CEO
Charter Manufacturing | Mequon
John W. Mellowes is CEO and a fourth-generation family owner of Charter Manufacturing Company Inc., a Mequon-based group of metals manufacturing businesses. Under Mellowes’ leadership, Charter Manufacturing and its businesses have acquired Lokey Metals, Cobra Metal Works, Aarrowcast Inc., and Niles Iron & Metal Co. In 2023, Charter Steel broke ground for a 55-acre solar array at its Saukville plant, which is expected to offset its reliance on the grid by 8%. The company reports annual sales of nearly $2 billion.
Education: Bachelor’s, Princeton University; MBA, The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania
What would you like to change about Wisconsin: “Fostering a more civil and constructive political environment. A focus on responsible problem-solving over divisive rhetoric would greatly enhance our ability to tackle the pressing issues of our time.”
Favorite Wisconsin destination: “Lambeau Field. As a lifelong Packers fan, there’s nothing quite like experiencing a game at this iconic venue on a warm Sunday afternoon in the fall. The energy, the tradition and the community spirit make it my favorite Wisconsin destination.”
Playlist for commute/run: “I regularly listen to podcasts during my commute or free time. My go-to choices include insightful discussions on business and technology as well as updates on my favorite sports teams.”
Favorite movie: “’The Dawn Wall.’ It’s a powerful true story about rock climber Tommy Caldwell, who overcame tremendous adversity to achieve something extraordinary.”
2022 Wisconsin 275 Profile
Manufacturing
CEO
Charter Manufacturing Inc.
Mequon
John W. Mellowes assumed leadership of Charter Manufacturing Inc. in 2013, succeeding his father in that role. Mellowes represents the fourth generation of family leadership of the Mequon-based metals manufacturing businesses; he is the great-grandson of Charter founder Alfred Mellowes.
The Charter family of companies includes Charter Steel, Charter Wire, Charter Dura-Bar and Charter Aarrowcast. Its customers include automakers, automotive suppliers and off-highway equipment manufacturers. The company has more than 2,500 employees. In 2022, it ranked No. 25 on Deloitte’s Wisconsin 75 list of the state’s largest private companies, based on sales revenue. The company’s revenue has exceeded $1 billion in recent years.
Under Mellowes’ leadership, Charter Dura Bar acquired iron distribution business Lokey Metals in Fort Worth; Charter Automotive acquired assets of Cobra Metal Works; and Charter Manufacturing acquired Aarrowcast Inc., a Shawano-based maker of gray and ductile iron castings.
It has also consolidated operations. In 2020, Charter Automotive exited its U.K. facility, consolidating business and assets into its Milwaukee and Changzhou, China, operations. The following year, it divested of its Charter Automotive China operations.
Mellowes serves on the board of regents of the Milwaukee School of Engineering and is a former board member of the YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee.
Education: Bachelor’s, Princeton University; MBA, The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania
