Frontier Galvanizing
Hot-Dip Galvanizing Service
Frontier Galvanizing (legal name, Frontier Hot-Dip Galvanizing, Inc ) has been synonymous with quality and durability in corrosion protection for over 75 years. The Buffalo-based company delivers hot-dip galvanizing services to industries that shape the physical and functional backbone of communities.
Frontier Galvanizing strengthens the infrastructure people rely on every day, from bridges and highways to stadiums and utility systems. Over the decades, it has evolved from a small local shop to a recognized partner in both domestic and international projects
The company’s reputation is built on craftsmanship, environmental responsibility, and client trust It has been repeatedly recognized for technical excellence, including the Excellence in Hot-Dip Galvanizing Award from the American Galvanizers Association in 1998 for Franklinville Bridge #31 in New York
From Austin Street to Elmwood Avenue
Frontier Galvanizing began providing local manufacturers and contractors with reliable galvanizing solutions in 1948 on Austin Street in Buffalo Even then, the company achieved a reputation for dependable workmanship and practical service.
But as infrastructure projects expanded rapidly by the late 1960s, the need for larger facilities and greater production capacity to meet growing industrial demand became apparent.
In 1970, Ray V Pierce and a small group of shareholders acquired Frontier Galvanizing, marking a significant turning point in the company’s growth. Looking beyond the limitations of the Austin Street plant, Ray saw the company’s potential to become a regional leader capable of taking on larger and more technically challenging projects
Within a few years, the company’s operations were relocated to the former General Drop Forge Corp. foundry at 1740 Elmwood Avenue. The new facilities and improved workflow enabled the company to expand to a larger operational footprint
Family Leadership and Long-Term Strategy
Ray was soon joined by his brother, Lewis G. Pierce. Together, they embarked on a program of strategic land acquisitions, expanding both indoor galvanizing capacity and outdoor laydown yards This additional space meant the company could handle larger steel assemblies, accommodate higher-volume orders, and streamline operations to meet tight construction schedules
Frontier’s client list grew exponentially as well The company became a trusted partner to state Departments of Transportation, public utilities, infrastructure contractors, and major energy providers, eventually increasing its workforce to around 40 full-time employees.
Technological Investments for Quality and Sustainability
Frontier Galvanizing has consistently invested in process consistency and environmental control, both of which are cornerstones of the galvanized steel industry’s longevity. In recent
years, the company has implemented advancements such as continuous flux treatment, hydrochloric acid regeneration, and hex-free paintable passivation, all of which have increased operational efficiency while reducing environmental impact
Frontier Galvanizing’s membership in the American Galvanizers Association and the Galvanizers Association UK & Ireland gives the company direct access to cutting-edge research, industry best practices, and the latest environmental compliance developments. This involvement allows the company to remain informed, adaptive, and ready to meet changing technical and regulatory demands
A Portfolio of High-Profile Projects
Frontier Galvanizing’s capabilities are evident in its work on large-scale, high-visibility projects across North America. The company has galvanized structural steel for the Daytona Motor Speedway, the Peace Bridge connecting Buffalo and Fort Erie, Boston’s Green Line Extension, the Queensboro Bridge in New York City, and the Buffalo Bills’ new Highmark Stadium
Frontier’s reach extends well beyond U S borders Millions of pounds of galvanized steel produced in Buffalo have been exported to Australia, Canada, Jamaica, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. This international presence demonstrates the trust clients place in the company’s quality standards, even in regions with established galvanizing industries
Recognition and Industry Standing
Industry recognition has been a consistent part of Frontier’s story The American Galvanizers Association’s Excellence in Hot-Dip Galvanizing Award is a testament to the company’s ability to meet demanding specifications while delivering visual and functional results. These and other awards reaffirm the company’s exemplary craftsmanship and acknowledge the teamwork and process control that go into each project
The Next Generation of Leadership
Frontier’s leadership today is ably handled by Lewis G Pierce and his son, Robert V Pierce, who continue to espouse the values instilled by earlier generations. Combining respect for proven methods and a willingness to adopt new technologies and processes, Frontier Galvanizing continues to refine operations, strengthen client relationships, and explore emerging markets under the Pierces’ guidance.
A Clear Vision for the Future
Frontier Hot-Dip Galvanizing’s long-term goals remain consistent with the principles that have sustained it for over seven decades. These include maintaining the highest quality standards,
prioritizing workplace safety, advancing environmental stewardship, and pursuing operational excellence.
Whether reinforcing the steel of a bridge, securing the framework of a stadium, or supporting critical utility networks, Frontier Galvanizing approaches every job with the precision and dedication that has defined its name since 1948 As it moves forward, the company remains committed to solutions that stand the test of time, ensuring that both its products and its reputation remain as strong and resilient as the steel it protects