Mobile Farm Fabrication Business

Mobile Farm Fabrication Business James Ensminger used to do custom fabrication of all kinds in his shop. Now he does it on the road, customizing the build to the farm’s needs. “We do lots of arenas for rodeos with roping pens and boxes,” says Ensminger. “We also do dry lots, sorting pens and pasture fence, pretty much anything the farm needs. We’re familiar with agriculture, cattle and horses, and what’s needed for them.” Ensminger describes himself primarily as a welder. Instead of boards, he uses premium steel and heavy-duty oil-field steel pipe. Instead of wood posts and braces, he uses welded steel corners. He also puts up steel buildings and sheds, often made by his brother, who owns a construction company. “We’ll build them ourselves or use kits he makes,” says Ensminger. “Our primary focus is to meet needs.” When interviewed, he was preparing to install an all-steel fence with steel panels that will be painted white on-site. “The customer wants to replicate the look of a plastic fence,” says Ensminger. “We’ll put it up and then outsource the finishing to another company. They’ll sandblast it, apply a primer, and then finish it with white Rust-Oleum.” Ensminger says he’s extremely busy serving customers in Minnesota and Wisconsin, with some in Iowa. While most of his work is in southern and central Minnesota, he’ll consider traveling farther. “I’ve done quotes remotely and over the phone, but I prefer to look over the property, terrain to be crossed, and possible obstructions,” he says. “If the right job calls us, we’ll go.” While pricing is generally unique to the project, Ensminger describes a range of $28.50 to the $40s per linear foot for all-steel welding.  “If barbed wire, we start at $10 to $12 per linear foot,” he says. “Half my job is education,” adds Ensminger. “I advise farmers on why steel is a good option and why it makes a wise financial option. Once we put a project in, it’s there for a long time.” Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Minnesota Agricultural Fabrication, 29200 Baugh St. NW, Princeton, Minn. 55371 (ph 320-828-6324; james@mnagfab.com; www.mnagfab.com).

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