A History of Innovation
Explore a brief history of Metalcraft.
Since 1950 Metalcraft has provided thousands of businesses and industries around the world with a wide range of choices in identification products to meet the needs of this ever-evolving industry. Below are some significant points in our history that made Metalcraft the company it is today.
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Allen Patton helps Bostitch Stapler solve their identification problem and Metalcraft is born!
1950 -
Metalcraft patents “AUTOGRAPHS“, their first ID nameplate solution.
1951 -
Metalcraft introduces barcode technology.
1984 -
Wally Smeby becomes President and majority owner at Metalcraft.
1993 -
Metalcraft launches first website (www.idplate.com).
1995 -
Metalcraft introduces RFID labels and celebrates 50th anniversary.
2000 -
Metalcraft introduces IUID products.
2004 -
Metalcraft produces first RFID products.
2005 -
Doug Peterson and Steve Doerfler lead a buyout of Wally Smeby; Doug becomes CEO and Steve becomes President. ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) is established.
2006 -
Metalcraft introduces Universal RFID product line.
2010 -
Steve Doerfler becomes President & CEO at Metalcraft (2012-2023).
2012 -
Metalcraft builds and relocates to a new 46,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility in Mason City, Iowa.
2013 -
Metalcraft introduces RFID sensor technology.
2016 -
Kyle Bermel becomes first COO at Metalcraft. Metalcraft introduces custom RFID software solutions through ARK & SASS product (Grey Trunk).
2019 -
Metalcraft announces Inlay Innovation, a subsidiary for custom RFID inlay design.
2021 -
Metalcraft introduces Signature™ Printed Nameplates.
2022 -
Metalcraft announces a planned leadership transition as Kyle Bermel adds Chief Executive Officer to his title, succeeding Steve Doerfler, who became the Board Chairman.
2023 -
Metalcraft announces the revolutionary Universal Eco-Mini RFID Tag, an RFID tag specifically designed for item-level retail tracking on metal surfaces.
2023 -
Metalcraft acquires the IUID Label Division of A2B Tracking to expand market presence and enhance service offerings.
2024 -
In 2025, Metalcraft will celebrate 75 years of creating high-quality ID solutions for our customers!
2025