60 Years of Skilcraft: The Skilcraft Way
August 27, 2025
On August 27, 2025, Skilcraft celebrates our
60th anniversary. It's a testament to six decades of remarkable growth and transformation, from a small family business into a leader in the
metal fabrication industry. Our journey began in 1964 when the four
Anderson brothers—Ken, Dick, Ron, and Vernon—decided to build a manufacturing plant on their family's farm in Burlington, Kentucky. By the summer of 1965, we were open for business. Our early focus on quality and precision quickly led to success, earning us a feature in the Cincinnati Post
just one month after opening.
A Legacy of Innovation
At Skilcraft, innovation has always been our driving force. For decades, we've stayed ahead of the curve by being an early adopter of advanced technologies like laser cutting and process automation. Thi s commitment to cutting-edge processes gave us the efficiency and consistency our customers relied on.
In 2004, under the guidance of Jay Vierling, this forward-thinking approach led to a pivotal transformation. We evolved from a small job shop into a specialized contract manufacturer, dedicated to a select number of large, repeat customers. This strategic shift allowed us to build deeper relationships and provide even more value to the marketplace.
Our spirit of innovation continued to open new doors, leading us to successfully enter the demanding
aerospace industry
in 2012. This milestone proved our ability to meet the rigorous standards of new markets. In 2021, we took another significant step, proudly becoming an affiliate of
O'Neal Industries (ONI), the nation's largest family-owned metals service center. This partnership further strengthened our capabilities and market position, ensuring we can continue to evolve and grow for years to come.
Pioneering the Next 60 Years
Today, our team has grown to more than 100 dedicated employees, and we continue to push boundaries. We recently launched the Skilcraft Solutions Cell (S²C), a specialized team of experienced engineers, fabricators, and quality professionals collaborating seamlessly to deliver comprehensive, high-value solutions. This initiative represents our commitment to investing in our customers and tailoring solutions to their most complex problems.
President Anthony Ratica
notes, “Organizations stay in business for 60 years because they do things right—it is humbling to be part of such a long-standing business. As a team, we take great pride in being a part of Skilcraft’s heritage and legacy. We are honored to serve our valued clients as we progress Skilcraft forward into our 7th decade of service.”
Sixty years is a testament to our team's enduring ability to adapt, excel, and grow. As we celebrate this milestone, we're not just looking back at our history; we're reflecting on how we will continue to evolve our solutions to support our customers’ needs for years to come.
The Skilcraft Solutions Cell (S²C) is a new team of experts dedicated to solving your most complex manufacturing challenges with rapid, custom solutions.
Anthony Ratica Named President of Skilcraft, LLC
We're honored to be named Manufacturer of the Year by the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers. This award reflects our commitment to innovation and community.
Dean McKay, Director of Organizational Development with Skilcraft, was honored by the Northern Kentucky Area Development District as their Volunteer of the Year.
Skilcraft expanded its Northern Kentucky facility to boost capacity for sheet metal fabrication, supporting aerospace, space, and green energy.
