Rochester Structural's story began in 1973 when founder David Yelle started his career as a groundsman with Syracuse Rigging. Through hard work, integrity, and an unwavering drive to improve every project, Dave quickly advanced into leadership roles. Along the way, he recognized a gap in the industry—too many contractors focused solely on completing the work rather than truly partnering with their customers.

Dave believed that successful projects required a customer-first approach, supported by value engineering, attention to detail, and practical construction experience from design through completion. His philosophy was simple: deliver the highest quality product while helping customers reduce costs, improve constructability, and maintain project schedules.

What began as a one-man operation specializing in project management, bridge rehabilitation, and design-build work quickly grew through word-of-mouth and repeat business. As demand increased, Dave assembled a team that shared his values and commitment to excellence. By teaching every employee "The Rochester Structural Way," he built Rochester Structural into a highly respected structural steel and miscellaneous metals fabrication and erection company employing approximately 25 people reaching all over Western NY. More importantly, he established a reputation for integrity, exceptional craftsmanship, and customer service that became the foundation for the company's future growth.

Over the years, Rochester Structural earned a reputation as one of the Northeast's premier fabrication and erection companies by consistently delivering quality workmanship, dependable schedules, and exceptional customer service. The company operated largely through repeat business and long-standing customer relationships, completing projects for industry leaders including Kodak, Xerox, Corning Incorporated, World Kitchen, and many other respected organizations.

Always looking ahead, Dave embraced technology long before it became standard in the steel industry. From developing custom estimating software to adopting advanced digital workflows, he continuously invested in innovation to improve productivity and accuracy. In the early 2000s, Rochester Structural became an early adopter of 3D modeling by partnering with a detailing firm in England, where steel detailing technology was years ahead of the United States.

Through Rochester Structural's detailing operations, Dave worked closely with the StruCAD development team, providing real-world fabrication and detailing expertise that helped shape enhancements to one of the industry's leading steel detailing platforms. This early investment in technology positioned Rochester Structural as an industry leader in project coordination, detailing, and fabrication efficiency.

In 2011, the foundation was laid for the company's second generation of leadership. Justin Yelle began working alongside Dave after gaining years of hands-on experience in both the fabrication shop and the field. Working side by side, Justin learned every aspect of the business—from estimating and project management to fabrication, erection, operations, and customer relations. In 2016, Justin assumed responsibility for the day-to-day operations, carrying forward the same principles and values that had defined Rochester Structural since its founding.

In 2018, Rochester Structural began writing the next chapter of its history. While remaining true to the values and reputation Dave had built, the company embraced a clear vision for the future—continually investing in People, Process, and Product. Through strategic investments in employee development, technology, CNC automation, modern fabrication equipment, and operational excellence, Rochester Structural has experienced unprecedented growth while preserving the customer-first philosophy on which it was founded.

Today, Rochester Structural has grown from approximately 25 employees into a regional leader with more than 60 employees serving customers throughout five Northeastern states. Operating from two 40,000-square-foot fabrication facilities in Macedon and Rochester, New York, the company provides comprehensive structural steel, miscellaneous metals, stainless steel, and aluminum fabrication services utilizing state-of-the-art CNC beam, plate, angle, and tube processing equipment.

This remarkable growth has been driven by a relentless commitment to innovation, continuous improvement, and investing in the future. By modernizing manufacturing processes, expanding fabrication capabilities, and embracing the latest technology, Rochester Structural has significantly increased production capacity while maintaining the craftsmanship and customer-first philosophy on which the company was founded.

Today, the company proudly maintains an outstanding Experience Modification Rate (EMR) of 0.78, reflecting a culture where safety is more than a goal—it's a core value. Through ongoing training, process improvement, and investment in its people, Rochester Structural continues to strengthen relationships with customers, employees, and industry partners alike.

When customers choose Rochester Structural, they aren't simply hiring a fabricator or subcontractor—they're choosing a trusted partner committed to delivering value, solving complex challenges, and ensuring every project is completed safely, efficiently, and to the highest standards. That commitment remains just as strong today as it was when David Yelle founded the company more than five decades ago.