Boston Steel Fabricators Inc. is known to many in the Boston area, however, few know about its early beginnings on Robey Street in Roxbury, MA. Papa Louie Brown, our great-grandfather, had emigrated from Siberia in the early 1900’s, and while new to the United States, like most immigrants, was in need of work. After years of working as an ironworker in Boston and honing his skills, Louis finally decided to take the next logical step and open his very own steel business.

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Known at the time as Arc Way Ornamental Iron, Louie was known around Boston for his hard work, customer service and unmistakable sense of humor. Not long after, his son Herbert left to serve in World War II as a skilled mechanic and welder, and would soon return to join his father and brother Maurice in helping run the family business. By 1956, Herbert and Maurice had taken over, incorporating as Boston Steel Fabricators Inc., buying land in the suburbs of Boston to build a new 20,000’ sq. ft. shop, and continuing on the legacy of their dad, grandfather, and Arc Way Ornamental as one of the top steel fabricator in Boston.

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By the 1970’s and 80’s, a new generation of Brown’s had entered the business. Herb’s sons, Steve and Barry couldn’t have been surrounded by a better group of ironworkers, learning the ways of their grandfather, uncles, and cousins regularly, seeing what it took to be a trusted and reliable steel fabricator. They were truly in the perfect environment to soon take over the family business. They, along with their dad and uncle, saw the Boston economy boom in the 80’s and 90’s. Boston Steel played a major role in local construction at the time, helping build and reimagine Boston to what we know it today.

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As the 2000’s came around, with the local economy softening, Steve and Barry’s sons entered the picture. Technology and innovation was at the forefront, and for Boston Steel to stay competitive, it had to reinvent itself. CAD drafting was the new big thing, and Dan, David, and Jon had come along just at the right time, bringing with them their expertise as the “computer savvy generation”. Now a fourth-generation family business, with over 70 years of experience behind them and lessons of the past, Dan and Jon continue to lead a modern team of excellent fabricators, helping their customers shape Boston for years to come.