May 2024 Volume 6

INDUSTRY NEWS

Growth & Expansion The third generation brought further expansion of Rose Metal Indus tries’ fabrication departments. A larger facility was added to house robotic welding with focus on contract manufacturing of a variety of complex weldments such as components for semi-trailer axles, vehicle sub frames, solar panel hardware, and machine gun mounts for the military. A common concern to many rolling mills and forge shops has been the loss of blacksmith skills. While many captive departments have suffered closure, Rose has maintained the ability to furnish hand forged tongs for customers which require tools custom fitted to their specific requirements. Hot bending, flat die forging and press forming skills provide the ability to make other items required by industry, special tools, wedges, and a variety of other custom components or prototypes. The small “industrial blacksmith shop” is equipped with mechanical and pneumatic hammers up to 750 lbs and presses to 250 tons along with a variety of other forming equipment. While tiny compared to most FIA member facilities, the historic studio is well equipped to serve its forging industry brothers.

More Than Forgings While seen to FIA as a “forging producer” RMI also supplies items to the forging industry such as custom tongs, hand tools (such as ladles and skimmers) as well as heat treat baskets, fixtures, grids, and other items for captive heat treat departments. Challenges with perception continue today, as the forge shop staff produces industrial items, while at the same time the business is still recognized by collectors and enthusiasts as a source for the finest of “hand forged utilitarian art.” Examples of current decorative work ranges from the design and crafting of fireplace screens and hardware for prominent homes, to producing unique chandeliers for the Ohio Governor’s Residence, to the creation of an Art Deco screen which has enjoyed worldwide recognition as a flagship of American Deco metalwork.

FIA MAGAZINE | MAY 2024 72