In Memory of Michele Nevins: 
Wife, Mother, Sister, and Friend to all that knew her.

In Memory of Joseph & Helen Selvaggio

A Name to Live Up to...the Selvaggio Story

Trained in the welding business during World War II, Joe Selvaggio could only imagine doing one thing when he returned to Springfield… metal working.  He signed on with a local steel company and worked his way up into a foreman position.

Joe became an expert craftsman, especially known for his ornamental iron work.  Starting his own company Selvaggio Ornamental Iron was the natural next step, in 1957. 

Supported by wife Helen, three young children – Mark, Michele and Tony – and his brother and partner Jasper, Joe’s business did well in the Springfield market.  

As teens, sons Mark and Tony started with the company at entry-level positions, learning the business from the ground up as welders, machine operators and painters, even becoming members of the union.  Michelle joined the business later to serve as secretary and comptroller.

In the early 80’s, the company was already focused on the future, with Mark and Tony training to take over the business.  Joe’s ultimate goal was to keep the company moving forward and in business.  His investment in equipment that was innovative at the time, and emphasis on continuous quality improvement was unprecedented in the industry

When Joe became ill and passed away in 1985, he left his children a company that was well-positioned for growth, and more importantly, a solid name in the industry. 

The younger Selvaggios stepped in where their father left off; growing the company from a 5-person operation to what it is today.  While many of Joe’s original ideas and work flow strategies are still in use today, the processes are carried out with state-of-the-art fabrication equipment instead of relying on pure labor. 

Over the past two decades:

 Selvaggio Steel became the first company in Illinois to take advantage of 3D computer-aided drafting for steel.  The computer program SDS/2 is the #1 steel detailing program in the world, and Selvaggio Steel was one of the first of thousands of current users. Today, SDS/2 is considered the tool-of-choice for steel fabrication work.

 The production facility was extensively overhauled with millions of dollars worth of automated machinery, earning the company wide recognition as one of the most automated shops in the state of Illinois – including Chicago.

 AISC Certification from the American Institute of Steel Construction was secured in 2007 and is  considered the “gold standard” in the industry and the equivalent of ISO 9000 certification for fabricators.

 A sister company, MTM Metal Fabrication, was launched in Chicago, to handle the bidding process and project management for all projects in the Chicago area.

 After 40 years as separate operations, Selvaggio Steel Inc. and Modern Ornamental Iron, Uncle Jasper’s company, merged to create one of the most experienced ornamental iron shops in central Illinois.

Selvaggio Steel continues to set the standard for the industry with innovation in equipment and computer technology in an effort to provide error-free customer service

After all, there’s a name to live up to.