Based in Spencer, Iowa, MWI Components offers specialized metal products in the post-frame building industry. Starting back in 1985, MWI Components is now celebrating its 40th year in business! With a growing company and an extensive history, MWI has made its name known within the industry.
History of MWI Components
Bruce Nystrom had a vision back in 1985 to manufacture high-quality products for the post-frame industry. Nystrom followed his dream by creating Metal Works Inc., building some of MWI’s very first products on a dirt floor in a shed. Metal Works Inc. initially focused on producing ridge vent and cupola products. The company took off after a successful launch into the post-frame market.
Five years later, in 1990, Metal Works Inc. upgraded to its first official manufacturing facility. As the company continued to grow, the operations were expanded, and MWI Components was established as the marketing and distribution arm of the company. Under the same roof, MWI Components facilitated distribution while Metal Works Inc. manufactured the products.
Metal Works Inc. expanded again to diversify its product portfolio in 2006. Nystrom and his team understood the importance of expanding their product portfolio. To accomplish this, the company integrated a complete line of door track and hardware. This expansion allowed MWI Components to launch Dutch and Arcadian door systems, as well as horse stall lines complete with compatible hardware.
Nystrom passed the operations of MWI Components to Ben Nystrom and Phil Ramstack in 2010. Ben, Bruce Nystrom’s son, was the National Sales Manager, while Phil was the Plant Manager at the time.
2013 was the year that Metal Works Inc. and MWI Components merged under one name. With this merger, rebranding became a priority. The logo was refreshed, the company identity was refined, and the brand that is known today as MWI Components was built.
MWI Components continued to grow, and in 2019 they expanded further by constructing a new building to manufacture reflective insulation. The company’s goal was to become a one-stop shop, broadening their product lines to serve customer needs all in one place. To accommodate their growth, in 2024 MWI purchased a 40,000-square-foot facility to house incoming products.
Today, the CEOs, Ben and Phil, continue to build upon the foundation that Bruce Nystrom created. As they reflected upon the last forty years, they are deeply grateful for their loyal customers and the long-lasting relationships they have built, along with their dedicated team—past and present—who continue to uphold MWI Components’ values.
MWI Products Over 40 Years
The ridge vent and cupola lines were MWI Components’ first products, back when the company was still known as Metal Works Inc. Over time, MWI has evolved those product lines by expanding size ranges and adding accessories. In 2006, they purchased a complete hardware and accessory line from Lawrence Hardware and consider this to be a pivotal decision for the company. This created new product lines and opened the door to new possibilities for additional products.
In the early years, the company focused mostly on its manufactured products. Later, they chose to incorporate ready-to-sell products into their line. Through this distribution model, they formed partnerships with vendors and were able to introduce a variety of product lines, including polycarbonate and PVC panels, Uni-Seal, Labor Saver, Uni-Vent II and III, Ultra-X, X-Flex, X-Treme series, X-Cell Closures, pipe boots, underlayment, Titan Board panels, and more.
Industry Honors
For seventeen years in a row, MWI Components has won the Metal Roofing Metal of Honor Award. They have also won the Rural Builder Gold Key of Excellence Award, recognizing companies in the construction industry that provide quality products and services to rural builders and contractors, for 21 years in a row.
MWI states that they are proud members of the National Frame Building Association (NFBA) and have been long-time partners with them since 1989, and with the Reflective Insulation Manufacturing Association (RIMA) since 2021.
MWI Components’ Future
MWI Components continuously reviews both existing and new products in order to enhance its portfolio. With new opportunities emerging each day, the company remains eager and optimistic about what lies ahead for them.
MWI Components’ Role in the Community
Even though their customer base is primarily outside of their local area, MWI Components states that they are deeply committed to making a difference within their community. Over the years, they have contributed to the construction of several agricultural buildings at the Clay County Fairgrounds by donating products to create structures that house animals, people, and restaurants during the fair. They continue to expand the markets they serve from solely agriculture to commercial and residential, shifting with these trends.
Due to the impact of COVID-19, MWI launched an annual community initiative to support their local fire department, police station, and sheriff’s office by donating funds for essential equipment to enhance their safety and emergency response. Additionally, they supported funding for the Spencer Police Department’s toy drive in December, where officers are paired with children to shop for new toys.
In June of 2024, a severe flood swept through Spencer, Iowa, and the surrounding areas. This impacted at least half of MWI’s employees in some way. MWI’s facilities remained unharmed, which allowed them to switch their focus from production to recovery efforts. For weeks, the company balanced daily operations while sending five to six of their employees to assist their coworkers with cleanup efforts. MWI organized a laundry service with a local company to clean employees’ clothing, provided sponsored meals from their sales team, and delivered food to those in need. MWI also supplied cleaning and storage materials while providing real-time updates from local officials. Additionally, the company raised over $14,000 to support employees who lost nearly everything due to the flood. As of today, renovations are still ongoing in many employees’ homes, but everyone has returned to their houses and has begun adapting.
The staff at MWI Components state that they believe in the power of the community and will continue to support and uplift those around them in times of need.
Conclusion
MWI Components’ vision was to become a one-stop shop that sourced and manufactured nearly all materials from the United States. At their 40th anniversary, the company believes that they have achieved that goal, but that the next step is maintaining this goal to honor their values.
Over the years, MWI has expanded its product portfolio and built many valuable partnerships. They state that over this time and throughout these changes, MWI Components has never lost sight of what matters most—respect and relationships. Respect for the industry, their customers, and their team of professionals. FBN
Courtney Glover is a freelance writer and photographer based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She contributes her talents to various publications.
