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About Us


 Ken Thamert, Founder and current CFO, of Wrought Iron Handicrafts, Inc.

Wrought Iron Handicrafts, Inc.
3950 10th Ave NW
Rochester MN 55901-1336
507-289-0836 landline phone
507-536-4536 cell phone (call or text)
info@metalcraftusa.com  email

 In 1973 Ken Thamert (pictured above) started Wrought Iron Handicrafts when he purchased three small metalworking tools from a company located in Hull England.  Popular Mechanics magazine had obtained a set of these tools and after the shop editor tested them, he wrote a glowing three page article about tool operations. After reading the article, Ken called the shop editor and asked if the tools were that good and was told “they’re even better!” That’s when Ken purchased a set of tools and several tubes of metal.  

Ken recognized metal working to be enjoyable and unique so within the first hour using the tools, Ken knew he needed to make them available so others could enjoy metalworking as much as he.

From originally making and selling finished metal creations, the business grew over the course of several years and Ken was able to get the sole distributor rights to sell Metalcraft Tools in the USA and Canada.  Seeing the excitement Metalcraft tools were providing to so many, Ken left his job working in downtown Rochester to focus on his Wrought Iron Handicrafts business.

1988 Ken purchased Kosy Creations, a long standing company out of California doing business largely with schools.  Kosy Creations incorporates the use of miniature metal scrolls with oxyacetylene welding so while different than our Metalcraft Range of Tools, it allowed us to expand our product line to all our customers. 

1999 construction was completed on WIH's present facility located in Rochester Minnesota.

 

Wrought Iron Handicrafts present facility in Rochester, MN

 

Prior to computer age, Metalcraft tools were promoted at trade shows all over America – from exhibiting on the Queen Mary in Anaheim California to the World Trade Center in Boston. Many of the exhibits were Home & Garden shows to several thousands in attendance at the National Hardware Shows in Chicago IL. For years mailing out catalogs and then following up with trade shows was a great way for us to promote the Metalcraft Range of tools and we truly enjoyed meeting so many great customers at the shows. However, like so many things with the advent of computers and websites, the internet became a much more effective way to reach potential customers and to stay in touch with current customers.
Scott Thamert, President, of Wrought Iron Handicrafts, Inc.

Scott Thamert, Ken's son, (pictured above) has grown up with Metalcraft and has worked with his father for over 40 years. Having unloaded shipments, stocked shelves, going to shows, filling orders, and other tasks required, Scott is now President of Wrought Iron Handicrafts, Inc.  While Scott handles day to day operations, Ken at age 89 is still involved in the company as CFO.

From the simple set of three small tools Ken started with, new sets of tools from the Practical Range, the Master Range, and the Professional XL5+ Range are now available to provide one the opportunity to work with a wide variety of metal sizes and types.

Today as we celebrate 50 years being in business, Kens vision of others enjoying metalworking as much as he, continues.  Our philosophy is simple: Have quality products backed up with quality service.