Employees

Ryan Seidler - Owner

Acquired the business from Robert Bergman and Terry Suthers in 2021. Ryan’s appreciation for metal was forged during college where he obtained a Bachelors and Masters degrees in metallurgical engineering. After college Ryan became a metallurgist in the iron foundry at Kohler Co where he was responsible for the metallurgical properties of Kohler’s cast iron products .

Dieter Weigang - Lead Craftsman

Worked in Romania and Germany as a welder/fabricator. After leaving Germany he relocated to Chicago and worked in an auto body repair and ornamental iron shop. He has been at the Postville Blacksmith Shop since 1999 where he quickly learned blacksmith and forging work. Dieter is an expert fabricator who is the lead craftsmen on architectural and repair jobs.

Robert Bergman - Owner Emeritus

Established the business as its known today in 1969. Robert has trained with many notable American smiths and traveled in England as a journeyman. He continues to offer his guidance and support to the shop.

Terry Suthers - Owner Emeritus.

Terry has been known as the do-it-all guy in the area. Repairs, hard to find parts, fabricator, mechanic, there’s nothing he cant do. He continues to offer his knowledge, and support to the shop.

CURRENT WORK

Custom Ornamental Metalwork

Gates, railings, furniture, lighting fixtures, fireplace accessories, weathervanes, architectural elements.

Subcontract Forgework

We produce forgings in quantities of 1 to 1000 and up to 25 lbs in weight. We are known for a quick turn around time and a quality product. Examples of this work are spindles, scrolls, leaves, rings, and textured bars. Our machining capabilities allow us to make custom tooling in house.

Antique Repair

We have fixed roof ornaments, trunks, automobile parts, locks, weathervanes and door hardware. We can reproduce missing elements and match textures and patinas.

Machine Repair

We specialize in rebuilding forging hammers of all makes.

Hydraulic Cylinder Repairs

Seals replaced, rods straightened, new cylinders made for old machines. All types, inch or metric.