These days Empire Iron operates as a structural and miscellaneous steel fabrication company providing services for the commercial, industrial and institutional sectors, but they are not far from their ornamental roots.
2 | Empire Iron Works Ltd. | 50 Years
These days Empire Iron operates as a structural and miscellaneous steel fabrication company providing services for the commercial, industrial and institutional sectors, but they are not far from their ornamental roots. “We have tended over the years to focus on specialized projects; things others don’t take on,” explained Andy Boelee, general manager. “Like the Art Gallery of Alberta,” said Jeremy Spelsberg, production manager, continuing the thread of his co-worker’s train of thought. “You don’t get to see the steel, but we did the structure.” To create the look, special equipment and techniques were used. Checks and cross checks were relentless as positions had to be exact. “All the structure had to be matched up with the glazing etc.,” said Boelee. The gallery is just one of Empire Iron’s impressive projects. They have also worked on the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute at the University of Alberta, the Edmonton International Airport, Vancouver Airport’s international terminal, Meadows Community Recreation Center, modules for the Mildred Lake mine replacement project in Fort McMurray, Calgary’s Bankers Hall, Target’s regional distribution center in Balzac, and the teepee structure at Blackfoot Crossing. It’s not all work and no play for Empire Iron, however. This year marked the 25th anniversary of their golf tournament – a tournament where they show their customer and vendor appreciation. The tournament also doubles as a charity event. While many charities have benefitted from Empire Iron’s generosity, the Firefighters Burn Treatment Society has been the sponsored charity for the past three years. Vendors donate items that are sold in a silent auction or raffled off as prizes. Staff, along with their friends, family and previous employees volunteer their time. The company covers the cost of golf and