Vulkane specializes in custom projects that range from the practical to the innovative. Projects include everything from sweeping outdoor sculptures to specialty residential railings and business signs to a family crest medallion. The company’s CNC WaterJet allows detail cutting up to 1/40,000 of an inch.
The company’s local clients include the University of Cincinnati’s main street renovation, Christ Hospital and Beluga restaurant in Hyde Park. Their work is also on display nationally and internationally at The Westin Dawn Beach Resort & Spa in St. Maarten and Under Armor sports apparel store.
“We’re pretty much a turnkey metal fabrication shop, but we’re different than most. We’re typically a one-of type of fabrication shop. Every new job is reinventing the wheel,” said Paul Tucker, company operations manager.
Many of Vulkane’s pieces literally are works of art. They have been working with New York artist Roxy Paine, fabrication life size stainless steel natural objects including majestic trees and strong boulders. Some of that work currently is on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City and the National Gallery in Washington, D.C.
Owner Timothy Kane started the company as a solo operation; it grew into a space at the Essex Studios. It really began to grow through a partnership with FRCH Design Worldwide.
In June 2007, the company moved into its own 20,000 sq. ft. space on Hubert Avenue, and employs seven employees.
Vulkane received citywide recognition recently as the designer of the pace car for this year’s Cincinnati Soapbox Derby set for June 27 and 28. The sleek car is the race’s first pace car.
“We contacted the mayor in early February to see if we could be a part of the discussion on streetscaping and the urban renewal process,” Tucker said. “They Told us about the Soapbox Derby and we took it upon ourselves to do something fun and cool for the city.”
The company hopes to partner more with the city in developing public works for the parks system and the planned bike trail development.
Writer: Feoshia Henderson
Source: Paul Tucker, operations manager Vulkane Industrial Arts