The Arlington Steel Story

Arlington’s story begins with Dahl-Olson Incorporated in 1945, in the city of Chicago. Harold Dahl and Herbert Olson came together during World War II producing parts for the Army’s Bailey Bridge Program.

Ralph Clarbour, Arlington’s founder and First President, was the first shop employee hired by Dahl-Olson. After several years he acquired the business and relocated (1966) and renamed the business, Arlington Structural Steel. Ralph’s family has been at the helm of the business, until the recent acquisition by Bill Downey, who brought his expertise and experience from Hi-Grade Welding and Manufacturing.

Arlington’s biggest project ever was an oil refinery construction that stretched from 1981 into 1982. Total tons fabricated for this job at Arlington exceeded 4700 tons. A big job then, and still big today!

Arlington Structural Steel is poised today to expand our operations and our contributions to the steel business across the Midwest—and beyond. We invite those who know us today, or those that know of our history, to come along for the ride as we grow this business. And finally, we thank our predecessors for making the Arlington name synonymous with material, work, and people of the very highest quality.