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FERGUSON FABRICATION

Built for Beauty, Built to Last

lynn leissler ferguson fabrication

s a boy,” says Bill Ferguson, “I wanted to be a racecar driver. But I hadn’t discovered
metal yet.” That discovery came in his early 20s, when he started in the metalwork
field. Over time, he gained experience in blowpipe, ductwork, ironwork, and fabri-
“Acation, eventually running his own crews. By then, however, he and his wife Kerry
had two small boys, and Bill wanted to spend more time with them, to eliminate his daily commute.

The couple decided to start their own business in their garage, a chance to combine Bill’s love of
metal and art, though for two years he kept his regular job. They’ve long outgrown their garage, now
operating in a 10,000-square-foot building—and the commute is about seven minutes. Ferguson
Fabrication, established in 1995, is truly a family business. Over the years, Kerry and both sons have
worked there, as well as other family members.

Currently, Kerry is owner/office manager, and along with Bill and son Joseph, a designer for the
company. Joseph also serves as shop foreman. They take design to a high level of art, fashioning
creative, well-balanced pieces that factor in location, lighting, and other aspects, and meeting their
customer’s expectations. “I have a lot of fun working with the architect and engineers to come up with
the design and practical application. To see what might work and what won’t, what might be easier to
install.” He jokes about not wanting to install ironwork from a hovering helicopter.

Ferguson Fabrication is a custom wrought iron facility specializing in iron and architectural metal-
work for homes and commercial buildings. Their products include entry gates, garden and courtyard
gates, interior and exterior railings. They are able to incorporate various architectural styles, such
as Victorian, Mission, Northwest Lodge, Asian, and more. When someone wants a gate, Ferguson
Fabrication creates, designs, finishes, and installs, including the automation system. They ship some
gates to other states, although most of their work stays in the Southern Oregon region. They’ve
crafted fireplace screens and sculptures, as well as iron trellises, which Bill says are more durable than
wood, both in weight-bearing and longevity.

At one point, it became apparent they needed to take on the finish work. Today they do ceramic
coating for vehicle exhaust systems, Harley parts, and restorations for custom car builders. Over a
decade ago, they started doing their own powder coating, offering a wide variety of colors, textures,
and finishes.

Ferguson Fabrication does little advertising, relying mostly on repeat customers and referrals. Kerry
says, “Ninety to ninety-five percent of our work is from word of mouth, through contractors and
customers.” Their reputation is built on quality work and a high level of perfection. They do some
contract work for the military, and overall are booked out four to six months.

When talking with Bill and Kerry, it’s obvious they love what they do and take pride in their work and
the finished product. Their bottom line is to satisfy. “I try to do it like it’s mine, the quality I would
want at my place,” says Bill.

Ferguson Fabrication
100 Galice Road, Merlin
541-471-9220
www.fergusonfabrication.com