The roots of the Balius family heritage are derived from over 100 years of service and their oyster dredge, the "Balius Dredge".

Balius Welding and Iron Works in D’Iberville, MS has proudly served the Gulf Coast for three generations, dating back to 1919 when Noel Balius Sr. opened Balius & Son Black Smith and Welding in Biloxi, MS. Mr. Balius designed the “Balius Dredge” that would change the way oystermen harvested oysters and helped revolutionize the oyster industry. In the 1980’s, Donald Balius Sr. began to hot dip galvanize the dredges to increase their longevity. He found that by adding the zinc coating, his dredges lasted up to 3 times longer than before. Today, Dann Balius and Noel E. Balius continue to fabricate their oyster dredges, the same way they have always been made, by using a coal forge. They feel that galvanizing the oyster dredge adds another level of craftsmanship, quality and a longer life expectancy.
Oyster dredges are utilized year round, not only to harvest the oysters, but to help spread rock and shells that allow the oysters to grow into mature mollusks. Over the years, oystermen have continued to see the benefits of galvanizing their dredges by only having to maintain and repair the dredge teeth. The longevity of the dredge frames allows for up to 7 years of service when the teeth are maintained. 

Deep rooted heritage in the seafood industry and the instinct to pass their knowledge through the generations have been keys to success for the Balius family. The galvanizing process has proven to be so effective on the oyster dredges that the Balius family has incorporated hot dip galvanizing into other aspects of their fabrication. Handrails, stair systems, gates and other miscellaneous structural products are hot dip galvanized to help protect against the harsh South Mississippi climate. They continue to custom fabricate the “Balius Dredge” as it comes in many sizes, and they currently supply the oyster communities in four Gulf Coast states… Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama.