By Carol Fisher Linn/Brad Lockwood
Metal Industry returns to the Ellicottville stage. Picking up the slag of the very foundations of historic Ellicottville, a new metalworking business is being forged.
Historically in Ellicottville, Otis Steel and Signore both manufactured desks, filing cabinets and all things metal for offices. Burrell Cutlery specialized in straight razors and serrated knives, with John Burrell continuing the knife manufacturing to this day at Top Flight Early American Cutlery. In fact, the history of welding and metalworking goes back over 5000 years. It’s hard to imagine that in the Bronze age (3000BC – 1000BC) early metalworkers knew welding techniques to make exquisite golden jewelry and weapons of copper and bronze. Then, in the Iron Age they figured out iron smelting to forge stronger weapons and tools. All without U-Tube potato and battery electrical current tricks!
Speaking of forging tools, anyone who has watched The History Channel’s “Forged in Fire” program knows seasons 8 & 10 champion Walter Baranowski. Knife-maker extraordinaire and now, Ellicottville’s newest manufacturer, Baranowski Metalworking & Fabrication (BMF) is shipping finished goods around the country, serving the likes of SpaceX and Microsoft.
“We specialize in pipe welding and structural steel fabrication, so the huge demand for heat transfer systems made this move essential.” explained Baranowski, surrounded by human-sized steel elbows and exotic stainless couplings and plates in the company’s new home at 6633 Route 219. “Ellicottville’s convenient location for deliveries and overall business-friendly climate allowed us to get up and running without missing a beat.”
The shop’s two giant jib cranes are in constant motion, with heavy steel moving from station to station, welders ready to lay the next bead of wire. The company currently employs nine full- and part-time workers of all ages, from seasoned veterans to a recent Alfred State graduate and soon, interns from BOCES.
“There is a critical need for skilled tradespeople. The opportunities are there and this void must be filled.” offered Baranowski, a welder by trade for nearly 25 years, whose father Tim was a career welder and trained the skill in the Navy. Interestingly, Walter’s grandfather was a skilled bladesmith in the Philippines, so it’s safe to say that working with steel is in his DNA. “Western New York has a rich history of skilled artisans, with the massive steel-mill in Lackawanna, Bell Aircraft, and local knife-makers forging the most famous blades in the world. Here at BMF, we are committed to producing at that caliber.”
Rapidly expanding, BMF has the capacity to weld a wide array of alloys, including steel, stainless and aluminum. A collaborative firm, BMF also assists in the design, quality control, and overall delivery of the smallest to biggest products.
“It’s humbling to know that our little company’s products are being integrated into giant companies’ critical infrastructure. We take a lot of pride in our work, especially because it offers good jobs and yet another reason to stay in the area.”
Ellicottville Mayor John Burrell was a champion for BMF’s move to the area. “Walter’s company was seeking more space and it just so happened that the building where Northrup Construction started decades ago was available, so it seemed like fate. This is an important addition to the area, as an employer, skilled service provider, and corporate citizen.”
While most of its products are shipping as far as Texas, doing business locally is also a key focus for BMF and Baranowski. “Ellicottville is very unique, with its beauty and artistic vision. We’ve already had a few people approach us about interesting custom projects like staircases, tables, serious add-ons to their vacation homes, or just repairs. These are fun projects that keep our workers inspired, so don’t be shy, let’s talk!”
BMF is only the beginning. Baranowski and General Manager Brad Lockwood have big plans. But they aren’t talking… The two teamed-up for Little Valley’s “Village of Knives Celebration” – now an annual blockbuster event held each July, drawing thousands to Western New York to show, buy and sell the many collectible knives made here over the past century. Our region’s renown for quality products is being celebrated, continuing through BMF and other established local firms.
Regarding Baranowski’s award-winning and highly sought blades, the “Forged in Fire” champion just smiled and said, “Oh there will be knives. And many.”
BMF is located at 6633 Route 219 Ellicottville NY 14731 and can be contacted by emailing:
BaranowskiMetalFab@gmail.com. Their website is baranowskimetalfab.com.