Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Metal Fabrication Solutions
Rooted in tradition since 1913, Red Oak Fabrication has evolved from a small machine shop into a multi-faceted fabrication enterprise serving Southwest Iowa. Our legacy is built on combining decades of expertise with cutting-edge technologies, offering precision services such as plasma, laser, and water jet cutting, CNC machining, robotic welding, and advanced powder coating. As a family-owned business for over a century, we prioritize quality, innovation, and community service, operating four strategically located facilities equipped with state-of-the-art machinery.Our team of nearly 90 employees, including fourth-generation family leadership, ensures personalized service and end-to-end project management tailored to client needs. We serve diverse industries, backed by certifications like AAMA 2604, and maintain a commitment to excellence through continuous investment in technology and workforce development.
Services
Plasma Cutting
Laser Cutting
Water Jet Cutting
CNC Machining
Powder Coating
Robotic Welding
Press Brake Forming
Tube Laser Cutting
Steel Blasting
3D Printing
Details
- Year established: 1913
Highlights and features
- We offer over a century of family-owned expertise in metal fabrication.
- Our state-of-the-art equipment includes Bystronic lasers and Flow water jet technology.
- We provide end-to-end order processing with direct owner engagement.
- Our team includes fourth-generation family leadership with industry-specific experience.
- We maintain AAMA-certified powder coating for durable, high-quality finishes.
Associations and certifications
- AAMA 2604
Services
Plasma Cutting
Our Alltra Plasma tables cut up to 3" material with precision, utilizing Hypertherm technology for smooth finishes. This service caters to industrial clients requiring accurate steel, aluminum, and stainless steel components. Backed by decades of experience, we ensure efficiency and quality for projects of all sizes.
Laser Cutting
Equipped with Bystronic BySmart Fiber 3015 6kw and Cutlite Penta Fiber Fast 4020 20kw lasers, we deliver high-speed, automated cutting for materials up to 1.5". Our technology reduces aluminum cutting time by 300%, serving industries demanding tight tolerances and complex geometries.
Powder Coating
As Iowa's only shop with GFS blasting and 3-stage wash systems, we offer AAMA-certified powder coating in 60+ colors. Our 12,000 sqft facility handles large batches with 1,000lb load capacity, ensuring durable, corrosion-resistant finishes for architectural and industrial applications.
Robotic Welding
Our Genesis welding cell with Fanuc Robotic arms enhances production speed while maintaining quality. Capable of handling steel, aluminum, and stainless steel, this service supports high-volume manufacturing with consistent, repeatable welds for structural and precision components.
Water Jet Cutting
The 2016 Flow Water Jet table cuts materials like steel, plastics, and rubber with a 5-axis head, beveling up to 70 degrees. This service is ideal for heat-sensitive materials, offering cold-cutting precision for aerospace, automotive, and custom fabrication projects.
People
Jeff Fort
Owner, CEO
Jeff Fort has led Red Oak Fabrication since 1992, expanding the employee count from 12 to 90 while maintaining family-owned values. He transitioned the business to focus solely on fabrication in 2004.
Jacob Fort
Owner, Metal Processing Manager
Jacob Fort manages welding and tube laser departments with 15 years of industry experience, including roles at Fronius and Linweld. He holds a degree in Business Administration from Iowa Western.
Jordan Fort
Owner, Powder Coating Manager
Jordan Fort oversees powder coating and blasting operations, leveraging prior aviation industry experience. He graduated from the University of Missouri with a degree in International Business/German.
Justin Fort
Owner, Metal Operations Manager
Justin Fort brings expertise in manufacturing and sales management, previously serving as Hypertherm's district sales manager. He studied horticulture at Kirkwood College before joining Red Oak Fabrication in 2022.
Dillon Weeks
South Shop Manager
Dillon Weeks manages machine scheduling and materials oversight with 15 years of retail and sales management experience. He joined Red Oak Fabrication in 2019 after graduating in sales and advertising.
Questions
What industries do you serve?
We serve aerospace, automotive, consumer goods, and industrial sectors with fabrication and 3D printing solutions.
Do you offer custom powder coating colors?
Yes, we provide 60+ in-house colors and custom matches completed in 10 business days.
What materials can your water jet cut?
Our water jet handles steel, aluminum, stainless steel, plastics, and rubber up to 70-degree bevels.
Are you AAMA certified?
Yes, our powder coating line holds AAMA 2603, 2604, and 2605 certifications for quality finishes.
What are your retail store hours?
Our Carhartt store is open Monday-Friday 8 AM–4 PM and Saturday 8 AM–12 PM seasonally.
Reviews (1)
Wheatdevon
Oct 08, 2018
Report
THIS BENCH DESIGN AS WELL AS MANY OTHER OF MY CREATIVE WORKS OF ART AND DESIGNS HAVE BEEN STOLEN BY (THE FORT FAMILY) RED OAK FABRICATION WHERE THEY WERE NOTHING MORE THAN ONE OF DOZENS OF VENDORS USED IN THE PURCHASING AND PROCESSING OF 2D SHEET STEEL MATERIAL, USED IN THE PRODUCTION OF AND FOR PRODUCTS-DESIGNED/ ENGINEERED/ CREATED/ FABRICATED/ AND SOLD BY -DEVON WHEAT-GEARBOLT TECHNOLOGIES- NEVER ONCE DID I GIVE RED OAK FABRICATION PERMISSION TO USE MY IDEAS OR CAD DRAWINGS AT ANY POINT IN TIME OR FOR ANY OTHER REASONS THEN A PAID SALES TRANSACTION FOR MATERIALS AND SERVICES RENDERED! (AND THEY
