Fraser Steel’s “big bender” is literally the next big thing in tubular bending for OEMs with tall orders and exacting standards.

History of Fraser Steel

Anticipating Emerging Needs

Founded in 1970 by the father and son team of Don and Rod Fraser, Fraser Steel prides itself on anticipating emerging market needs.

In the early days, demand came from OEMs that wanted cut-to-length tubing, bar and wire. Fraser provided it, becoming one of the first steel cutting specialists in the Midwest. In the 1970s and 1980s, OEMs began to outsource commodity parts. Once again, Fraser responded to the need. The business grew rapidly, fueled in part by Fraser’s over-the-top approach to customer service.

In 1990, Fraser Steel moved to its current, state-of-the-art facility in Albertville, Minnesota – 20 miles northwest of Minneapolis on I-94. Demand shifted again, this time from tube cutting to value-added production. It bought its first automated machining equipment in 1999.

Technology Investments

Fraser Steel continued to add equipment and expand capacities throughout the first decade of the new century, investing more than $10 million since 2000. Literally days after 9/11, it purchased a laser tube cutting machine – making it the first contract manufacturer in the U.S. to own one.

Other significant equipment purchases included:

2002 Laser tube cutters (the first of four)
2003 Tube benders
2005 Robotic welders
2009 Large-capacity, rotary draw bender

Fraser Steel’s bullish approach to capital investments reflects Rod Fraser’s mantra: “The best way to predict the future is to create it.”

Today, Fraser Steel is a global specialist in the design and fabrication of precision tubular parts, components and welding assemblies for OEMs with exacting standards around the U.S.