Mission / History

Our Mission

To surpass the expectations of our clients by expanding the boundaries of high quality metal and glass used in art and architecture.  Zahner will push the levels of technology while providing a worthwhile, challenging and safe environment for our present and future employees and associates.

Zahner accomplishes this mission at every stage of the design and construction process: When a client first meets with Zahner, they learn of new processes, surfaces, and capabilities that Zahner has innovated. After the surface has been selected, Zahner engineers then develop details that most elegantly match the architect's designed aesthetic. These details both provide the highest level of performance as well as visual aesthetics.

One project can consist of hundreds and even thousands of parts.  During production, parts are organized by barcode scanner, and then delivered systematically to the site. Zahner field engineers ensure that the final product looks as stunning as the original rendering. Our goal is the consistently exceed our client's expectation. This dedication and attention to quality and craftsmanship are unparalleled in the metal industry.

History

Zahner has been engineering and producing advanced sheet metal surfaces for over 115 years. Andrew Zahner, great grandfather of current CEO/President L. William Zahner, ran a small business called Eagle Cornice Works in Joplin, Missouri in the late 1800's. He provided custom architectural metal cornices to many of the surrounding towns in southern Missouri and Eastern Kansas. In 1897, Andrew Zahner uprooted his business and moved to Kansas City, Missouri, where he founded the A. Zahner Company.

Throughout the 20th Century, the A. Zahner Company mastered these new metals and processes, innovating and developing many of its own, while generating a presence throughout the Midwest through the high level of craft which people came to expect from the Company. By the late 20th Century, under management from the current CEO/President L. William Zahner, the Company began a rapid shift from regional projects to high-profile architecture.

Today, metal is experiencing a new renaissance. Titanium, chemical vapor deposition, interference coloring and custom patinas are available to the designer. Zahner is again involved in the development and fabrication of these ‘new’ materials and processes for architectural use.

The architectural industry is also in the midst of a shift to digital construction. Zahner is on the forefront of this shift, using Building Information Modeling and Digital Definition to provide a transparent construction process. The result is reduced construction errors, leaner construction, and high-tech craftsmanship.

In 2011, Zahner worked with Crawford Architects to renovate the Company’s north facade and loading dock. The resulting facade is a facelift for the surrounding neighborhood, as well more efficient use of space.

Zahner Headquarters during construction.