About Us

Axel G. Dawson, who immigrated to the United States from Sweden in 1911 at the age of 15, worked for 32 years in the metalworking industry before joining with his son George, an Industrial Engineer, to start DAWSON Metal Company in 1946.

The initial enterprise, a tin shop and hardware business, changed its concentration to metal shop work in 1949. The company’s primary concern developed into stainless steel fabrication, specializing in custom, close tolerance work.

The company grew to include such customers as IBM and Eastman Kodak.

Axel developed and patented his first architectural products, a stainless steel “Floating Window Sill” and stainless steel “Flo Line Fascia.” The company began production of a variety of architectural frames, doors, and fittings.

The architectural division of DAWSON Metal Company, DAWSON Doors, expanded and modernized and moved to 608 Allen St. The company continued to make customized doors out of stainless steel and muntz metal for installation in some of the most beautiful buildings in the world: the Statue of Liberty, The World Trade Center in New York City, the Japanese Embassy in New York City, St. Paul’s Church in Yuma, Arizona, Saks Fifth Avenue Stores in various cities, to name just a few.

DAWSON became managed by the third generation of Dawsons: David, Chairman of the Board and CEO; John, President and COO, and Jane, Corporate Secretary. David also served as the director of the Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency.

John was associated with DAWSON since 1966, working in every phase of production from bottom to top until his retirement in 1998, when David took over as President and CEO.

The company’s mission was to continue the tradition of high-quality workmanship, begun and developed by George and Axel, in a modern, highly technical and competitive environment.

Spray-Tech Finishing & Assembly Inc. was formed to provide powder coating and finishing services as an affiliate of DAWSON.

David Dawson takes over as CEO and President of DAWSON.

DAWSON celebrated the service of an exceptional customer base for 70 years of operation out of Jamestown, NY.

DAWSON underwent a brand relaunch, with a new website and renewed commitment to customer experience excellence and innovation. DAWSON’s reputable past provided unparalleled levels of skill and expertise and, equipped with decades of know-how, is squarely focused on the future.

DAWSON launches its newest innovation for commercial entrances — the Transcend Series thermally broken entrances.

DAWSON brings to market DAWSON Secure, providing unparalleled protection against security and ballistic threats without sacrificing the beauty and customization DAWSON is known for.

At DAWSON, we see our customers as partners.  The value in customer focus drives us to deliver on time, on budget, and at the high and consistent quality our customers expect. Our customer focus is deeply embedded into our culture and mindset.  Our success relies on the success of our customers, and this keeps us achieving the highest standards.

Our team’s strength lies in our combined experience and expertise and our ability to trust and depend on each other under any circumstance.  We know that our best work is not produced by one individual but by the collective effort of our teams supporting each other every day. Because we consider our business relationships partnerships, this team mentality extends to our customers as well.

We pride ourselves on delivering the highest quality products while proactively searching for improved methods, systems, and equipment.  Our ability to maintain our ISO DAWSON’s continued commitment to excellence.

We encourage our team members to pursue continuous learning and to take initiative daily.  We inspire innovation, drive, and passion by challenging others to think creatively and explore ideas.  We promote continuing education through seminars, networking, hands-on training, and workshops.

DAWSON requires a personal commitment to safety from all levels of the organization.  It is so distilled in our way of life that it is a value we carry home with us daily.   From written policies to identifying and resolving hazards, we make safety a priority.

Accountability means more than just doing our job.  It includes our obligation to make things better, pursue excellence, and do things in a way that furthers the goals of DAWSON.  By being accountable, we are answerable for our actions and the actions of our teams.

We at DAWSON conduct ourselves honestly and ethically with every business interaction.  We are transparent – you will not receive smoke and mirrors, fine print, or excuses from us.  We are upfront about pricing, complications, and even the occasional errors -taking ownership of everything we do. We are always available to answer your questions and be your go-to resource for information within our expertise.

Innovation is the core value that keeps us excited by ideas and inventions. It is what makes us strive every day to improve our standard of excellence and to embrace change.  We are always looking for ways to improve and reach our full potential by being open to ideas that challenge our conventional views.