In 1968, Loren Mick opened a small welding and fabrication shop in Central Minnesota. Custom Welding and Metal Fabricating was primarily a small job shop, providing contract hauling, truck repairs, welding, and custom fabrication services. Little did Loren know that this was just the beginning.

Fast forward twenty years, and Custom Welding was still in business. However, things were about to change. In 1988, a new EPA rule regarding emissions from asphalt plants was put in place, which sparked an idea in Loren. He saw an opportunity, and he took it.

Loren created and built Custom Welding’s first “Dust-Eater” Baghouse. From that point forward, Custom Welding flourished into all aspects of the asphalt equipment manufacturing industry.

Between 1994 and 1996, siblings Carmie and Travis Mick began working for their father. Loren instilled in his children the importance of putting customers first and working with them face to face.

In 2009, the siblings took over the business. Inspired by their father’s hard work and dedication, Carmie and Travis continued to maintain a personal connection with their customers. “When you call CWMF, you can speak to an owner. We are large enough to supply your equipment needs, while still being flexible and responsive,” said Travis. As times changed, so did the name. Continuing to honor the business Loren created, the company name was shortened to the acronym CWMF in 2015.

“Custom Welding and Metal Fabricating doesn’t explain what we do, but it is our heritage”, noted Carmie.

CWMF is a Minnesota-based, family-owned and operated business. Carmie and Travis continue to carry out the vision of their father. Working side by side, they are dedicated to provide CWMF’s customers with quality and reliability, offering state-of-the art portable and stationary asphalt plant equipment, parts and service.