Our Story
Barkers Welding, Inc. has proudly served the Twin Ports region—Duluth, Superior, and surrounding communities—since 1984, delivering high-quality steel, aluminum, and stainless steel fabrication, welding, and repair services.
The story of our business actually begins in the late 1950’s. As a teenager, founder Dan Barker honed his skills working alongside his uncle, Harry Longberg, at Superior Metal Art, Inc., crafting intricate ornamental railings in a small Superior shop. After high school, he was hired by Fraser Shipyards, further developing his welding expertise. After rotating through various departments Dan found his home in the pattern cutting field. Before the days CNC pattern machines, he routinely cut precise patterns with a manually driven "three-wheeler" flame torch. Large-scale curved cuts and bevels from 1-inch to 3-inch thick hull plating. Dan dedicated over 20 years to Fraser, building a strong foundation in heavy industrial metalwork.
In the early 1980s, economic challenges hit the Twin Ports hard, leading to extended layoffs at Frasier during slow summer months. During these periods, Dan launched his own small-scale steel and aluminum fabrication operation from his home garage in Foxboro. He designed and sold dozens of efficient woodstoves amid soaring utility costs, while also serving early clients like Edwards Logging and Dean’s Trucking.
In 1984, Dan and his wife DeAnn seized an opportunity when David Nevin, owner of General Welding Co. in South Superior, needed to retire due to health issues. They purchased the business, renamed it Barkers General Welding, and quickly built on its foundation. David remained a valued friend and advisor in those early years. The company experienced steady growth through the 1990s, officially becoming Barkers Welding, Inc. in 1999.
In 2017, after 33 years of hands-on involvement, Dan passed the torch to his son, Darrin Barker, who acquired the company. Under Darrin's leadership, Barkers Welding has evolved into a second-generation family business, expanding far beyond the local area. Today, we proudly fabricate custom products and provide specialized services for clients across the entire United States, while continuing to serve our roots in the upper Midwest with the same dedication to craftsmanship, precision, and customer satisfaction.
From heavy industrial repairs and custom tanks to architectural components, prototyping, and aluminum welding expertise, Barkers Welding remains committed to quality work backed by decades of experience.
