About Us

Quality, Capability, & Scalability Since 1949

Ville Platte Iron Works, Inc. was opened on April 1, 1949 by Ashland Manuel and David Deshotel as a machine shop. With the death of Deshotel, the business was owned solely by Ashland & Chicken Manuel. The Manuel’s had three sons, David, Mike and Ben. During the growing years of Ville Platte Iron Works, Inc, each son worked for the family business.

David, the eldest, later purchased the family owned business and continued to grow the company. David noticed the changes in the surrounding areas and moved the company to specialize in welding and fabrication. The services that Ville Platte Iron Works, Inc. focused on were primarily for farm equipment and walk-in customers.

TruckingIn 2001, David’s son Nick joined his father in the family business. Like David, Nick observed the need for change and growth. A year after joining his father, Nick noted a huge change in the commercial climate, and decided to open a division for CNC machines. The primary objective was to service the oil and natural gas industry that has grown in this area.

2009 brought more great changes to the company. In addition to an innovative CNC department, the Blasting and Coating division was added to Ville Platte Iron Works, Inc. With the huge development, relocation of the company was necessary to better service Cameron Valves & Measurements, who accounts for a large percentage of the company business.

2018 Expansion

As the business began flourishing to new heights, Nick’s wife, Felicia, joined the family owned business as the OfficeManager. In 2011, moving the company into the third generation, Nick and Felicia purchased Ville Platte Iron Works, Inc. Together, they continue to move the company forward, while keeping the importance of family-owned business qualities in mind.

Ville Platte Iron Works, Inc. currently has three departments, CNC, Fabrication and Coating, employing over 75 people and providing outstanding service to many valued customers.