About Us
Leading The Way Since 1913
Established in the heart of Southwest Iowa, Red Oak Fabrication has evolved from its humble beginnings in 1913 to become a cornerstone of the fabrication industry and home to the region’s most expansive Carhartt storefront. Our legacy is deeply rooted in a commitment to exceptional craftsmanship and a dedication to meeting the diverse needs of our clientele. From our state-of-the-art fabrication services to our sprawling 4,600 sqft Carhartt store filled with the finest merchandise, we stand proud as a testament to quality, innovation, and the enduring spirit of community service. At Red Oak Fabrication, every project and purchase is a journey through our storied heritage.
History
It All Began As The Pike Machine Shop
Red Oak Fabrication has been serving Southwest Iowa since 1913. Quality service has been our standard since Red Oak Machine Co. was established in 1913 as the Pike Machine Shop. Pike Machine Shop was changed in 1923 to Red Oak Machine Co. Ted Fort Began employment as one of the three in the shop in 1928. Ted, Then in 1944, purchased a half interest in the business and eventually the other half in 1946 when J.C. England retired.
In 1931 Red Oak Machine Co. began selling Linde Oxygen on a pickup basis. Ted’s son, Bill, launched the outside-sales of oxygen and welding supplies in 1946, following his service in World War II. Another one of Ted’s sons, Jack, Joined the sales force in 1947 following his service in World War II as well.
Starting with only two trucks, covering Southwest Iowa, Red Oak Machine Co. expanded and is now Red Oak Fabrication with four locations. The South location, houses all of the precision Plasma, Laser and Water Jet tables as well as our Press Brake Machines. The Central location, originally Red Oak Machine, houses our CNC Mills, CNC Lathe, Steel Saws. The North location houses our Steel Blasting, Powder Coating, Plate Rolling as well as our Welding Robot.
Our Team
A Multi-Generational Family Business
Jeff Fort
Owner, CEO
Jeff started his career with Red Oak Machine in 1978 working for his father (Bill) and Uncle Jack. He drove a route truck selling welding supplies until 1992, when he bought the business from his father and his Uncle Jack retired. He continued to expand the business with additional purchases of both property and equipment. In 2004, Jeff sold off the Industrial Gases portion of the business to focus on welding and fabrication. This expansion has taken the employee count from 12 employees in 1978 to close to 90 employees in 2023. In January 2022, Jeff brought his three sons on as partners u2013 making them the fourth generation of the Fortu2019s to own Red Oak Fabrication.
Jacob Fort
Owner, Metal Processing Manager
Jacob started his career with Red Oak Industries Gases in 2001 as the inside/outside salesman. He followed the gas business when it was purchased by Linweld working for 5 years in Colombia Missouri as their outside salesman. He then spent 5 years at Fronius as their area sales manager selling production welding equipment from Oklahoma to the Candian border. Jacob attended Iowa Western for Business Administration. Jacob came back to Red Oak Fabrication in 2014; and currently manages the day-to-day requirements within our welding and tube laser departments.
Jordan Fort
Owner, Powder Coating Manager
Jordan has been working full-time for Red Oak Fabrication since 2015, although he spent many hours working part-time for the company throughout his high school and college years. He currently manages our powder-coating and blasting departments. He attended the University of Missouri for International Business/German. Jordanu2019s prior experience in the aviation industry allows him to fall back on familiar techniques that are used in both manufacturing and aviation.
Justin Fort
Owner, Metal Operations Manager
Justin has been working within the manufacturing industry since 2004. He previously worked for Linweld, before spending six years working as the district sales manager over Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas for Hypertherm. Justin attended Kirkwood College; majoring in horticulture. He came back to Southwest Iowa and Red Oak Fabrication in 2022; where he currently manages our metal operations.
Mike Sporleder
Controller
Mike currently works as the Controller, and he is responsible for the financial reporting and compliance of the Accounting Department. He has been with Red Oak Fabrication since 2020. Before coming to Red Oak Fabrication, Mike worked in the accounting department at D&L/Romech for 21 years and New Balance for 12 years.
Sydney Jones
Human Resources Manager
Sydney currently works as the Human Resources Manager where she manages the daily functions of their Human Resources Department. She has been with Red Oak Fabrication since 2021. She has her Masters in Management/Human Resources from Walden University. Prior to Red Oak Fabrication, Sydney worked in an upper management role within the credit industry as well as in the banking field.
Dillon Weeks
South Shop Manager
Dillon has been with Red Oak Fabrication since 2019, when he started in our Carhartt Retail store. He currently works as our Operations & Materials Manager where he handles the machine scheduling and material oversight for our Machine and South locations. Dillon attended the University of Northern Iowa for sales and advertising. Prior to working in our Carhartt store Dillon had 15 years in retail sales management.
Jim Jones
Laser Operations/Drafting Manager
Jim started his career with Red Oak Industrial Gases in 1998 where he drove a route truck delivering welding supplies. After an 18-month tour serving his country in Afghanistan, he came back and worked for Linweld in their purchasing department and then as a site supervisor. Jim came back to work for Red Oak Fabrication in 2012 where he operated a laser at our South Shop. He then moved into a drafting position before becoming the South Shop Manager. He currently works as our Laser Operations/Drafting Manager where he coordinates the drafting and machine functions and schedules.