Frontier Galvanizing (frontiergalvanizing)
Frontier Galvanizing, legally known as Frontier Hot-Dip Galvanizing, Inc., has provided corrosion protection services for over 75 years. Based in Buffalo, the company specializes in hot-dip galvanizing for industries that support bridges, highways, stadiums, utilities, and other infrastructure. Since 1948, Frontier Galvanizing has grown from a local operation into a partner for projects in the United States and abroad.
The company began on Austin Street in Buffalo, serving local manufacturers and contractors. As industrial demand increased, larger facilities became necessary. In 1970, Ray V. Pierce and a small group of shareholders acquired Frontier Galvanizing. The company later moved to the former General Drop Forge Corp. foundry at 1740 Elmwood Avenue, providing more space and improved production capacity.
Ray was later joined by his brother, Lewis G. Pierce. Together, they expanded the company through land acquisitions, larger galvanizing areas, and additional outdoor storage. Frontier eventually grew its workforce to around 40 full-time employees while serving state Departments of Transportation, utilities, contractors, and energy providers.
Frontier Galvanizing has continued investing in process control and environmental responsibility. Its operations include continuous flux treatment, hydrochloric acid regeneration, and hex-free paintable passivation. The company also maintains memberships in the American Galvanizers Association and the Galvanizers Association UK & Ireland.
Its project portfolio includes work 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. Millions of pounds of galvanized steel produced in Buffalo have also been exported to Australia, Canada, Jamaica, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.
In 1998, Frontier Galvanizing received the Excellence in Hot-Dip Galvanizing Award from the American Galvanizers Association for Franklinville Bridge #31 in New York. Today, leadership is handled by Lewis G. Pierce and his son, Robert V. Pierce.
Frontier Hot-Dip Galvanizing continues to focus on quality, workplace safety, environmental stewardship, reliable service, and operational improvement. Its long-term approach remains centered on protecting steel, supporting infrastructure, and maintaining the standards that have guided the company since 1948.
