About Johnson Iron

ABOUT JOHNSON IRON

Structural steel fabrication and custom metalwork in Truckee and Lake Tahoe since 1993.

Our Story

Johnson Iron was established in Truckee, California in 1993 with a straightforward mission: deliver structural steel fabrication and custom metalwork that builders, architects, and homeowners in the Tahoe region could rely on. Over three decades later, that mission has not changed — only our capabilities have grown.

What started as a small fabrication operation has grown into a full-service structural steel and custom metal company serving residential and commercial clients throughout the Sierra Nevada. We have fabricated and installed steel for hundreds of projects across Truckee, Lake Tahoe, Donner Summit, and the surrounding region — from complete structural steel frames for large commercial buildings to one-of-a-kind custom gates for mountain estates.

In 2018, Johnson Iron was recognized with the Tahoe Quarterly Mountain Home Award, a reflection of the quality and craftsmanship our team brings to every project. We are proud of that recognition, but we are more proud of the relationships we have built with the contractors, architects, and homeowners who call us first when a project needs steel.

What Sets Us Apart

Most fabrication companies either build steel or install it — Johnson Iron does both. Our in-house team handles shop drawings, fabrication, and installation as a single coordinated process. That means fewer handoffs, fewer scheduling gaps, and a finished product that matches the approved design exactly. Our in-house boom truck allows us to reach mountain sites that other fabricators cannot, and our deep familiarity with Tahoe’s snow loads, seismic requirements, and local building departments keeps your project on schedule.

We are a small company by design. Every project is managed by one of our principals — Josh Ruppert or Eric Nordahl — and our fabrication team has the experience and attention to detail that only comes from years of working together. When you work with Johnson Iron, you are not handed off to a project manager you have never met. You work directly with the people building your steel.

Our Team

Josh Ruppert — Owner & Project Manager

Josh has been with Johnson Iron since the early years and has overseen hundreds of structural steel and custom fabrication projects across the Tahoe region. He manages shop drawings, coordinates with engineers and architects, and leads the installation crew on complex structural projects. Josh is the first call for new projects and is directly involved in every job from estimate through completion.

📞 (530) 308-1004  |  ✉ office@johnsoniron.com

Eric Nordahl — Owner & Operations Manager

Eric oversees day-to-day operations at Johnson Iron, managing fabrication scheduling, crew coordination, and project logistics. With deep experience in both structural and ornamental metalwork, Eric ensures that every piece leaving the shop meets Johnson Iron’s quality standards before it reaches the job site.

📞 (530) 448-6654  |  ✉ operations@johnsoniron.com

James Abel — Estimating & Project Management

James handles estimating and project management for Johnson Iron’s commercial and residential projects. He prepares detailed bids, coordinates scope with general contractors and architects, and manages project timelines from award through installation. James is the primary contact for new bid requests and project inquiries.

📞 (530) 386-0880  |  ✉ estimating@johnsoniron.com

Service Area

Johnson Iron serves clients throughout the greater Truckee and Lake Tahoe region, including:

  • Truckee, CA (our home base)
  • Lake Tahoe — North Shore (Kings Beach, Tahoe City, Carnelian Bay)
  • Lake Tahoe — South Shore (South Lake Tahoe, Stateline, Zephyr Cove)
  • Donner Summit and Soda Springs
  • Incline Village and Crystal Bay, NV
  • Reno and Sparks, NV (select projects)
  • Northern California (select projects)

We are based at 10959 Industrial Way, Suite 103, Truckee, CA 96161. Our fabrication shop is in Truckee, which allows us to respond quickly to job site needs and coordinate efficiently with local building departments and inspectors.

Contact Us

Ready to discuss your project? We are happy to review plans, provide a preliminary estimate, or answer questions about scope and timeline.

Request an Estimate