Millwrights in high demand around New Hamburg and Shakespeare

Leanne Martin of Staffa works as a fabricator at Van Nes Custom Welding Inc. She says she enjoys the variety of work and is shown building a trailer from scratch. Gary West photo

By Gary West

A well-known shop just northeast of Shakespeare continues to stay busy as demand for millwrights and skilled repair work remains high across southern Perth County.

Van Nes Custom Welding Inc., owned by Brad Van Nes, has built a reputation for being able to repair or fabricate almost anything that comes through the door.

Van Nes grew up on the family dairy farm in North Easthope Township near Stratford and credits his grandparents, Theo and Regina Van Nes, for setting the foundation after immigrating from Holland in the 1950s. Their hard work allowed them to purchase the farm on the 3rd Concession (Vivian Line), which remains in the Van Nes family today.

Brad Van Nes’ parents, Jane – a registered nurse – and James, a lifelong dairy farmer, passed their strong work ethic on to their son and his three brothers, Dan, Steve and Jeff. All four now farm in Perth and Oxford counties, raising dairy, beef and pigs, and growing crops such as alfalfa, corn, soybeans and wheat to feed their livestock.

Brad Van Nes was always drawn to fixing equipment and apprenticed at Krantz Machine and Welding in South Easthope Township, where he learned much of his trade. Today, his work ranges from installing elevator legs, grain bins and drags to building and repairing all types of grain-handling equipment and custom metal fabrication projects.

Van Nes Custom Welding now employs five young area workers – Brandy Bundscho, Andrea Ruth, Noah Poole, Peter Enns, Kyle Steffler and Leanne Martin – and continues to grow its reputation for quality craftsmanship and reliable service.