THE SELVAGGIO STORY

Joe Selvaggio, the founder of Selvaggio Ornamental & Structural Steel Inc., trained in welding and management while serving our country, during World War II. After the war, he worked his way up to a foreman position with another local steel company when his desire to do his own creative work, led him to founding his own business in 1957.

Joe became an expert craftsman known for exceptional ornamental iron designs and his work ethic. He was supported by his wife Helen and his brother and partner, Jasper Selvaggio, as the business grew and thrived in Springfield.

Sons, Mark and Tony, started as teenagers with the company at entry-level positions, learning the business from the ground up as welders, machine operators and painters, often working after school and weekends as needed.

In the early 80’s, the company was focused on the future, with Mark and Tony training to take over the business. Joe’s ultimate goal was to keep the company moving forward with investments in equipment that was unprecedented at the time. Joe emphasized continuous quality improvement and fabrication techniques that to this day, are still practiced at Selvaggio Steel Inc.

Later, the daughter, Michelle, joined the business to serve as comptroller, strengthening the management team.

When Joe became ill and passed away in 1985, he left his family a company that was well-positioned for growth and more importantly, he left a solid name in the industry and community.

The younger Selvaggio's stepped in where their father left off; growing the company from a five-person operation to what it is today, with 30 employees. While many of Joe’s original ideas and work flow strategies are still in use today, the processes are carried out with state-of-the-art fabrication equipment and computer technology, often developed with Selvaggio Steel's direct input.

Today, Selvaggio Steel remains dedicated to being an innovative company in the steel industry. During the past 20 years, Selvaggio Steel has become a primary testing location for new computerized production equipment that both increases the efficiency of operations and produces high-quality materials.

EXAMPLES FROM THE PAST TWO DECADES:

Selvaggio Steel became the first company in Illinois to take advantage of 3D computer-aided drafting for steel and continually strives to be at the forefront of technology. The computer program SDS/2 is the #1 steel detailing program in the world. Selvaggio Steel was one of the first of thousands of current users. Today, SDS/2 is considered the tool-of-choice for steel fabrication work.

AISC Certification from the American Institute of Steel Construction was secured in 2007 and is considered the “gold standard” in the industry and the equivalent of ISO 9000 certification for fabricators.

After 56 years as separate operations, Selvaggio Steel Inc. and Modern Ornamental Iron, Uncle Jasper’s company, merged to create one of the most experienced ornamental iron shops in central Illinois.

The production facility has been extensively overhauled with millions of dollars worth of automated machinery, earning the company wide recognition as one of the most automated shops in the state of Illinois. The long and short of it: We’ve taken four machines and turned it into a process that can be managed by one man with one button. We understand the importance of increased efficiency—it saves our customers money in labor and production time.

We’re proud of our family history in this business, and have built relationships that are helpful to our customers. We’re a trusted company that works hard to make sure both our clients and suppliers are happy with the end result of a project. Our motto is the golden rule: “Treat others as you want to be treated.”

After all, there’s a name to live up to.