featuring an appropriately seasonal blend of country fair, and good local eats.
The Winkler steel manufacturing company has grown, pivoted, and now has a focused vision for the future.
Family from the start
That vision started when John Krahn and his two sons, David and Johnny filled a need in the agricultural world for quality steel products.
Their product line has grown to include superior pre-cast trusses, pre-engineered buildings, and custom steel products.
CEO and owner David Krahn spoke ahead of his welcoming speech, covering the growth since the company’s start, where the future leads, and the importance of faith alongside every step, all along the way.
David Krahn
“Who would have thought in 15 years we’d be where we’re at right now?” Krahn marveled. “You know, we just started off as a family with a desire to provide a service to the community, particularly farmers, and build a relationship with local businesses. Honestly, that’s been a passion of ours.
“I think over time, the passion for just learning about business, for myself in particular, has turned into a passion for manufacturing. I love what I do.”
Accomplish quite something for community
That passion is felt with pride at what the family business has done for everyone in the community.
“We feel so proud that we are a part of the manufacturing industry and get to play a part in providing quality parts, our products, excuse me, and services, and particularly now in the structural steel industry.” Krahn shared.
“We employ 65 employees here at Ironmen, and we have another business that’s right next to it that employs another 20 employees where we, and they work together in some fashion, but two different industries.”
Keep focused to maintain direction
From a humble beginning, the company has taken off.
“We just, we feel like we’re on a spacecraft to the moon, watching the sights in awe, adrenaline rush along the way, but obviously, very cognitive and concerned that no components break down, so we make it back home, right?” Krahn explained.
“Always learning to measure, learning to keep the business as sharp as possible, and hitting ceilings along the way, learning ways around them. I feel like I’m in school, you know, every day, just learning to stretch myself.”
Faith provides certainty
Krahn acknowledges the success is not to be taken for granted.
“I think we’d be naive to think that this is common, to accomplish what we’ve accomplished in 15 years.” he shared. “We’re grateful because we recognize it’s because of the team that we’ve been able to build.
“We love team building. Then of course, I’m also grateful for the Lord allowing me to be in this position. I’m someone that is passionate about my relationship with the Lord and I recognize that he gives us gifts. He calls us to different positions, and to even I believe our team members, they’re called to do what they’re doing and they’re good at it, and they’re in their right place.”
Connection provides strength
Krahn sees that as a strength.
“That’s what makes us strong and resilient in this economy right now.” Krahn explained. “So, I’m excited about the future. I’m not, yes, do we worry about things? Have we had a tough ride in a while for sure?
“We all are in the same boat and I’m very aware of some of the struggles that people are facing, some of the businesses, what they’re facing. But I’m also optimistic of the future and excited about what lays ahead of us.”
Johnny Krahn
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The family bond is another asset, for sure.
“I, as a visionary and an integrator, have the privilege of playing both parts along with my family.” Krahn added. I’m very grateful for being able to be in a family business and grow with them as well.”
Johnny Krahn, John Krahn, David Krahn
Knowing where next to go
Speaking to Ironmen’s future, he admitted a bit of hesitation but shared what the road ahead looks like.
“This is where it’s like, okay, what’s the best time to tell the world what we’re doing?” Krahn wondered. “But I think it is. We have always been in the structural steel market, but we’re taking it serious now.
“We’re pivoting. With what’s going on in the industry, the challenges we’ve faced with the tariffs and with just some of the, most of our larger clients being really slow right now, we’ve taken a pivot towards structural steel in a big way, and we’re very excited about where we’re heading with that.”
“We’re overwhelmed with the response we’re getting for opportunities in that industry.” Krahn shared. “Just the need that we’re seeing that is there to keep the structural steel industry in the prairies for the prairies, rather than having to go outside of the prairies to find your product.
I think we can keep that right here. That truly excites me, that we can be part of that.”
Back to the party
Following our interview, Krahn provided a welcome speech for the attendees, ahead of the lunch. Outside, the Ironmen parking lot became an outdoor fair with a food truck, games, rides, and prizes.
John Krahn
A special presentation from David and his brother Johnny to their father John Krahn saw cameras drawn for photo ops.
Mayor Henry Siemens closed the formal part of the morning ahead of lunch with high praise for Ironmen’s accomplishments, and what the future holds.
“In 15 years, you can’t get here without a committed, dedicated ownership group, without strong management, and without excellent people.” Mayor Siemens said. “We appreciate the investment that you make into Winkler.
Mayor Henry Siemens
Family and community
“I think that aspect of it is what excites us most in Winkler, is when we have entrepreneurs who want to do that, and they’re surrounded by people who want to support that journey and want to make that happen.”
“When we see Ironmen and the family giving back to our community and helping our community in so many different ways, that also continues to encourage people to come here and work here because they know that there will be good employment options.” Siemens added.
“We’re excited to hear some of the things that you’re planning, and it’s fantastic. We’re behind you, and we want to support you, and we want to continue to encourage you. Congratulations on the first 15 years, and we’re looking forward to the next 15.”
with files from Ironmen Industries and Andrew Bergen