Humble Origins.
In 1956, Jet Welding & Ornamental Iron Works was born in Thunder Bay, Ontario, thanks to the vision of its founder, Jack H. Eberhardt. Jack, hailing from Stuttgart, Germany, honed his skills at a specialized ornamental ironwork trade school, earning his prestigious diploma in the craft. This sought-after program was never available in Canada, which made it all the more remarkable when Jack's son, Ernie, picked up the same craft through years of after-school practice in the shop. Spending his holidays and summers immersed in the family business, Ernie's passion for ornamental ironwork was palpable. It was only natural that after finishing high school, Ernie would join his father full-time in the shop, continuing the family legacy of excellence in the art of ironwork.
Continuing the Legacy of Craftsmanship
Ernie now runs the business, but it’s not unusual to find Jack in the back “checking” on current projects and offering some help.
Over the years, the company has worked on numerous high-profile projects, including the restoration of ironwork at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto, Wolseley Barracks in London, ON for the Department of Defense, and extensive work at the Manitoba Legislature building in Winnipeg. With a wide range of skills, Jet Welding is not only known for completing restoration projects, but also for creating custom pieces that leave a lasting impression.
One of their most notable custom projects was the hand-forged chandeliers they designed for a home on an island on Lake of the Woods. They have also fabricated railings for the suite of the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, stairwells at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, and ironwork at the Thunder Bay waterfront.
At Jet Welding, each project is approached with care and dedication, ensuring that every piece they create is of the highest quality and will last for generations to come. Whether it's restoring historic ironwork or designing custom pieces for modern homes and businesses, Jet Welding's work is a testament to their commitment to excellence in the art of ornamental ironwork.
