Fargo Foundry (Mid America Steel)

The Fargo Foundry, established in 1905, is located near the Red River at 92 N.P. Avenue. The firm was started by Kalmen and Parsons as a machine shop at the corner of N.P. Avenue and 1st Avenue North. The main thrust of the business was the manufacture and repair of farm equipment. One of the firm's first products was a press that that compacted flax straw into briquettes to be used instead of coal for heating. Other well-known products have included the Dakota Burner in the 1920's, irrigation sprinkling systems in the 1930s, and the Fargo Sprayer in the 1940s.

About 1973-74, the Foundry changed its name to Mid America Steel to reflect its own change from a foundry (which it closed in 1978) to a steel fabrication company.

From its original 11,000 square foot facility, the firm has grown to an 11 acre facility. In July 1978, the firm opened an additional facility in Bismarck.

Thanks to John Simonson and Mid America Steel for providing historical material.