Our mission is to retain secure manufacturing jobs in Chicago and sustain pathways to the middle class for area residents. Our belief is that a strong manufacturing base with opportunities for skill growth and advancement is a vital part of the urban fabric. We seek to cultivate and serve our customers, employees, and the community and environment where we work.
James Crannell
Operations Manager
James knows manufacturing! A small business owner himself with over 12 years of managing a custom fabrication shop, he brings to FW his back office skills as well as set-up, welding, and design for manufacture expertise.
Carlos Gonzalez
Shipping Lead
Carlos makes sure parts are securely wrapped and headed in the right direction. He has mastered the game of tetris often required to pack parts for shipment, and brings with him considerable experience in production management.
Geo Gonzalez
Strippit Operator
Geo came to FW with considerable experience in sheet metal fabrication. He is taking on the project of programming, running, and maintaining Liesl and Helga -- the two CNC turret punches that are the backbones of our shop.
Isaiah McMullen
Shop Apprentice
Isaiah came to FW from Manufacturing Connect, Manufacturing Renaissance’s Career Pathways program. He graduated from the Academy of Scholastic Achievement as salutatorian in 2021, and received an accreditation from the National Institute of Metalworking Skills (NIMS).
Juan Abad
Programming Lead
Juan has over a decade at metal fabrication. He started in the shipping department and worked his way through all areas of fabrication. Juan is fluent in numerous turret punch and laser programming platforms, and sets up parts for efficient cutting processes.
Liz Kloster
Founder + CFO
Liz can’t believe Lucy talked her into buying a metal shop. Throughout her career she has worked extensively with manufacturing and non-profit organizations as an auditor, internal auditor, consultant, and member of the finance and executive teams. Currently Liz works primarily with organizations going through a significant structural change and/or period of growth, and provides consultation in areas of finance and human resources. She has done extensive board work and currently sits on the boards of two non-profit organizations whose missions inspire her. Liz was a Strobel Honors Accounting Major at DePaul University and earned a Master's Degree in Social Justice and Community Development from Loyola University.
Lucy Minturn
Founder + CEO
Lucy finally has the metal shop she’s always wanted. She began her career in finance, first at Lehman Brothers then Morgan Stanley, where she was deeply involved in emerging market equity IPOs, privatizations, and currencies. She left finance to pursue manufacturing at an architectural metal shop in Queens, and went on to spend a decade in high-end finishings for architects, designers, and artists – both as an owner and operator of various companies. Lucy also has experience guiding non-profit institutions in both executive and board capacities. She graduated with honors from Vassar College, and has a Master's Degree in Cultural Anthropology from New York University.
Pedro Ruiz
Lead Former
Pedro has almost two decades in metal forming. He is highly skilled in press brake set up, and can bend metal into origami. Pedro provides considerable expertise for clients who need design for manufacture advice.