Founded by Kenneth Cronstrom in the 1930's, the history of CMI has been varied and innovative. Business lines evolved from specialty sheet metal fabrication, to the worlds' largest manufacturer of recreational aluminum coolers (predecessor to "Igloo" type plastic coolers, search "Cronstroms" on e-bay), to heated portable metal food storage carts used by hospitals.

In 1955, Kenneth Cronstrom acquired an aluminum door manufacturing operation to which he applied his usual entrepreneurial spirit. In fact, he was inspired by a personal inconvenience which eventually catapulted CMI to the forefront of premier aluminum storefront framing systems performance standards of the day.

Frost that developed on the framing of Kenny's lake home porch windows led him to challenge Les Bloom, his production manager, to develop a window framing system that would resist the formation of frost and condensation. Thus was born the unique CTS (Cronstroms Thermal System) framing system. Kenny recognized the unique nature of the components and technology they had developed and patented the system in the United States and Canada where it has remained the cornerstone of the CMI product line to this day.

Although the patents have long expired and the system is much copied, none have ever equaled the design versatility or fabrication and installation friendly system innovation of the original CTS system.

The addition of pour-and-debridge storefront, operating windows, ribbon windows, curtainwall systems, plank and flush panel doors has continued the evolution of CMI as a full service architectural aluminum door and window system manufacturer.

Present management operates manufacturing facilities in DeSmet, SD and Dowagiac, MI and a sales office in Minneapolis, MN. All CMI facilities and personnel are poised to introduce to you the customer service driven "partnership" enjoyed by designers and glazing contractors alike.