Company History

In 1945, Richard E. Dalsin ("Dick") founded Dick Dalsin Sheet Metal Company. He initially worked out of his garage in South Minneapolis specializing in architectural sheet metal products including gutters and other exterior residential sheet-metal products. Dick's wife, Eleanor, was also very active in the business. In the early days, she helped Dick in the shop in addition to keeping the books. Even late in life Eleanor was game enough to take on the challenge of learning the Company's new computer system. In the late 1950s and early 1960s, Dick's sons (Steve, Dave, and Mark) became active in the business. Eventually, "The Brothers" became the owners of the sheet metal company, and Dick distanced himself from the day-to-day leadership of the business. Dalsin Industries was founded as a partnership and continued as such until its incorporation in the State of Minnesota on November 28, 1973. On January 1, 1987 the company elected to be treated as a Subchapter S Corporation.

From the time "The Brothers" became active in the business, it began to evolve well beyond its beginnings in residential / architectural sheet metal. One of the keys to increasing the Company's capabilities came with the decision to purchase steel in coils. To support this effort, the Company purchased a 72" wide McKay straightener and later upgraded to a more sophisticated Secrest coil cut-to-length system. With overhead cranes in place, the Company was now in position to purchase and process steel in coils. These investments put the Company in a better position to support customer requirements for faster cycle times.

In recent years, the Company has responded to changes at the industry and customer levels by entering new markets for its value added products and services. In addition to the traditional sheet-metal fabrication operations of shearing, bending, turret punching, laser cutting, sawing, welding, riveting, deburring, and assembly, the Company has recently committed to building a competency in metal stamping. Today, Dalsin Industries is viewed as a job shop / contract manufacturer.