Creativity belongs in manufacturing
Turning bold ideas into durable, precision-crafted products in the USA.
What we do
Versatile metalworking for every project
Metal Trade Solutions is a full-service metalworking job shop, handling work on a project-by-project basis. Our adaptable workflow allows us to apply creativity and technical skill across design, machining, and fabrication, producing parts, components, and finished products for a wide range of applications. With multiple specialized workstations and a system built for efficiency, versatility, and cost-effectiveness, we can tackle diverse projects while maintaining the highest standards of quality and precision. We take pride in providing personalized service, getting to know our customers, and turning their concepts into reality—no matter what stage of development your project is in.
What we believe
Creativity and collaboration drive success
We believe that integrating creativity into manufacturing is the key to helping our customers succeed. At Metal Trade Solutions, we value personal collaboration—whether it’s a phone call, video chat, or face-to-face meeting—to fully understand your goals. We combine ingenuity, technical expertise, and hands-on problem-solving with advanced tools and software to tackle complex challenges efficiently. We’re committed to action over delay, delivering high-quality results while minimizing costs. By pairing creativity with practical know-how, we help bring innovative products to life without unnecessary complications.
What we make
Durable products designed for with precision and quality
Our products reflect the intersection of mechanical design, fabrication, and machining. Designing and producing goods in the U.S. comes with challenges, but that’s what drives our passion. By designing for manufacturability and carefully integrating every step of the production process, we create products that are not only functional and precise but built to last. Every part, component, or finished product we make is crafted with the same focus on durability, quality, and attention to detail—ensuring it can stand the test of time while proudly made right here in the USA.
Proud member of the Minnesota Precision Manufactures Association
The MTS Story
MTS founders, Tobias Flood and Mark Eiden, met during their first year in the Machine Tool Technology program at St. Cloud Technical & Community College. They quickly discovered shared interests and a common vision: they didn’t want to follow the path of traditional machinists. Bonding over a desire to bring more creativity into manufacturing, they were motivated to combine their entrepreneurial spirits and create something new.
After completing their second year and earning their degrees, Tobias and Mark pursued business courses to prepare for opening their own machine shop. Straight out of school, they worked nights and weekends renovating an old creamery, which would become the future home of Metal Trade Solutions.
As students and early manufacturing employees, Tobias and Mark experienced firsthand the rigidity of traditional manufacturing firms, where outdated processes left little room for innovation or change. This inspired them to build a shop that thrives on creativity and flexibility—an environment where design, ideation, and problem-solving could flourish without unnecessary limitations.
Metal Trade Solutions began by producing metal art for direct-to-consumer sales, which helped finance their first machine purchases. Once the machines were installed, they quickly expanded into commercial work. Some of their earliest industry projects included components for agricultural applications, basic machine parts, and consumer solutions for everyday needs, setting the foundation for a shop built on versatility, skill, and innovation.
Tobias Flood
Growing up Tobias spent his spare time taking things apart and rebuilding them. Motivated to learn how to build things using metals led him to spend hours at the machine shop at his high school. His entrepreneurial spirit began with his first lawn-mowing business at 14. Always looking for the next solution, Tobias brings his creative mind to every aspect of the business.
Mark Eiden
Mark grew up on a dairy farm and has been repairing and welding around the farm since a young age. When steel arrives at the shop, he sees a blank canvas that can be turned into virtually anything. Mark loves helping people achieve their manufacturing goals. His grit and work-ethic keep the shop, and the business, moving forward with each new challenge.