Our Company
Industrial Welder Rebuilders, Inc. was established in 1978 by Joseph Franker. He was joined in 1979 by his son Arnie Franker. After Joe’s passing in 1996 Arnie became sole owner of the company in Alsip, IL.
IWR repairs all types of welding equipment, plasma cutters, gas and diesel industrial engines.
Founded in 1978 Industrial Welder Rebuilders, Inc. (IWR) is a welder repair service center in the Chicago area with factory trained technicians. We test and restore a variety of welding equipment and are authorized welder repair for Lincoln Electric, Miller Electric and many other welder manufacturers. We are also authorized by many gasoline and diesel engine manufacturers which makes IWR a one stop shop. For a complete list of authorized manufacturers visit our Repair Authorizations Page.
IWR is the leading provider in welder maintenance services. We have built a reputation as one of the best and most trusted welding equipment services in the Chicagoland area. We offer exceptional customer service and quality workmanship. In addition to repairing welding equipment, we can help you improve weld quality with routine maintenance and cleaning. Stop losing time, resources and money. Our goal is to recommend the best solutions for our customers’ continued success. Let us show you how we can help. Give us a call or fill out our Service Request Form and we will be happy to get back to you.
Arnie Franker
Arnie joined IWR in 1979. After graduating from Denver Automotive and Diesel College he returned to Chicago to seek employment in the automotive industry. Meanwhile, he decided to give his father, Joe, a hand with his new welder repair venture. Over forty years later, Arnie is still here. In his spare time, he enjoys golfing, water sports and boating.
Bill Patton
Bill specializes in electrical equipment repairs and has been Shop Foreman since 2005. Bill enjoys volunteering as a Scout Leader with the Boy Scouts of America. He is famous for his entrées prepared on his outdoor grill.
Doug Franker
Doug is our lead engine drive technician. When he is not working on welders he can be found out on Lake Michigan on the Champagne of Boats, his 32′ Trojan, working on his ’72 Duster or playing a round of golf with his wife Jennifer.
Joanne Drabandt
Joanne works in the office part time. She is a mother of three and Grandma to four. Joanne is wife to a retired Central Steel and Wire employee. She enjoys The Blackhawks, White Sox, & Cubs. She also likes to plant perennials in her flower beds and she loves dogs.
