Oertel Metal Works

05/21/2026

Behind every rail-ready part is a process built to meet the standards this industry demands.

Oertel operates with an AAR Registry M1003 certified quality system, supporting railcar repair networks with repeat production, quick-turn fabrication and dependable in-house ex*****on.

See our railcar capabilities: https://hubs.la/Q04hwqGl0

05/01/2026

From the team that brought you the CLAW Lid Lifter… introducing the Skid Lifter 👏

We worked with the client on design, then fabricated assembled this new solution that makes moving a skid steer into a barge safer and more efficient. TSF Marine Equipment

Instead of relying on chains and less secure lifts, the Skid Lifter provides a stable, controlled way to handle equipment.

Coming soon to a river near you 🚧

04/27/2026

You dream it, we build it 🔧

At Oertel Metal Works, we love helping bring ideas to life.

The Claw was built to safely and ergonomically remove barge lids and is manufactured start to finish by our team. We keep our customers covered with replacement and maintenance parts, too.

Check out more of our custom fabrication jobs: https://hubs.la/Q04cTnxL0

04/23/2026

Huge thanks to this group celebrating milestone anniversaries at Oertel!

Your hard work and dedication are what make this team great, thank you all. 👏

Don Lane, 5 Years
Hector Gonzalez–Noyola, 10 Years
Derrick Stabler, 10 Years
Anthony Linz, 10 Years

04/21/2026

The forbidden chocolates… 🍫

They may look like candy, but those green pieces are actually ceramic media used to buff out sharp edges and surface imperfections on parts.

They are being tossed around in our new vibratory deburring tumbler! This machine is designed to deliver smooth, high-performance finishes for parts that demand precision.

Oertel brings a wide range of capabilities to the table. Explore everything we offer: https://hubs.la/Q04cWDZn0

04/15/2026

“The Claw” Lid Lifter (manufactured here at Oertel) is in the running to be named the 2026 Coolest Thing Made in Iowa, presented by the Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI).

Voting is OPEN, and we need your help to advance! Vote today here: coolestthingia.com

02/20/2026

When engineering and fabrication work together from day one, projects move faster and avoid costly rework!

During this , see how an engineering-first approach at Oertel sets projects up for success long before the first piece of steel is cut.

🔗 Read the blog:

In industrial and manufacturing projects, most delays, cost overruns, and production issues don’t begin on the shop floor. They start earlier – when design

01/29/2026

Looking forward to growing our manufacturing community and workforce with this partnership!

01/06/2026

Shoutout to Alfredo Tovar, our shipping extraordinaire who has been with for 5 years!

Thank you, Alfredo, for your consistent hard work and leadership in the shipping department. Your efforts keep everything moving smoothly!

01/01/2026

Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at Billy working! Our team takes pride in bringing unique designs to life with our precision craftsmanship.

This project was a spiral staircase we built for Clinton Engineering's Bickelhaupt Arboretum project. Another great collaboration and a beautiful addition to the Arboretum! 🌿🔩