Craftsmanship
Every weld is inspected, every joint is ground, and every finish is applied by hand. We do not cut corners — we forge them.
Established 2009 · Portland, Maine
Built by Hand. Backed by Craft.
Ironclad Forge & Welding is a family-run metal fabrication studio serving homeowners, contractors, and institutions throughout New England. We combine traditional blacksmithing with modern welding technology to deliver work that lasts for generations.
Our Story
Ironclad Forge & Welding was founded in 2009 by master fabricator Daniel Whitlock in a small converted garage on the outskirts of Portland. What began as a one-man operation repairing farm equipment and forging fireplace tools quickly grew into a full-service fabrication shop known across Maine for its uncompromising standards.
Over the past decade and a half, our team has completed more than 2,400 projects — from custom spiral staircases in Portland's Old Port to structural steel for commercial warehouses in Westbrook and Biddeford. Every piece that leaves our shop is inspected, signed, and warrantied.
Today we operate out of a 6,000 square-foot facility on Warren Avenue, equipped with MIG, TIG, and stick welding stations, a CNC plasma table, a 40-ton hydraulic press, and two coal forges for traditional work.
What We Stand For
Safety First
Our shop is OSHA-compliant and all field welders carry current certifications. No project is worth compromising the safety of our crew or your property.
Precision
We work to tolerances measured in fractions of an inch. Whether it's a decorative railing or a load-bearing beam, it fits the first time.
Integrity
Transparent quotes, honest timelines, and no hidden fees. If something changes, you hear it from us first — not on the invoice.
Meet the Team
A small crew of dedicated tradespeople who take pride in what they build.
Daniel Whitlock
Founder & Master Fabricator
With over 25 years in the trade, Daniel apprenticed under a New Hampshire blacksmith before opening Ironclad. He holds AWS D1.1 certification and leads all custom design work.
Maria Calderón
Shop Manager
Maria oversees scheduling, material procurement, and quality control. She has managed fabrication workflows for 12 years and keeps every project on track.
Ethan Brooks
Lead Field Welder
Ethan specializes in structural and mobile welding, handling on-site installations from Kittery to Augusta. He is certified in MIG, TIG, and stick processes.
Sarah Lindgren
Design Consultant
Sarah works directly with clients to translate ideas into working drawings. She brings a background in architectural drafting and interior design to every consultation.
Milestones
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2009
Daniel Whitlock opens Ironclad Forge in a single-bay garage in Falmouth.
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2013
Move to current Warren Avenue facility; hire first full-time welder.
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2016
Complete first large commercial project — 240 linear feet of ornamental railing for a Portland waterfront hotel.
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2019
Achieve AWS D1.1 certification for structural steel fabrication.
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2022
Install CNC plasma cutting table; expand custom design services.
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2025
Surpass 2,400 completed projects and grow team to eight full-time employees.
Certifications & Memberships
AWS D1.1 Certified
American Welding Society structural steel certification.
OSHA 30 Compliant
All field crew members hold current OSHA 30-Hour construction cards.
Licensed & Insured
Fully licensed in the State of Maine. $2M general liability coverage.
Better Business Bureau
Accredited business with an A+ rating since 2015.
Work With Us
Whether you need a single custom piece or a full commercial installation, our team is ready to bring your project to life. Book a free consultation today.
Shop Hours
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Sunday: Closed