about
Since 2004, Industrial Artisans has provided fabrication services for museum, theater, corporate and architectural customers. IA takes pride in it’s ability to efficiently fabricate museum-quality metal and wood work with a passion for delivering clients exceptional value. IA focuses on efficiency and precision in every aspect of fabrication which results in streamlined construction methods that multiply and become significant factors to the success of each project.
This reputation for a clear, efficient process combined with the end product: exquisitely built cabinetry and metal-work, with tight tolerances and beautiful welds, have become Industrial Artisan’s hallmark. IA has worked with institutions nationwide including the Science Museum of Minnesota (Saint Paul), Museum of Science (Boston), Franklin Institute (Philadelphia), the California Science Center (Los Angeles), the Perot Museum of Nature and Science (Dallas), the Minnesota Children’s Museum (Saint Paul), the Bakken Museum (Minneapolis), as well as many others. IA has also provided fabrication services for the Minnesota Twins, Biota Landscape and Design, Landscape Love and the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, among many others.
“Science Museum of Minnesota has worked closely with Industrial Artisans for well over a decade. Their work has consistently been excellent, and we have relied on Grant and his staff many times to partner with us in tackling some of our most challenging projects. They are highly skilled, reliable, and a pleasure to work with, and their pricing has always been very reasonable. I would recommend Industrial Artisans without reservations to anyone seeking the very highest quality fabrication services.”
who we are
GRANT WIBBEN,
Owner and Project Manager, founded Industrial Artisans in 2004 after working in commercial scene shops and serving as the shop foreman at the Guthrie Theater. With his background in fabrication and management, Grant wanted to specialize further by pushing his theater production know-how toward more highly detailed and precise construction. Over the years, Grant has collaborated with dozens of clients throughout the U.S., garnering a reputation as a top-notch vendor. He has worked with many repeat clients, building those working relationships into long-standing partnerships. Grant is known as a calm, thoughtful and clear communicator. He values transparency and organization in his interactions with clients, and he takes pride in delivering impeccable products to them.
MIKE STANGLER,
Project Leader and Shop Supervisor, joined the team at Industrial Artisans in 2016 after working for fifteen years in the trades and exhibit industries. Mike grew up in Central Minnesota working for his parents commercial construction business and graduated with a BFA degree in ceramic art from Saint Cloud State University. Mike’s enthusiasm for every project is contagious and he brings a fun, jovial atmosphere to the IA team. He manages the day to day on the shop floor, overseeing the other fabricators and communicating with Grant about each project’s goals and timelines. As a Project Leader, he at times also works directly with our clients, helping them move their projects from conception all the way through the production process.
“Grant Wibben provided exhibit components for our WW1 America national traveling exhibit and was wonderful to work with. His knowledge, craftsmanship, and calm professionalism were a welcome part of the production and installation process for our 5,000 square foot show. We were grateful for his ability to work with us to quickly and effectively handle the inevitable situations that arose as the project went from design drawings to finished components. We look forward to working with him again soon.”
HOW WE WORK
At Industrial Artisans, we focus on building per our clients’ specifications. Depending on where you are in your design process, we will interface with you in ways that we hope can move your process forward. We are frequently called upon to consult on how function and fabrication techniques can inform the design, and we welcome questions from clients about how they can improve or modify their design ideas to maximize their budgets and streamline fabrication. Ultimately we are fabricators though. So if you are feeling unsure of building codes, structural feasibility, or are having trouble picking a paint color or laminate, we may refer you to the expertise of other specialists such as a general contractor, structural engineer, or a designer to help you get your project ready for a hand-off to Industrial Artisans. Once this planning stage is complete, we will take your design drawings and get to work planning your fabrication phase, including budgeting, time estimates, construction and shipping.
SERVICES
PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Industrial Artisan’s reputation for reliability begins with accurately estimating costs and managing timelines. We will clearly communicate these critical parts of each project to you before work begins and will keep you updated as the job progresses. Our decades long relationships with key vendors is also a critical component to the success of every project.
WOODWORKING
From simple table tops or reception desks, to conservation grade museum casework, Industrial Artisans has executed dozens of projects from hardwood, plywood, MDO, MDF, solid surface and laminate. Share your design with us and we’ll see if we can turn it into a reality.
METALWORKING
Industrial Artisans has decades of experience fabricating museum quality steel and aluminum work from tube, sheet, plate and structural shapes. From simple table frames and railings, to complex tapered and curved pieces of installation art we would be happy to talk to you about your project.
LOGISTICS
When it’s time to deliver your finished project, Industrial Artisans will ensure it arrives in pristine condition. Whether it’s a one time local delivery, or a national touring exhibit, we have the expertise to design and fabricate the custom carts or crates necessary.
“I’ve turned to Grant Wibben and Industrial Artisans to fabricate custom furniture and fixtures for museum exhibit [design and production] projects I’ve been involved with since 2007. Their work for me, whether in wood or metal, is always top notch, with great attention to fit and finish. Welds are impeccable, joinery is clean and tight. Every project has been delivered on time, with consistently high quality, and within budget. I’d put them first on your list if you have custom fabrication needs.”
CONTACT US
Industrial Artisans, LLC
211 Saint Anthony Parkway #103
Minneapolis MN 55418
612.781.0534