Building Advantage recently had the opportunity to visit DUWE Metal Products’ state-of-the-art fabrication shop in Menomonee Falls. Led by CEO Jeannie Lauret, the tour offered a behind-the-scenes look at the craftsmanship, innovation, and union pride that drives every project. DUWE specializes in custom metal fabrication and erection, bringing decades of expertise to high-profile architectural projects across the region. As a certified Woman-Owned and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (WBE/DBE), DUWE pairs its technical precision with a strong commitment to workforce inclusion and union partnerships—proving that purpose and performance can go hand in hand in the construction industry.

Chris Mambu Rasch: What does DUWE Metal Products specialize in?

Jeannie Lauret: DUWE Metal is a custom fabricator and erector specializing in architectural and ornamental metals, miscellaneous metals and structural steel.  We also have a custom sheet metal division and metal finishing division.  While we serve many different industries with our many capabilities, DUWE truly specializes in our devotion to preserving our reputation for quality and meeting the needs of our customers.

Chris: What kind of projects are you currently involved in?

Jeannie: Currently, our larger projects include the 19-story structural steel expansion of Northwestern Mutual, the custom staircases for the Milwaukee Public Museum along with the bespoke enclosure doors and cable barriers for the rhino exhibit at the Milwaukee County Zoo. This work continues our legacy of delivering high-profile steel.  We are lucky to have our product in so many notable sites throughout Milwaukee. Another exciting project closer to home and starting soon is the new façade we are giving our building which will showcase the unique metal work we do.

Chris: You’re signatory to Ironworkers Local 8 and Sheet Metal Local 18. What are the benefits of employing union tradespeople?

Jeannie: By working with Ironworkers Local 8 in the field and Sheet Metal Local 18 in our shop, DUWE has access to a skilled, highly trained, and safety-focused labor force. Partnering with the trades brings a level of professionalism, reliability, and pride in workmanship that directly benefits our clients and helps us maintain our reputation for excellence.  The Ironworker Local 8 union has been extremely instrumental in providing us the quality labor we need to successfully install the curtainwall at Northwestern Mutual.

Chris: What are some challenges and exciting opportunities coming in the future?

Jeannie: While the industry, as a whole, continues to face issues like supply chain volatility and fluctuating material costs, we’ve been fortunate. Thanks to long-standing relationships with trusted vendors, we’ve been able to navigate those challenges with minimal disruption.

On the opportunity side, we’ve been incredibly busy the past few years—and the momentum isn’t slowing. Architectural metalwork is becoming increasingly popular, in particular, blackened steel. Its versatility, durability, and sleek aesthetic make it a top choice for owners and architects. We’re excited to be at the forefront of that trend and look forward to contributing to more projects that value both form and function.

Learn more about DUWE Metal Products Inc: https://www.duwemetal.com/