✦ 🎉 Celebrating 100 Years of Structural Excellence 1926 – 2026 A Century of Building the Midwest ✦
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1926
Our Story

A Century
in Steel.

For one hundred years, Aetna Steel has detailed, fabricated, and erected the structures that hold up the Midwest — one family, one standard, one connection at a time.

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Who We Are

A privately owned company founded in 1926 — built by the Zajeski family and still run by it today.

Aetna is a privately owned company founded in 1926, and has been providing quality structural steel fabrication and service to the construction and manufacturing industries on projects of all designs and dimensions for over 95 years.

Today, the third generation ownership has merged these years of experience, personnel and knowledge with the latest fabrication technologies to become a respected structural steel service firm.

The story began with founders Benedict A. and Wanda B. Zajeski and the original Aetna Engineering Works. Nearly a century later, that same family name still stands behind every connection we make.

Built to Last.Family-owned & operated since 1926 · Alsip, Illinois
Our Roots

From the Yard Up

Before the beamlines, there was a family, a coal yard, and a name painted on the side of a truck. These are the photographs that started it all.

The original Zajeski Coal yard and Aetna Engineering Works office
The Original YardZajeski Coal and the first Aetna Engineering Works office, Chicago.
Family and crew at the Zajeski coal yard
The Early DaysFamily and crew at the coal yard that grew into Aetna.
The next generation on the Zajeski Coal delivery line
The Next GenerationHands-on from the start — the Zajeski Coal delivery line.
1973 beamline dedicated to founders Benedict and Wanda Zajeski
1973 — A DedicationThe beamline dedicated to founders Benedict A. & Wanda B. Zajeski.
The Long View

A Hundred-Year Timeline

1926
The Beginning

Benedict A. and Wanda B. Zajeski found Aetna Engineering Works, fabricating structural steel for a fast-growing Chicago region.

Mid-Century
Built to Grow

Decades of postwar construction expand the company's reach across the Midwest's industrial corridor.

1973
A New Beamline

A new beamline is dedicated to the founders — a milestone in the shop's growth and a marker of the family's lasting legacy.

Today
Aetna Steel

Now operating as Aetna Steel, delivering full-scope detailing, fabrication, and AISC certified erection.

2026
The Centennial

One hundred years on, still family-owned, still raising steel for the projects that matter most.

What We Stand On

Our Values

A century of work distills to three commitments. They sit behind every project we take on, large or small.

01
Quality

At Aetna, we are dedicated to creating high-quality products and executing every project with expertise and experience. Our skilled professionals bring accuracy and attentiveness to each phase of the job, resulting in quality workmanship and project success. With our commitment to excellence and attention to detail, clients can trust us to deliver exceptional performance on even the most complex projects.

02
Grit

We pride ourselves on our unwavering commitment to taking on challenges head-on. With a proven track record of successfully completing a wide range of complex projects, we understand the dedication and effort required to turn your vision into reality. Our team of experts is ready to navigate every phase alongside you, providing invaluable knowledge, unmatched work ethic, and a steadfast resolve to deliver exceptional results.

03
Family

At Aetna, we believe the strongest structures are built on strong relationships. As a family owned company, we take a personal approach to every project, investing the time to understand our clients goals and challenges. Many of our partnerships have spanned decades and generations, built on trust, reliability, and a shared commitment to success. From concept through completion, we remain a dedicated partner every step of the way.

Our Team

The People
Behind the Steel

The Aetna staff, led by President & CEO Richard Zajeski, is committed to producing quality products and brings the unparalleled expertise and experience essential to execute every project — no matter the challenge.

Rich Zajeski
President & CEO
3rd Generation
Tim Jenny
VP, Business Development
20+ Years with Aetna
Cesar Rostro
Lead Estimator
25+ Years with Aetna
Natalie Zajeski
VP, Finance & Operations
4th Generation
Debbie Franco
Accounting Manager
5+ Years with Aetna

Dedicated to Build the Hard Ones.

Aetna Steel is committed to the highest standards of quality, safety, and execution. From accelerated schedules to precise budgets, we deliver the expertise, coordination, and craftsmanship required to complete the industry's most demanding projects.

Put a Century
of Steel to Work.

From design-build budgets to complex fabrication, our team is ready to deliver. A project manager will follow up within one business day.

Start Your Project See Our Work