Schaffner

What Schaffner does

Schaffner SAS is a French artisanal metalworking workshop founded in 1979 and headquartered in Duppigheim, Alsace, operating with a workforce of 11–50 employees. The company specializes in custom architectural metalwork, including bespoke staircases (monumental, double-stringer, central-stringer, helical, wall-mounted, and exterior variants), art ironwork (ferronnerie d'art), fine locksmithing, metal joinery, structural metalwork, verrières (skylights), elevator pylons, doors, gates, partitions, and metal furniture. The underlying technology relies on manual and machine-assisted fabrication across steel, stainless steel, brass, aluminum, and Corten, with surface treatments including hot-dip galvanization, powder coating, patinated finishes, and polished mirror. Technical differentiators include integration with Swiss and Italian skylight system providers, collaboration with elevator manufacturers for mechanical-hydraulic-electrical integration, and Monument Historique-classified heritage restoration capability.

The business model is project-based B2B with quote-driven pricing and a mandatory 30% deposit; revenue is recognized on project completion with final invoicing reflecting actual work performed, and the company subcontracts portions of larger projects. Its primary customer segments are architects and interior designers, general construction contractors, and luxury retail brands (Louis Vuitton, Dior, Tiffany & Co.), with secondary segments in luxury hospitality (Ritz Paris, Hôtel de Crillon, Mandarin Oriental), public institutions (Parlement Européen, Palais de l'Élysée, Bibliothèque Nationale Universitaire de Strasbourg), banking (Crédit Mutuel, AGIPI), cultural/tourism (Disneyland Paris), and high-net-worth individuals. Pricing is fully quote-based with disclosed starting points of €40,000 for monumental stairs and €10,000 for exterior stairs.

Go-to-market relies on a portfolio-driven website with extensive galleries, industry awards (Trophées de la Construction 2015, Stars et Métiers 2016), and direct relationships with specifying architects, notably Peter Marino (core strategic partner for luxury retail) and Pierre Yovanovitch (luxury residential/hospitality). Geographic reach spans Grand Est, Île-de-France, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, Lyon, and Alsace within France, plus international project delivery in the USA, UK, Germany, Switzerland, Czech Republic, UAE, and Monaco. Schaffner carries a Meilleur Ouvrier de France (Best Worker of France, 2015) craftsman, operates as a family-owned SAS with €243,500 in share capital, and has no external investors or funding rounds on record.

Name

Schaffner

Legal name

SCHAFFNER SAS

Website

https://schaffner.fr

Company type

Private

Founded year

1979

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Schaffner SAS is a French artisan metalworking atelier in Alsace (founded 1979) producing bespoke architectural metalwork, monumental staircases, and art ironwork for luxury retail brands, luxury hospitality, public institutions, and private clients across Europe, the US, and the Middle East.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Architectural Metalwork

NAICS

Architectural and Structural Metals Manufacturing (3323), Ornamental and Architectural Metal Products Manufacturing (33232), Metal Window and Door Manufacturing (332321)

SIC

Fabricated Structural Metal Products (3440), Metal Doors, Sash, Frames, Moldings & Trim (3442)

akta.pro primary industry

Structural Steel Fabrication (IMADACAA)

Keywords

• Architectural metalwork
• Custom metal fabrication
• Art ironwork
• Bespoke staircases
• Luxury metalwork

Headquarters

HQ city

Duppigheim

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Custom Metal Fabrication Projects: Project-based custom metal fabrication including stairs, railings, structures, doors, skylights, and ornamental ironwork. Pricing based on quotes with 30% deposit required. Revenue recognized upon project completion with final invoicing based on actual work performed.
2. Installation Services: On-site installation services included in project quotes. Company can subcontract portions of projects.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels3 records

Core offering

Schaffner is a French artisanal metalworking atelier that designs, fabricates, and installs custom architectural metalwork, including monumental and conventional staircases, ornamental ironwork (ferronnerie d'art), metal joinery (window frames, curtain walls, facades), structural metal elements, skylights, doors, gates, partitions, and bespoke furniture. Projects are made-to-order in steel, stainless steel, brass, aluminum, and Corten, with finishes such as galvanization, powder coating, patination, and mirror polishing, and include Monument Historique heritage restoration work for luxury retail, hospitality, cultural, and public-sector clients across France and internationally.

Product overview

Schaffner is a French metalworking workshop specializing in custom architectural metalwork, art ironwork, and bespoke staircases. The company operates as a single unified artisan workshop offering 20+ distinct product categories centered around metal fabrication. The core product portfolio includes various staircase types (monumental, double-stringer, central-stringer, spiral, wall-mounted, and exterior), complemented by architectural metalwork (ironwork, metal joinery, fine metalwork, structures), glazing systems (skylights), and secondary building elements (doors, gates, partitions, furniture, urban furniture, canopies, footbridges, elevator towers, wall cladding, terrace/balcony systems, and pool installations). Products are typically made-to-order with extensive customization in materials including steel, stainless steel, aluminum, brass, and Corten, with various surface finishes (galvanization, powder coating, patination). The company serves diverse sectors including luxury retail, hospitality, cultural institutions, and private residences.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Monumental Stairs (Escalier monumental) Made-to-order monumental staircases that function as art objects enhancing the prestige of building lobbies, combining metal, stone, wood, and glass with full design freedom.
• Double Stringer Stairs (Escalier à double limon) Bespoke double-stringer staircases combining traditional and modern design, using metal stringers with steps in metal, wood, stone, or glass; intended for luxury residential and commercial interiors.
• Central Stringer Stairs (Escalier à limon central) Custom central-stringer staircases in straight, curved, or quarter-turn configurations with various finish options, intended for premium interiors.
• Spiral Stairs (Escalier hélicoïdal) Custom space-saving spiral staircases in circular, square, or custom shapes with metal, wood, or glass treads for residential and commercial projects.
• Wall-mounted Staircase (Escalier à console murale) Wall-bracket floating staircases delivering a lightweight visual effect with suspended metal treads and minimal railings for contemporary interiors.
• Exterior Stairs (Escalier d'extérieur) Outdoor metal staircases for private residences, public spaces, and emergency egress, finished with hot-dip galvanization and powder coating for corrosion resistance. Starting from €10,000.
• Ironwork (Ferronnerie) Ferronnerie d'art including gates, railings, fences, decorative metal elements, and heritage-restoration ironwork for luxury and Monument Historique projects.
• Metal Joinery (Menuiserie métallique) Custom metal window frames, curtain walls, facades, and structural glazing systems in steel, aluminum, and stainless steel for high-end retail and residential facades.
• Metal Structure (Structure métallique) Structural metal frameworks including mezzanines, emergency stairs, balconies, canopies, and architectural elements for public and private buildings.
• Fine Metalwork (Serrurerie fine) High-precision metal components such as balustrades, handrails, elevator cabins, and custom architectural metal pieces with premium finishes.
• Skylight (Verrière) Interior and exterior glass skylights (verrières) in fixed or mobile versions with thermal-break or anti-intrusion features, in steel, stainless steel, brass, or Corten, built with Swiss and Italian system providers.
• Door (Porte) Architectural metal doors including fire-rated and thermal-break variants, with custom designs and decorative grilles for luxury residential and commercial projects.
• Gate (Portail de prestige) Prestige decorative and security gates in traditional or contemporary laser-cut designs, fabricated in steel, bronze, or aluminum.
• Partition (Cloison) Metal-framed partition walls and sliding panels with glass, perforated metal, or solid infills for interior space division in commercial and luxury retail settings.
• Furniture (Mobilier) Bespoke metal furniture including tables, benches, bar fixtures, and decorative elements for luxury hospitality and residential interiors.
• Urban Furniture (Mobilier urbain) Public-space metal furnishings including bike racks, bus shelters, pergolas, and decorative structural elements for urban environments.
• Canopy (Auvent) Metal canopy structures for building entrances, outdoor areas, and transit shelters with glass or fabric roofing options.
• Footbridge (Passerelle) Metal pedestrian bridges and walkways with glass or metal decking for architectural and infrastructure applications.
• Elevator Tower (Pylône d'ascenseur) Structural elevator shafts and pylons in steel or stainless steel for public and private buildings, engineered jointly with elevator manufacturers to integrate mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical systems.
• Wall Cladding (Habillage mural) Decorative and protective metal wall coverings including perforated panels, brise-soleil, and custom facade elements in aluminum and steel.
• Terrace and Balcony (Terrasse-balcon) Metal terrace and balcony structures with various decking materials and railing systems for residential and commercial buildings.
• Pool Area (Aménagement piscine) Metal pool enclosures, railings, and surrounding structures with corrosion-resistant finishes for private and luxury swimming pool installations.

Named customers16 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Three partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Peter Marino (Architect)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerArchitect Peter Marino has specified Schaffner for multiple luxury projects including Louis Vuitton boutiques in Paris, Dior Newbond Street London, and Dior Cannes, demonstrating an established working relationship for high-end retail metalwork installations.
• Pierre Yovanovitch (Architect)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerArchitect Pierre Yovanovitch has specified Schaffner for projects including a Parisian private hotel featuring elevator pylons and stairs clad in staff, and various architectural metalwork pieces.
• INSPIRAT (Management Consulting)minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerConducted global management audit to improve team performance, resulting in Stars et Métiers 2016 award for Human Resource Management.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Crittall Windows: UK heritage steel window and door manufacturer serving premium residential, heritage, and institutional projects. Comparable scope in architectural metal joinery and historic restoration.
• Jansen AG (Steel Profile Systems): Swiss-established manufacturer of steel profile systems for windows, doors, and facades used in premium architecture. Broader incumbent operating in adjacent categories to Schaffner's metal joinery and structural glazing work.
• ALSTAL Group: Polish general contractor and steel structure manufacturer serving commercial, industrial, and premium construction. Larger-scale counterpart in fabricated structural metal products.

Direct peers

• Hess Metallbau: German architectural and structural metalwork firm specializing in stairs, facades, and bespoke metal installations. Comparable in craftsmanship focus and serves German-speaking luxury market where Schaffner also operates.
• Atelier Forge de France: French artisanal metalwork atelier specializing in wrought iron, custom gates, railings, and heritage restoration. Closely comparable to Schaffner's ferronnerie d'art, MH restoration, and luxury residential metalwork.
• Métafer: French specialist in architectural metalwork, custom stairs, and industrial design installations. Direct peer in the French market for bespoke metal fabrication and architectural metalwork.
• Rimex Metals: UK specialist in architectural metal finishes and bespoke metalwork for high-end facades, interiors, and signature projects. Comparable in premium architectural metal finishes and custom fabrication.
• Atelier Saint-Jacques: French atelier specializing in bespoke metalwork, ferronnerie d'art, and architectural staircases. Direct peer to Schaffner in the luxury residential and heritage restoration segment.
• Forges de Lagny: French heritage ironwork and architectural metalwork atelier with similar craftsmanship focus. Directly comparable to Schaffner's ferronnerie d'art and heritage restoration work for classified buildings and luxury clients.

Regional players

• Souto Moura Metalwork: Portuguese architectural metalwork specialist serving luxury and heritage projects in Iberia. Comparable scope in custom stairs, railings, and structural metalwork for premium clients.

Market position

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/profile.php
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/schaffner-sas

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Schaffner