About

Our story began over two decades ago when Ryan Soltau, a skilled welder with over 20 years of experience, founded Ryan’s Welding in 2015. Initially focused on on-site welding repairs, our company swiftly gained a reputation for exceptional craftsmanship in both existing equipment repairs and new fabrication projects.

Ryan’s Welding thrived in demanding environments such as gravel pits, rock quarries, & construction sites. We specialize in critical equipment repair such as rock crushers, end loaders & excavator buckets, wear plate replacements, ensuring optimal performance and extended lifespan for our clients’ equipment. However, despite our success, we faced challenges sourcing components from local fabrication shops promptly, hindering our ability to deliver efficient services.

In a serendipitous turn of events, Ryan’s encounter with N-Tech in Barron, WI proved to be a pivotal moment for our company’s future. Having purchased plates from N-Tech, Ryan saw firsthand the potential in their immense facilities and capabilities. Eager to take our operations to new heights, Ryan brought his wife, Ashly, to tour N-Tech’s facilities. Although initially apprehensive, Ashly soon recognized the incredible opportunities that lay before them.

Embracing a collaborative vision for growth, Ryan invited Brandon Erickson, a trusted longtime friend, to join the team as the Operations Manager. With his extensive expertise, Brandon seamlessly integrated into Ryan’s Welding, further strengthening our capabilities and ensuring smooth day-to-day operations.

In 2021, an exciting new chapter unfolded as Ryan and Ashly Soltau took a bold leap and acquired N-Tech, establishing Northwest Metal Innovators (NMI). This strategic move marked a significant milestone in our company’s journey, enabling us to harness the full potential of N-Tech’s facilities, equipment, and staff.

Since the inception of NMI, our commitment to excellence has propelled us to furthered success. In just one year, our sales have doubled, a testament to our unwavering dedication to delivering superior products and services. As Northwest Metal Innovators, we continue to forge new paths in metal fabrication and repair, setting new standards of quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction.

Join us on this remarkable journey as we shape the future of metal fabrication together.

Ryan and Ashly Soltau, the dynamic co-owners, know how to blend work and play while raising their spirited twin daughters, Olivia and Charlotte. When they’re not providing customer-centric services at NMI, this adventure-loving bunch can be found embarking on epic camping trips, tearing through snowy landscapes on their snowmobiles, and indulging in the art of perfecting bond-fire s’mores. Oh, and did we mention Ryan & Ashly’s obsession with popcorn? He’s a certified popcorn connoisseur, always on the quest for that mouthwatering kernel. Together, the Soltau family brings laughter, warmth, and a pinch of comedy to NMI, creating an environment that’s as innovative as it is fun. Welcome to our family, where craftsmanship meets camping trips and popcorn reigns supreme!