Wendell August Forge will rebuild

Staff report

GROVE CITY, Pa.

Wendell August Forge said it intends to rebuild its workshop and gift shop after a fire destroyed both.

Construction will start as soon as possible, said Bill Knecht, company president.

Saturday’s fire is thought to have started in the workshop where a lacquer is sprayed on bronze pieces, he said.

“It has been a tough day for this community and our employees. We are so thankful and blessed that no one was hurt,” he said.

The company is mourning the loss of its iconic building, however. More than 20 fire departments were involved in fighting the blaze, which started about 1:30 p.m.

The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has been the home to Wendell August since 1932. The company was founded in 1923.

Wendell August is one of the few companies in the world that still produce handcrafted aluminum gift items. It has produced customized pieces for major customers such as Coca-Cola, Hershey, Walt Disney and Pizza Hut.

The company said all of its operations outside of Grove City will continue.

Production of personalized metal pieces will go on at its other workshop in Exton, Pa. Still operating are gift shops at Exton, Pa., Berlin, Ohio, and Grove City Prime Outlets locations.

The company’s business-to-business division also is still functioning. It provides customized metal awards, commemorative items, gifts and trophies for businesses, sporting organizations and others.