Zilla
Zilla Corporation is a privately held, woman-owned Broomfield, Colorado manufacturer of patented aluminum and steel mounting hardware, serving solar contractors, transit agencies, and municipalities with FHWA-approved NEX sign posts, mailbox posts, and watertight solar flashings across the US and Canada.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1983
- HeadquartersBroomfield, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Zilla does
Zilla Corporation is a privately held, 100% woman-owned and family-run US manufacturer specializing in engineered aluminum and steel outdoor mounting hardware. Founded in 1983 and headquartered in Broomfield, Colorado, the company sells three core product lines: Solar Mounting hardware (including Double Stud Flashing Assemblies, Zip Flashing, Electrical Flashing Assemblies, Conduit Flashing, and L-Foot connectors designed for watertight PV installations on composition shingle and metal roofs), NEX Sign Posts (FHWA-approved sign posts built around a proprietary octagonal/square shape with a wedge breakaway anchoring system), and NEX Mailbox Posts (FHWA-approved mailbox support systems using the same wedge anchor platform). The NEX product family is protected by registered US patents, design patents, Canadian patents, and NEX® trademark and trade dress rights, and Zilla is the sole source provider for NEX products in both the US and Canada. The third-party tested 4,289 lb withdrawal strength on the Double Stud Flashing Assembly and AC 286 / UL 441 evaluation compliance support the company's "engineered for longevity" positioning.
The business is fundamentally a B2B specialty hardware manufacturer with three primary customer verticals: solar installation contractors (Revision Energy, Freedom Solar Power, Namaste Solar, Ecotech Solar, Renova Energy), municipal and transit agencies (RTD, UTA, NPS, USAF), and traffic safety / public works contractors (RoadSafe). Products are sold through a US and Canadian distributor network (GreenTech Renewables, Independent Electric, OneSource, Wesco, Western Nevada Supply, Bayware, Guillevin) and direct to enterprise buyers via quote-based pricing. Marketing relies on trade show presence at PWX, APTA TRANSform, RE+, and Greater & Greener, alongside social media channels and a technical resource library. Compliance with American Iron & Steel, the Buy American Act, and Buy America requirements is a deliberate commercial positioning lever for federal- and state-funded infrastructure and renewable energy projects.
Revenue mechanics are hardware sales of pre-packaged mounting kits and accessories with a 25-year warranty on solar products and quote-based enterprise pricing; the company does not disclose revenue publicly, has no external funding rounds, and operates with a 1-10 person headcount. The operating model is asset-light in terms of personnel but IP-heavy, with multiple granted patents and regulatory approvals (NEX Sign Support FHWA approval in 1999, NEX Mailbox Support in 2002) functioning as the primary barriers to entry.
Zilla firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Zilla
- Legal name
- Zilla Corporation
- Website
- https://zillarac.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1983
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Zilla Corporation is a privately held, woman-owned Broomfield, Colorado manufacturer of patented aluminum and steel mounting hardware, serving solar contractors, transit agencies, and municipalities with FHWA-approved NEX sign posts, mailbox posts, and watertight solar flashings across the US and Canada.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Zilla industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Solar and Outdoor Mounting Hardware
- NAICS
- Sheet Metal Work Manufacturing (332322), Plate Work and Fabricated Structural Product Manufacturing (33231)
- SIC
- Metal Forgings & Stampings (3460)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Flashing, Edge Metal & Roof Accessories (IMADAFAJ)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Aluminum Fabrication & Finishing (Machining, Anodizing, Coating) (IMAKACAI)
Keywords
Where Zilla is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Broomfield
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Zilla business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Hardware Product Sales: One-time purchase of specialized mounting hardware including solar flashing assemblies, NEX sign posts, NEX mailbox posts, and related brackets/accessories. Products sold through distributors and direct with quote-based pricing.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Custom Quote Required |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels4 records
Zilla product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Zilla designs and manufactures specialized outdoor aluminum and steel mounting hardware organized into three product lines: Solar Mounting hardware (watertight flashing assemblies, conduit mounts, and electrical passthroughs for PV installations on composition shingle and metal roofs), NEX Sign Posts (proprietary-shape posts, anchors, and brackets for transit and municipal wayfinding), and NEX Mailbox Posts (FHWA-compliant mailbox mounting systems with proprietary wedge anchoring). All products are made in the USA in compliance with American Iron & Steel, Buy American Act, and Buy America requirements, and are sold B2B through US/Canadian distributors and direct sales.
Product overview
Zilla is a U.S. women-owned business offering specialized outdoor hardware engineered for longevity, organized into three main product lines: Solar Mounting products (flashings, passthroughs, and connectors for solar panel installations), NEX Sign Posts (proprietary-shaped sign posts, anchors, brackets, and accessories for wayfinding and transit applications), and NEX Mailbox Posts (mailbox mounting systems with proprietary anchoring technology). The Solar Mounting line includes Double Stud Flashing Assemblies (standard and XL versions), Zip Flashing Assemblies, Electrical Flashing Assemblies (standard and XL), Metal Roof Electrical Adapters, Conduit Flashing Assemblies, and L-Foot connectors. The NEX product lines share a patented proprietary shape that provides superior aesthetics, wind resistance, and accessibility benefits for persons with visual disabilities. NEX Sign Posts and Mailbox Posts are both FHWA-approved and feature the same anchoring system using NEX Wedges and Square Anchors. Supporting accessories include various brackets (Z-Bar, Front Mount, Side Mount, Back Plate, Back to Back), drive hardware (Drive Rivets, Drive Caps), installation tools (Easy Driver, Slide Hammer), and mounting hardware. All products are designed, manufactured, and assembled in the USA in compliance with American Iron & Steel (AIS), the Buy American Act, and Buy America requirements.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- NEX: NEX is a sole source product manufactured, sold, and distributed exclusively by Zilla Corporation in the form of steel tubing, signposts, mailbox posts, brackets, and accessories. It features a unique tactile feel and visual aesthetic distinguished from any other geometric shape in the world. NEX posts help persons with visual disabilities navigate transit routes and create more inclusive communities.
Products and services
- Double Stud Flashing Assembly Watertight flashing assembly for composition/asphalt shingle roofs, providing 4,289 lb third-party tested withdrawal strength, three layers of waterproof protection, and compatibility with all leading racking systems. No shingle cutting or caulking required. Covered by US Pat. 8,448,405. Sold to solar PV installation contractors.
- Double Stud XL Flashing Assembly Flashing assembly that attaches directly to sheathing or structural members, eliminating the need to locate rafters, drill pilot holes, or use sealants. Designed for faster, safer installation of solar PV systems on composition/asphalt shingle roofs.
- Zip Flashing Assembly Single-bolt self-drilling structural attachment with a waterproof seal and minimal parts for fast installation on composition shingle roofs. Features three layers of patented waterproof protection. Covered by US Pat. 8,448,405.
- Electrical Flashing Assembly Passthrough adapter with 3/4 inch O.D. NPSM threads providing a fully flashed, waterproof method of mounting electrical transition components on composition shingle roofs or siding. Covered by US Pat. 8,479,455.
- Electrical XL Flashing Assembly Passthrough adapter with 1-1/4 inch O.D. and 1 inch I.D. NPSM threads providing a waterproof method of mounting larger electrical transition components on composition shingle roofs and siding.
- Metal Roof Electrical Adapter Provides a simple, waterproof method of mounting electrical transition components on metal roofs and siding within 2 feet of a point of fixity. Features 3/4 inch O.D. NPSM threads with no caulking required.
- Metal Roof Electrical XL Adapter Provides a waterproof method of mounting larger electrical transition components on metal roofs and siding. Features 1-1/4 inch O.D. and 1 inch I.D. NPSM threads. Covered by US Pat. 8,479,455.
- Zilla Conduit Flashing Assembly Patented low-profile conduit mount providing multi-directional 360-degree conduit mounting for 1/2 inch and 3/4 inch conduit. Attaches directly to sheathing with three layers of waterproof protection, backed by a 25-year warranty.
- L-Foot Two-way adjustable flashing-to-rail connector providing up to 1-1/8 inch vertical adjustment by switching legs. Provides a strong, simple connection solution for solar mounting systems.
- NEX Sign Posts Proprietary-shape sign posts featuring a unique visual aesthetic that enhances wayfinding and helps persons with visual disabilities navigate transit routes. Made in America, highly wind-resistant, and compatible with Carmanah Traffic Beacon Systems and Simme-Seat Seating Solutions. Available in 14ga and 12ga, plain and knockout versions.
- NEX Mailbox Posts Patented trademark-shape mailbox mounting systems featuring uniquely superior aesthetic, FHWA compliance, and proprietary anchoring system that makes them easy to install and incredibly strong. Available in Single, Single Jumbo, Double, and Multiple configurations.
Quantifiable outcome
- Third-party tested withdrawal strength of 4,289 lb for Double Stud Flashing Assembly
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use Zilla
Customer profileNamed customers10 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Zilla technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature5 records
Zilla partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- GreenTech RenewablescoreUS distributor for Zilla Solar Mounting Products. Part of national distribution network serving solar contractors.
- Independent ElectriccoreUS distributor for Zilla Solar Mounting Products with multiple branch locations.
- OneSourcecoreUS distributor for Zilla Solar Mounting Products.
- WescocoreUS distributor for Zilla Solar Mounting Products.
- Western Nevada SupplycoreUS distributor for Zilla Solar Mounting Products serving Western Nevada region.
- BaywarecoreCanadian distributor (BayWa re) for Zilla Solar Mounting Products.
- GuillevincoreCanadian distributor for Zilla Solar Mounting Products.
- American Public Transportation Association (APTA)minorZilla is a member of APTA, an international association representing all modes of public transportation that advocates for connecting and building thriving communities.
- California Solar & Storage Association (CALSSA)minorZilla is a member of CALSSA which promotes widespread deployment of smart, local, clean energy technologies in California.
- Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA)minorZilla is a member of SEIA, the national trade association for the U.S. solar industry that works to fight for policies creating jobs and fair market rules.
- Colorado Solar & Storage Association (COSSA)minorZilla is a member of COSSA, the primary trade association for companies installing solar and energy storage in Colorado for over three decades.
- City Parks AllianceminorZilla is a member of City Parks Alliance, the only independent, nationwide membership organization dedicated solely to urban parks.
Scale indicators2 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Zilla competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Quick Mount PV: Quick Mount PV manufactures engineered roof attachments and flashings for solar PV installations on composition shingle roofs — a near-identical product category to Zilla's Double Stud and Zip Flashing Assemblies, serving the same residential and commercial solar contractor customer base.
- IronRidge: IronRidge designs and manufactures solar mounting hardware including L-feet, flashings, rails, and roof attachments for residential and commercial PV systems. It competes head-to-head with Zilla's L-Foot and flashing products for installer specifications on shingle roofs.
- EcoFasten: EcoFasten produces solar roof attachments and compression-based flashing systems for composition shingle and metal roof PV installations, directly overlapping with Zilla's solar mounting product line for the same solar contractor channel.
- Unirac: Unirac is a leading solar racking and mounting manufacturer offering roof attachments, flashings, and full racking systems for residential and commercial PV. It competes with Zilla in the same solar balance-of-system category with broader system-level offerings.
- S-5!: S-5! manufactures metal roof attachment solutions including clamps and brackets used to mount solar PV, signage, and other equipment to standing-seam metal roofs — directly comparable to Zilla's Metal Roof Electrical Adapter and related metal-roof products.
- SnapNrack: SnapNrack designs and supplies solar mounting systems and roof attachments for residential PV installations, competing with Zilla's flashing and L-foot portfolio through similar distribution channels and installer customer segments.
- Schletter Group: Schletter manufactures solar mounting systems and roof attachments globally, including flashing and rail-based solutions for composition shingle roofs that overlap with Zilla's solar mounting product offering for commercial and residential PV installers.
- Pelco Products: Pelco Products is a manufacturer of sign posts, mailbox supports, and traffic safety hardware — directly comparable to Zilla's NEX Sign Posts and NEX Mailbox Posts lines, serving the same municipal and contractor customer base.
- K2 Systems: K2 Systems produces solar mounting systems and roof attachments for residential and commercial PV installations, competing with Zilla in the broader balance-of-system category with comparable roof flashing and rail attachment products.
Broad incumbents
- Valmont Industries: Valmont Industries is a diversified infrastructure products manufacturer with a lighting and transportation division producing sign posts and traffic safety structures — a broader incumbent competitor to Zilla's NEX sign post business, though not specialized in solar mounting.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks7 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Zilla social profiles
Digital presenceZilla financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Zilla leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Zilla funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Zilla M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Zilla
What does Zilla do?
Zilla designs and manufactures specialized outdoor aluminum and steel mounting hardware organized into three product lines: Solar Mounting hardware (watertight flashing assemblies, conduit mounts, and electrical passthroughs for PV installations on composition shingle and metal roofs), NEX Sign Posts (proprietary-shape posts, anchors, and brackets for transit and municipal wayfinding), and NEX Mailbox Posts (FHWA-compliant mailbox mounting systems with proprietary wedge anchoring). All products are made in the USA in compliance with American Iron & Steel, Buy American Act, and Buy America requirements, and are sold B2B through US/Canadian distributors and direct sales.
Is Zilla a public or private company?
Zilla is a private company. It is classified as family owned and is currently operating.
When was Zilla founded?
Zilla was founded in 1983. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Zilla based?
Zilla is headquartered in Broomfield, United States, in the North America region.
How does Zilla make money?
One revenue line is on record: hardware Product Sales.
Who are Zilla's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Quick Mount PV, IronRidge, EcoFasten, Unirac, S-5!, SnapNrack, Schletter Group, Pelco Products and K2 Systems. Valmont Industries is listed as a broad incumbent.
Does Zilla have an API?
No public API is recorded for Zilla.
What industry is Zilla in?
Zilla's product category is Solar and Outdoor Mounting Hardware. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMADAFAJ, Flashing, Edge Metal & Roof Accessories, with a secondary code of IMAKACAI, Aluminum Fabrication & Finishing (Machining, Anodizing, Coating). Its NAICS code is 332322 and its SIC code is 3460.