About Frontier Galvanizing
Hot-Dip Galvanizing Service
Frontier Galvanizing (legal name, Frontier Hot-Dip Galvanizing, Inc.) has provided dependable corrosion protection for over seventy-five years. From its plant in Buffalo, the company offers hot-dip galvanizing services that protect the daily infrastructure people use. Bridges, highways, stadiums, and utility systems depend on its work for long-lasting strength. What started as a small local shop has grown into a trusted name with a presence far beyond its original community.
Building a Reputation for Excellence
Recognition has been part of the company’s story for decades. A notable example came in 1998, when the American Galvanizers Association awarded Frontier Galvanizing the Excellence in Hot-Dip Galvanizing Award for the Franklinville Bridge #31 in New York. This award reflected the company’s ability to meet exacting technical standards and produce work that meets the demands of daily use.
From Austin Street to Elmwood Avenue
The business was founded in 1948 on Austin Street in Buffalo, serving local manufacturers and contractors who needed practical and reliable galvanizing. In its early years, it became known for straightforward service and consistent results. By the late 1960s, however, larger infrastructure projects created growing demand, and the small plant could no longer keep pace. The stage was set for change and expansion.
The Pierce Family’s Leadership
In 1970, Ray V. Pierce and a small group of shareholders acquired Frontier Galvanizing, setting a period of growth in motion. Ray recognized that the company could become a regional leader if it expanded its capabilities. Within a few years, operations were relocated to the former General Drop Forge Corp. foundry at 1740 Elmwood Avenue. The move allowed the company to handle bigger projects and improve efficiency.
Soon, Ray was joined by his brother, Lewis G. Pierce. Together, they invested in land and facilities, expanding indoor galvanizing capacity and creating outdoor laydown yards. These investments made it possible to process larger steel assemblies and accommodate higher production volumes. Clients such as state Departments of Transportation, public utilities, infrastructure contractors, and significant energy providers became regular partners. The workforce grew to around forty full-time employees, strengthening the company’s ability to deliver dependable service.
Focus on Technology and Responsibility
The company has always viewed process improvement and environmental responsibility as essential. Over the years, it has invested in continuous flux treatment, hydrochloric acid regeneration, and hex-free paintable passivation. These advancements increase efficiency while also reducing environmental impact. By maintaining membership in the American Galvanizers Association and the Galvanizers Association UK & Ireland, Frontier Galvanizing stays connected to research, best practices, and regulatory updates. This involvement ensures readiness to adapt to industry changes.
A Record of Notable Projects
Frontier Galvanizing has contributed to projects that are well known across North America. Its work includes galvanizing 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. Each project required consistent quality, careful process control, and attention to deadlines.
The company’s reach is not limited to the United States. Millions of pounds of galvanized steel have been exported to Australia, Canada, Jamaica, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. These exports demonstrate that the standards achieved in Buffalo are trusted internationally, even in markets where galvanizing is well established.
Recognition and Standing in the Industry
Industry recognition has come through awards, long-standing client relationships, and repeat projects. The Excellence in Hot-Dip Galvanizing Award exemplifies the company’s ability to combine technical precision with reliable service. Recognition affirms that each project reflects teamwork, process consistency, and the application of skills developed over decades.
Guiding the Company Today
Leadership continues with the Pierce family, led by Lewis G. Pierce and his son, Robert V. Pierce. Their approach combines respect for established practices with openness to new ideas and technologies. They emphasize refining operations, maintaining client relationships, and exploring opportunities in emerging markets. The balance between tradition and innovation continues to shape the company’s progress.
Looking Forward with Purpose
Frontier Hot-Dip Galvanizing's long-term goals remain clear. Quality, safety, environmental stewardship, and operational excellence guide the company’s decisions. Whether reinforcing a bridge, supporting the frame of a stadium, or protecting essential utility systems, the company approaches each project with dedication and care.
Since 1948, Frontier Galvanizing has been defined by trust, durability, and consistency. As it looks toward the future, it remains committed to solutions that last, ensuring its products and reputation remain as strong as the steel it protects.
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