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Luverne manufacturing engineer Tyler LeBrun comes from a long line of firefighters — his grandfather, his father and two of his brothers all were or are firemen.
He said this proud history is what inspired the name of his new business, Backdraft Manufacturing, which opened earlier this year in Luverne’s industrial park.
The business specializes in custom engineering and fabrication.
“We deal in ideas,” he said. “If you have an idea for something, we can help develop that idea and make it for you.”
LeBrun hails from Adrian where he graduated in 2005 and went on to earn a degree in manufacturing engineering technologies from South Dakota State University, Brookings.
He spent five years on the engineering team with Bobcat Company in Gwinner, North Dakota, before starting at Midwest Fire in April 2015 when he also joined the Luverne Fire Department.
Along the way, he said these companies often encountered the need for custom adaptions, but there weren’t companies available to work with, and they were too busy with their own orders to take on the extra projects.
“The more work we did in this area, the more we realized there’s demand for what we do,” LeBrun said.
On a smaller scale, he also dabbled in custom manufacturing, making adaptations for farm equipment, medical supplies and a lockbox storage drawer for the back of a sheriff’s SUV, among other things.
After discussions with family members and supporters, he purchased space on West Gabrielson Road, sharing the east half of the Sieve Electric building.
LeBrun and his family invested in a plasma cutter, 3D printer and other equipment, which has allowed them to take on more and bigger projects.
“With our capabilities there isn’t much we cannot do,” LeBrun said. “We have big customers, but we also have walk-through-the door customers.”
He said Backdraft Manufacturing works with clients on their design ideas and turns them into finished products.
At Friday’s open house events LeBrun showcased some recent projects that included metal sign cutouts, tool attachments and modifications and 3D printing demonstrations.
He also introduced his family members. “All the owners are here today,” he said. “This has been a family project.”
His wife is Anna, his parents are Jim and Anne LeBrun, Adrian. His brother, Brandon LeBrun, Adrian, is lead fabricator for the business. He also thanked his wife’s parents, Dale and Julie Meyer, for their support.
Luverne Area Chamber Director Jane Wildung Lanphere thanked LeBrun for investing his talents and ideas in Luverne.
“We’re lucky to have you here,” she said. “It’s so exciting to be able to watch what you do.”