men on a lift heat straightening an eye bar.

Who We Are

Today, our company stands as a beacon of excellence in the world of flame straightening. With Judd Holt at the helm, we continue to lead the industry with our unwavering commitment to precision and quality. Over the years, we have evolved and adapted to the changing landscape of structural repair, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of this specialized field.

Our dedication to quality, safety, and efficiency remains steadfast, making us the trusted choice for a wide range of projects. We pride ourselves on our ability to address each unique structure's needs, a testament to our decades of experience and in-depth understanding of the flame straightening process.

As a 5th generation company, we've upheld the Holt family legacy, pioneering flame straightening and setting the standard for the industry. We continue to meet and exceed the expectations of our clients, delivering results that adhere to the strictest specifications and industry standards. Whether it's repairing bent or damaged structures or taking on new challenges in the field, our commitment to excellence remains as unwavering as ever.

Company History

The method of heat straightening steel, which was invented by Joseph Holt in 1917, has a rich and enduring history. In 1920, Joseph Holt skillfully applied this new heating technique to straighten his first bridge beam, which to this day remains in service on the mainline. In 1946, he embarked on contracting structural steel repair under the name Coastal Steel, later evolving into Joseph Holt & Co. His innovative techniques have delivered substantial cost savings for the federal government and highway departments across the entire nation. Joseph Holt received accolades from esteemed institutions such as the Department of Defense, American Welding Society, and the US Army Corps of Engineers for his remarkable contributions to the efficient and rapid repair of damaged steel structures.

In the 1930s, Fred Holt, alongside his brothers Richard and Donald, began assisting their father with steel straightening projects, and Fred quickly gained recognition in the construction industry as a master craftsman in the art of flame straightening. By the 1970s, Fred's two sons, David and Dan, joined their father in the family trade, leading to the founding of International Straightening, Inc. by Dan Holt in 1982.

Men heat straightening a girder

Fast forward to 1986, and Dan's son, Judd Holt, embarked on his journey in steel straightening. With over three decades of experience, Judd Holt now holds the position of President at International Straightening, Inc. Most recently, in 2022, the legacy continues as Judd's son, John Holt, joins the company, marking the fifth generation to contribute to the art and science of steel straightening.

For more than a century, the Holt family's dedication to steel straightening has remained unwavering. International Straightening, Inc. has established a national and international presence, with clients consistently recognizing our services and level of expertise as the epitome of quality. Over the years, we have successfully completed a diverse array of projects and continue to deliver exceptional service and outstanding results.

Heat straightening parts of railroad bridge