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Joe Zen immigrated to Canada from Italy in the 1950s and got into welding simply because he needed work, says his son, Paul Zen. He applied his skills on pipelines up north, and one night while playing poker with fellow welders. The result was a $5,000 win, which he used to pay off debts and invest in his own business, Pacific Iron Works, in Vancouver.
In its early years, Pacific Iron Works focused on steel, the standard material for residential balconies at the time. But in the late 1960s, a salesman from Alcan introduced Joe to aluminum welding. Being a seat-of-the-pants innovator, Joe took on his first aluminum assignment, which proved successful. He quickly realized the advantages: aluminum was faster to cut, easier to weld, and much lighter to lift than steel. This early experiment set the stage for a shift in the industry, laying the foundation for what would eventually become East & West Alum Craft Ltd., a company built on hands-on problem solving, calculated risk, and a commitment to doing the work the right way.
Today, the company, under the direction of Co-Owners, Paul and Sergio Zen, has set the standard for how aluminum construction components and railing systems are designed, fabricated, and delivered, combining experience with a drive for constant improvement. The same grit and wisdom is now being transferred to the third generation, providing resilient structures and craftsmanship.
“We were taught early on that the hardest thing to pass on to people outside the business is the passion to succeed. We stay hands-on at the factories and put in the hours to make sure our focus never drifts,” says Paul Zen, co-owner.
Expanding the Scope of Aluminum Design
The shift from steel to aluminum marked more than just a material change. It signaled a new way of thinking about durability, efficiency, and installation. Aluminum proved faster to cut, easier to lift, and better suited to large-scale construction timelines. Convincing the market was not immediate, but over time, East & West helped redefine what builders and architects expected from a railing system.
Now the company’s offerings span a range of architectural and structural aluminum components. Glass railings remain a staple, available in configurations including offset glass, post-mounted panels, and mixed horizontal-bar designs. Aluminum picket railings provide extensive flexibility in style, with multiple options for picket size, shape, and finish. Powder-coated trellises offer a durable, lightweight alternative to traditional steel or wood. East & West also fabricates custom gates and larger structural assemblies designed to meet the demands of commercial and multi-residential projects.
Custom design remains a major offering, with solutions developed in close collaboration with clients. The company often designs proprietary railing systems in response to specific jobsite needs. While this creates a constant cycle of customization, the company is built to handle it. A balance of engineering expertise and field experience allows the team to prototype, fabricate, and install with confidence.
Technological advances have strengthened the company’s capabilities. The addition of a waterjet machine in 2012 opened new design possibilities. More recently, automation has been incorporated into select processes, prototyping has been optimized, and BIM applications have been adopted to ensure seamless integration with modern construction workflows.
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We were taught early on that the hardest thing to pass on to people outside the business is the passion to succeed. We stay hands-on at the factories and put in the hours to make sure our focus never drifts.
Technological advances have strengthened the company’s capabilities. The addition of a waterjet machine in 2012 opened new design possibilities. More recently, automation has been incorporated into select processes, prototyping has been optimized, and BIM applications have been adopted to ensure seamless integration with modern construction workflows.
A Reputation Forged in Follow-Through
What keeps clients coming back is not just the product, but the process. East & West is known for doing what it says it will do and standing behind it. Corrections are made promptly when needed. Budgets are accurate and rarely exceed quoted amounts. Potential problems that could impact cost or delivery are identified early, usually before bidding, saving clients time and money. This kind of anticipation and follow-up has built enduring relationships throughout the development and construction industry.
Work volume remains solid even during slower economic periods. The company typically has 40 to 50 projects in various stages of completion, with about 20 in active progress at any time. Its process begins early, partnering with developers and architects during design stages to balance budget and scope. This forward-thinking strategy has established East & West as a go-to partner for developers across North America.
The company’s approach has led to standout results. One notable milestone is the Gaylord Pacific Resort and Convention Center in Chula Vista, where East & West collaborated with Mortenson and McCarthy to design a project that met architectural requirements while staying within budget. Another memorable occasion occurred when a Los Angeles developer engaged the company at the very start of a project. That initial collaboration led to several subsequent assignments for the same client.
With similar successes across North America, East & West continues to evolve without losing sight of its origins. With each project, the company builds on its legacy while shaping the future of aluminum design.
