Interior view of a modern living space with a large dark metal wall divider, wooden accents, and a cozy seating area visible in the background.
Modern kitchen with a view of lush green trees and snow-capped mountains through large glass windows and balcony.

Crafting Timeless Steel, Building Lasting Legacies

At Wide Open Welding, we bring over 50 years of combined expertise and a passion for precision to every project.

As a CWB Certified Division 2 company, we are proud to uphold the highest industry standards while delivering innovative custom metal solutions.

Modern house with large glass windows, green lawn, and unique concrete lounge chairs on the grass, surrounded by tall pine trees and mountains in the background, under a blue sky with scattered clouds.
The image shows the exterior of a modern house with large windows and wooden vertical slats on the walls. There are snow-covered trees and ground surrounding the house, indicating a winter setting. The house has a concrete and wooden design with metal support columns.

MISSION

We exist to turn visionary designs into reality. Our mission is to provide top-quality, precise fabrication and seamless installation services that exceed client expectations.

How we work

From concept to completion, Wide Open Welding takes a hands-on, collaborative approach to every project. Our process includes:

  • Design and Detailing: We work closely with clients to develop comprehensive designs and detailed plans that bring ideas to life.

  • Fabrication: With cutting-edge equipment and experienced craftsmen, we fabricate structural, architectural, and custom metal projects with unmatched precision.

  • Installation: Our expert team ensures every project is installed with accuracy and care, meeting all specifications and exceeding expectations.

  • Seamless Communication: We prioritize clear, consistent communication throughout the process, keeping clients informed every step of the way.

Meet the Team

A middle-aged man with a beard and mustache wearing a gray sweatshirt with the words 'wide open welding' and 'constructors' printed on it, standing in front of a dark background.

  • Kevin Friesen, co-founder of Wide Open Welding, brings a lifetime of expertise and exceptional skill to the building industry, with decades of hands-on construction and steel fabrication experience. Kevin’s foundation is Red Seal-certified Boilermaker Erector. With extensive experience in new construction, he is dedicated to the company’s development of new talent, enhancing project management and engaging new and emerging tech. 

    In 1994, Kevin moved to Whistler to build his family home. With his brother Rob he launched Wide Open Welding in 2002. Today, he plays a pivotal role in delivering high-quality steel fabrication for commercial, residential and industrial construction projects throughout the Sea-To-Sky corridor, Lower Mainland and Sunshine Coast. Kevin thrives on the challenge of transforming raw steel into striking, structurally sound works of art. He enjoys collaborating with architects and engineers, leveraging his problem-solving skills to bring complex designs to life with precision and efficiency. 

    Kevin raised his family in the Whistler community, with his two children now grown and starting their own careers. Passionate about all things mechanical, customizing motorcycles and building boats occupies his free time. On a bluebird day he can be found snowmobiling in the backcountry or exploring little known roads on his dual sport or Harley. 

    A dedicated craftsman and innovator, Kevin continues to push the boundaries of steel fabrication, ensuring every project is built to the highest standard and exceeds expectation. 

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  • Rob Friesen is the co-founder and principal of Wide Open Welding, bringing decades of expertise in precision steel fabrication. His career began as a Red Seal-certified Rigger, Fitter, Welder, and Boilermaker, working in pulp mills and refineries across British Columbia and Alberta for over 10 years.

    In 2002, Rob partnered with his brother, Kevin, to establish Wide Open Welding, driven by a passion for craftsmanship and innovation. For more than two decades, he has been a key figure in the Sea-to-Sky region, providing high-quality architectural metalwork that enhances the aesthetics and functionality of custom homes and commercial spaces. His dedication to precision and design ensures that each piece not only meets structural requirements but also becomes a striking focal point in every project.

    Beyond his work, Rob is a devoted family man with two sons. He enjoys spending his free time on the ice coaching hockey, skiing the slopes, or exploring the open road on both dual-sport and street motorcycles.