Armstrong World Industries, Inc. (NYSE: AWI), a leader in ceiling and wall solutions, announced today the acquisition of A. Zahner Company (Zahner), a renowned design and engineering firm based in Kansas City, Mo., specializing in high-quality, complex exterior architectural metal solutions. Zahner’s advanced metal surfaces and engineering systems are recognized globally and have been featured in some of North America’s most iconic commercial and cultural buildings.
Vic Grizzle, President and CEO of Armstrong World Industries, expressed excitement about the acquisition, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome Zahner and its talented team to the Armstrong family. This acquisition expands our capabilities in the exterior architectural metal category, complementing our world-class metal design and manufacturing expertise for interior ceilings and specialty walls.”
Zahner is a pioneer in using metal for architecture, known for its innovative and collaborative design approach. The company’s expertise in computational design, metal finishing, and engineering systems has brought visionary projects to life. Some of its most notable works include SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif., the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, and IBM’s corporate headquarters in New York. Zahner’s process involves close collaboration with architects and designers from the project’s inception to ensure the design is both manufacturable and durable.
William Zahner, CEO of Zahner, expressed confidence in the partnership: “We look forward to the opportunities this presents for our people and clients. Together with Armstrong, we can accelerate our growth by combining our shared values of innovation and client satisfaction.”
Founded in 1897, Zahner has evolved from a sheet metal fabricator to a leader in architectural metal design, with production facilities in Missouri and Texas. The company employs approximately 160 experts in metallurgy, structural and mechanical engineering, and project management. Zahner is expected to generate revenue of approximately $42 million in 2024.
The acquisition of Zahner is part of Armstrong’s growth strategy, having completed 12 Architectural Specialties acquisitions since 2016. This expansion enhances Armstrong’s portfolio of products, including materials for both interior and exterior applications like metal, wood, felt, and architectural resin. The addition of Zahner complements Armstrong’s 2023 acquisition of BOK Modern, LLC, further strengthening its capabilities in exterior architectural metal.
Armstrong financed the acquisition using existing cash and its revolving credit facility, with District Capital Partners acting as its buy-side adviser.
About Armstrong World Industries Armstrong World Industries, Inc. (AWI) is a leader in the design and manufacture of innovative ceiling and wall solutions across the Americas. With $1.3 billion in revenue in 2023, AWI employs over 3,600 people and operates a manufacturing network of 21 facilities, including Zahner’s. Armstrong has been transforming how spaces are designed and experienced for over 160 years, with a focus on aesthetics, acoustics, wellbeing, and sustainability.
