Champion Steel Works

09/01/2026

We’re proud to be a part of the Wilmington-Clinton County Chamber of Commerce.

Our next member spotlight is Champion Steel Works!

Champion Steel Works is the oldest Structural Steel Fabricator in Ohio. They are a family-owned and operated business in Wilmington. Their core values are to serve others, work hard, and give thanks.

The Champion Steel Works story begins in the mid-1800s with their founder, Zimri Wall. He began constructing numerous projects in the 1850s and in 1871 he partnered with his brother, Jonathan, and formed J & Z Wall and Company. They built the Martinsville Covered Bridge in 1871 and it is still in use today. The Wall brothers developed a new wrought iron trussed arch bridge which was subsequently patented as the "Champion Wrought Iron Arch Bridge." In order to expand the business, they partnered with Albert Israel Bailey in 1872 and formed The Champion Iron Bridge and Manufacturing Company, which today is Champion Steel Works, operating as a DBA (doing business as) of Champion Bridge Company.

In the 1920s Ralph J. Miars, an employee of Champion Bridge, saw how heavily Champion relied on bridges and urged management to diversify the company. By 1972, bridge construction accounted for only 10-12% of total volume of business. Fabricated structural steel made up the bulk of the work. Today, Champion employs thirty people, and the majority of the business is supplying structural steel to general contractors in Cincinnati, Dayton, and Columbus. In addition to the local markets, Champion Bridge has sent steel to Hawaii, Yugoslavia, Puerto Rico, Vietnam, Pakistan, Kuwait, Mexico, Thailand, and all of the surrounding states.

Champion fabricates structural steel for general contractors. Recent projects they have been a part of include the new Kettering Health in Wilmington and Xenia, Diamond Oaks Career Campus in Cincinnati, Yellow Springs High School additions, Modula's Manufacturing facility in Franklin, and many more. They have several projects in the works, and ones scheduled for the rest of the year.

Champion joined the Chamber to stay connected with other local businesses and help support community initiatives.

08/24/2026

A look back at one of our favorite transformations. 🏗️

These two photos tell the story of Laurel Oaks Career Campus, from structural steel to a stunning, light-filled entrance that welcome students every day.

We're proud to have had the opportunity to impact the future of our community.

08/20/2026

Mark your calendars - it's time for the Corn Olympics! 🌽

Come out to the Clinton County Corn Festival and cheer us on as we go ear-to-ear against other local businesses for the trophy! 🏆

📆 Saturday, September 12th

⏰ 6:00 pm

📍 Clinton County Fairgrounds - Grand Stands

We can't wait to see you all out there!

08/14/2026

We’re grateful to be working alongside great partners like Cornerstone Erectors and Elford. Good crews and collaboration make projects like this come together.

08/06/2026

Grateful for all of the work and expertise we received from the team at Dinsmore & Shohl! Hope you enjoy the Champion Mud Blend!

Thank you to our friends at Champion Steel Works for sharing some of their custom coffee blend with us!

We are very grateful for their trust and collaboration, and take pride in working with clients in our local communities.

08/05/2026

Back in the day, Champion fabricated steel for Custom Coasters International, contributing the steel to coaster builds across the country, and even overseas in Europe!

The coaster pictured here sits on Lake Shafer in Indiana, built in the late 1990's. It's a small but fun chapter in our history.

Steel fabrication has taken us to some unexpected places over the years!

07/31/2026

We had a great time at the Cincinnati Reds game last evening with our partners at Foundation Steel, LLC.

Thanks for the invite, and for a great night at the stadium. 🏟️

07/29/2026

We're proud to share our newest collaboration.

Check out our custom-made mug with the America 250 logo to mark this important year in history. Every piece is hand-thrown and American-made. Real craftsmanship from start to finish. ☕

A huge shout out goes to Grey Fox Pottery for their incredible work!

07/24/2026

We're growing, and we're looking for the right people to grow with us.

Champion Steel Works is hiring in our Wilmington, Ohio shop for Shop Laborers.

🔗 Link to apply is in the comments.

Know someone who'd be a great fit? Tag them below. 👇