WE ARE WELDING
OUR STORY
It’s been almost 90 years since Forney Industries was established with James D. Forney began selling his invention of “The Forney Instant Heat Soldering Iron” door-to-door across the heartland. With ingenuity and determination, JD advanced his business. It didn’t take long for farmers and ranchers to realize how useful his inventions were. Eventually the Rural Electric Association granted permission for salesmen to climb utility poles to hook up welders for demonstrations. With the increased exposure to JD’s products, his business began to expand. Soon he would broaden product variety with battery chargers, welding supplies and more. By 1943, Forney Industries had over 1,400 products from 150 outside suppliers.
Today, Forney offers thousands of metalworking products within four categories: welding, abrasives, personal protective equipment and shop tools. JD Forney’s grandson, Steve Anderson, is now the President and CEO of Forney Industries, and is committed his customers success; a legacy his grandfather began all those years ago. One day JD’s great grandson, Dane Anderson, will lead the company and that same legacy will be running four generations strong. Much has changed in 87 years, but the foundation of Forney Industries remains the same. After all, Welding in America isn’t just a slogan, it’s the backbone of this company.