Jeremy Ratliff
Reporter
Wednesday afternoon, members of the Merrill Area Chamber of Commerce joined Scott and Tracy Fillmore for the re-opening of Fillmore Creations LLC, located at 1000 W. Main Street.
Formerly known as Fillmore Metal Crafters, Scott and his father William first opened their craft to the community at the present location, in January of 2011.
“There weren’t really any decent welding shops in town,” Scott explains.
“I don’t charge an arm and a leg for what I do. I just enjoy doing it. There are always people out there in need of a quick fix in terms of welding or fabrication, such as a broken rake for example. Rather than force them to go buy a new rake, I can make that quick fix right away, whereas some other shops may put something like that off for a while.”
Scott readily admits the shop drew ‘decent’ business from the start. Unfortunately, due to personal affairs taking precedence, Fillmore Metal Crafters closed their doors in 2014.
However this past October-thanks in part to encouragement from wife Tracy- Scott felt compelled to resume what he truly missed, bringing the art form he enjoys back to the community.
In just under two months, the couple had their 1,000 square foot shop-including a 400 square foot showroom- ready for business.
As of Tuesday morning their doors were open to the public.
“I missed the artistic side of this business,” Scott adds. “I enjoy turning people’s visions into steel.”
Fillmore Creations offers a wide range of custom welding and fabrication services, from automobile accessories to custom signage and fire pits.
In fact, examples of Fillmore’s steady-handed craftsmanship is already readily accessible around the community; including signage at Merrill Sheet Metal and plant hangers at Normal Park’s Gazebo.
Fillmore Creations LLC is open Tuesday-Saturday 9 AM-5PM and welcomes in-person, telephone as well as e-mail orders. Fillmore Creations can be reached via telephone at (715)722-0855 and via e-mail at [email protected].
Customers are also welcome to visit the Fillmores online at FillMoreCreations.com