Located in West Bend, WI, West Bend Mutual Insurance is proud to have the largest privately held collection of art created by local Wisconsin artists. The insurer was looking for a custom piece to add to its outdoor collection that could be proudly displayed for generations to admire. Artists were encouraged to submit their designs and one would be chosen by a committee of West Bend employees.

The artist chosen was Michael Route. He displays his original iron pieces at his studio, Red Iron Studios based in Frederic, WI. Route says that during the design phase, his inspiration for this piece was buzzing bees.

His most difficult challenge was to determine how to meet the customers one requirement: the piece must not rust. Route was not familiar with hot-dip galvanizing (HDG). After some research, some phone calls and a visit to the galvanizing plant, he decided that galvanizing was the best solution to meet the customers anti-corrosion requirement.

The next challenge Route faced was how to properly vent the piece to ensure the holes would allow proper galvanizing without affecting the artists vision. The curves and intertwining parts of this piece made it difficult. It was a joint effort between Route and the galvanizer to come up with a plan that met the needs of both parties.

When the piece was ready, Route brought it to the galvanizing plant and followed his creation through all stages of the galvanizing process. The end result? An amazing 14-ft. tall, 700-pound, one-of-a-kind piece of galvanized art that will last many years for future generations to enjoy.

The galvanizer is proud to a part of this original piece of art, which now is displayed at West Bend Mutual Insurance companys headquarters. The galvanizer is also pleased to have played a role in Routes use of hot-dip galvanizing for what may be considered non-traditional (compared to more typical use in building and construction) because it brings this valuable process and materials to the forefront to show its importance, create new market opportunities and provide additional valuable solutions.