Founded in 1966, we began as Kinninger Production Welding, a modest welding shop, serving Crown Lift Trucks as our primary customer. Over the years, our company transformed into a metal fabrication company, catering to a diverse range of industries. We eventually changed our name to what it is today, Kinninger Custom Fabrication, to reflect our comprehensive range of services.
In 1993, Jack and Donna Thobe took the helm with just seven employees, driven by the vision of nurturing a thriving family-owned business. By 1995, they relocated the company to a 16,000-square-foot facility, setting the stage for growth and expansion. The turn of the millennium saw further expansion, with 20,000 additional square feet added in 2002, introducing new capabilities like laser cutting and in-house powder coating. Continuing to grow, we added 18,000 square feet in 2008 and another 20,000 square feet in 2012 to accommodate cutting-edge technology like Salvagnini laser systems with automatic load and unload. This expansion brought the facility to 74,000 square feet and increased the workforce to over 50 dedicated non-union employees.
A pivotal moment came in late 2012 when Jack and Donna passed the torch to their son, Kevin Thobe, and his wife, Cheryl, ensuring the company’s legacy remained within the family. By 2014, we expanded our offerings to include CNC machining, further establishing Kinninger as a one-stop shop for metal fabrication needs. The acquisition of an adjacent 20,000-square-foot building in 2017 marked another milestone, enhancing production capabilities even further. In 2024, we expanded once again with a 7,600-square-foot office addition to set the business up for continued growth into the future.