The Newest Innovations in Hollow Metal
From the Oldest Hollow Metal Company in America
From the Oldest Hollow Metal Company in America
In 1864, the Mesker Brothers began producing hollow metal storefront facades. Their 1896 St. Louis manufacturing site was located at 421 S. Sixth Street, a spot that's now inside Busch Stadium, home of the baseball Cardinals. By the turn of the century, the Mesker brothers had begun producing fireproof exterior windows and doors. Their breakthrough designs were fundamental to improving building standards and safety.
German immigrant John Mesker starts his own company primarily doing tinning and iron work.
Mesker starts using sheet metal for architectural ornaments and entrances.
Mesker pioneers sheet metal fronts in lieu of masonry and cast iron fronts. Mesker is the first to use metal sheets for entrances (including doors) which are referred to today as "hollow metal doors."
John Mesker trains his 3 sons in the business to carry on his legacy.They divide up into 2 companies. Bernard and Frank Mesker grow Mesker Brothers Ironworks in St, Louis, MO, while brother George builds George L. Mesker Company in Evansville, IN.Although they compete and operate independently in 1880, they remain close as a family.
Mesker wins the Architectural Gold Medal (the highest award) at the 1904 Worlds Fair for articles they manufacture.
Mesker Brothers Ironworks in St louis, MO is incorporated.
Although the cast iron Victorian facades and entrances fall out of vogue in the 20th century, Mesker changes with the times and continues with its theme of using sheet metal to make hollow metal doors and frames in a more streamlined fashion.
The Evansville foundry closes in 1981, but the St. Louis Mesker Company continues to flourish.
Mesker moves from St. Louis to Huntsville, AL in 1988.
Mesker Door builds a brand new, 155,000 sq. ft., state of the art manufacturing facility, specifically designed to engineer and manufacture hollow metal doors and frames. Mesker continues to expand at that same location today.
Mesker buys the manufacturing company that supplies the door core material and increases production with the newest innovations in high tech equipment, including the new Amadas--laser guided fabrication machines.
Mesker launches the new patent pending Envy Door - the fully welded, seamless edge door without bondo. Over a century later, the Mesker name lives on and still remains an American owned, privately-held company remains an innovative American manufacturer
The Mesker Brothers breakthrough metal door designs ultimately led to the modern hollow metal door and hollow metal frame units that were once found only in factories and military facilities. Now hollow metal doors and hollow metal frames are used in the finest offices and construction of all kinds. So, American-made Mesker hollow metal doors and hollow metal frames are used throughout the world. And Mesker Door is a pillar in a family of companies that include Design Hardware, Mid-Am Metal and Web 101 Development.
