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.

Hardware that combines durability and timeless design elevates every door into a statement of quality and style. Copper Creek makes this possible, embodying true innovation and enduring quality. A leading hardware company, it crafts door and bath fittings characterized by superior craftsmanship and exceptional value. Raising the standard of everyday hardware, it blends competitive pricing with great ingenuity. Committed to solving industry-wide problems such as lack of innovation, poor service and declining material quality, Copper Creek has become the trusted name that redefines what the lock industry should be. It was founded in response to an opportunity to reimagine product designs, placing client relationships at the heart of everything it does. It adapts and responds to client needs with a speed and agility that larger competitors often cannot match. “We treat our clients as family. We can make quick decisions and provide personal, attentive service,” says Tae Lee, principal and founder. Low return rates and glowing customer reviews are rooted in its proven track record of consistently delivering high-quality products. A comprehensive one-stop shop for all door hardware needs, it seamlessly addresses common product limitations in the industry. Door locks are its core offering. A variety of builder-grade door hardware, including handlesets, deadbolts, interior hardware and electronic locks, is tailored for commercial and residential clients and multi-family buildings. Montana Forge, Copper Creek’s high-end designer door hardware line, is celebrated for its architecturally inspired aesthetics. It is crafted with premium, component-based construction and features thoughtful details like concealed screws and a ‘convenience latch’ with a short 28-degree rotation for easy use.