OUR HISTORY

1970s

The beginning of a 50-year bond

In 1972, the Rolling Stones released Tumbling Dice, and Dick Bodeker gambled on a new business. From a Bloomington garage, Bodeker Welding started this half-century journey. Doing primarily small projects until being offered the opportunity to create metal components for a cabinet shop.

On the back of great work, the business grew, as did the Bodeker family’s role. Soon to be called, R.L. Bodeker & Sons, included wife Marion, son Randy and brother-in-law Melvin, totaling 25 employees, and a new home.

Store fixture work became the focus at Bodeker, with an emphasis on refining the process of chrome plating. When Dick couldn’t find plating resources that met his high standards, he started his own plating shop.

 1980s

In 1984, When Doves Cry from Prince was a hit, as was R.L. Bodeker & Sons, with a new move into a 16,500-sq ft facility. The company made “Sons” official when Dick and Marion’s youngest, Rick joined the team to oversee the plating division. The quality work carried on, the status grew and the ever-present search for a bigger space continued.

1990s

In 1990, MC Hammer sang, “You Can’t Touch This,” while the Bodeker reputation remained untouchable as collaborators and craftspeople. And once again, more working space was added with the acquisition of an adjacent building of 19,000 sq ft. The 90s were another turning point as Dick started transitioning the business to the next generation of Bodekers. Randy and Melvin purchased manufacturing, Rick bought plating and Dick continued his operation of machining, forming and lasering. As the decade continued, Dick became more confident and comfortable with his 45 employees ability to carry on the values, teamwork and dedication that began with a welder in a garage. Dick started considering his fishing pole with renewed interest. 

2000s

In 2000, Santana’s Smooth was high on the charts as Bodeker Custom Metal Fabrication moved smoothly forward with more efficient automation. These automated additions boosted productivity and capacity, while never lowering our stellar quality standards. 

2010s

In 2015, Adele sang her hit, Hello, and Dick Bodeker said goodbye via retirement, after 43 years of self-made success. Dick sold his last part of the business to Randy, and said hello to his family and friends.

The next 50 years

Bodeker Custom Metal Fabrication remains welded to its original mission of providing a product of the finest quality, at a competitive price, in a reasonable timeframe. What more could you ask? At Bodeker, add in personal attention, extra effort and just good folks. Exceeding expectations for five decades and ready for more.