Century Fence Co.
1300 Hickory St., Pewaukee
www.centuryfence.com
Founded: 1917
Industry: Building and construction
Employees: 105
2015 Annual Revenue: $51 million
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A business that has survived for 100 years is a rare occurrence in today’s economy. A business that has survived 100 years and continues to grow is even rarer, but Pewaukee-based Century Fence Co. has done just that.
The company started out as a steel scrap business, but today is focused in two divisions: commercial industrial fencing and road striping and painting.
“Both divisions complement each other well,” said John Connell, president.
Century Fence added road striping and painting when it was working as a fence and guardrail contractor for the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Connell said.
The two divisions currently represent equal parts of the company’s revenue stream.
The company has built fencing at Camp Randall Stadium, Lambeau Field, and every prison in the state of Wisconsin.
Century Fence continues to explore new opportunities and types of fencing in order to provide better products and services to its customers.
“We’re a quality-driven company,” he said. “We deliver a quality product and believe in strong customer loyalty, employee development and corporate citizenship.”
The owners are extremely involved in the day-to-day operations of the business, and look for a long-term commitment from people they hire, Connell said.
“It doesn’t always work, but when someone buys in to the way we do business here, they typically stay with us,” he added.
Century Fence, now in its fourth generation of family ownership, has experienced increased growth for the past seven years in a row, Connell said.
“That has allowed us to bring on new staff (and) invest in more equipment and the future growth of the company,” he said.
Century Fence employs approximately 50 people at its Pewaukee headquarters and an additional 60 at its other locations in Waukesha; Green Bay; Knapp, Wisconsin; and Forest Lake, Minnesota.
According to Connell, the company, on the verge of its 100th anniversary celebration, is a busy and exciting place right now.
“Both divisions are extremely busy,” he said. “We’re always looking for new opportunities and new ways to innovate.”
