Industry Veterans Added to Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum “Wall of Honor”

Century Fasteners announces co-founders, George Stieglitz, and Jack Schlegel, have been added to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum’s – “Wall of Honor”.

The National Air and Space Museum‘s Wall of Honor is a permanent memorial at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA recognizing those with a passion for flight. 

From the early days in the Brooklyn Navy Shipyard to today with over 500 parts on the world’s most advanced fighter jet and the countless other DoD, NASA and Military programs supported. Their vision and leadership ultimately led to Century contributing to the advancement and innovation in Aerospace and Space technology.

George and Jack have their names, pictures and profiles currently listed on the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum “Wall of Honor” website and will have their names permanently engraved on Foil #49. 

Wall of Honor Level:

Air and Space Leader

Honored By:

The Employees of Century Fasteners Corp.

We honor Jack Schlegel, Co-Founder of Century Fasteners Corporation. Jack and his partner George Stieglitz founded Century Fasteners Corporation in 1955. Over six decades Century has been serving the Military, Aerospace and Space manufacturing community with vital components. Their contributions have assisted countless programs that have fueled growth, defended our nation and inspired innovation.

Jack Schlegel started his career in the fastener industry in the 1950’s as a machinist with Allmetal Screw Products. In 1955, in Brooklyn, NY, he founded Century Fasteners Corp., with his partner George, as a small manufacturer and distributor of specialty screws. In 1971, Jack and George expanded the company by opening its first branch location outside of New York. That first branch was in Charlotte, NC, and soon thereafter, a second branch opened in Tampa, FL, in 1974. By the mid 1980’s, the company strictly focused on fastener distribution as the company continued to expand with more branches and regional sales offices across the United States, Mexico, Canada and Puerto Rico.

Jack always credited his wife, Stacy, as the inspiration for taking the plunge and starting his own business. The early years are remembered as days of working long hours, delivering the highest quality products, providing excellent customer service and striving to be the best in the business.

We honor Jack who made where we stand today possible. He will forever be remembered for his exceptional qualities of fairness, toughness under fire, business brilliance, and love of family, a “family” that includes his Employees

We honor George Stieglitz, Co-Founder of Century Fasteners Corporation. George and his partner Jack Schlegel founded Century Fasteners in 1955. Over six decades Century has been serving the Military, Aerospace and Space manufacturing community with vital components. Their contributions have assisted countless programs that have fueled growth, defended our nation and inspired innovation.

Before co-founding Century, George honorably served our country in the Korean War as an U.S. Army Medic. He was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and earned the following awards: Combat Medic Badge, Korean Service Metal with two Bronze Stars, UN Service Metal and the National Defense Service Metal.

Early on, George helped to refocus the company from manufacturing to distribution. The first branch was in Charlotte, NC, followed closely by Tampa, Fl. and several other locations including offshore warehouses in Puerto Rico and Mexico. In addition, George was instrumental in developing inventory management programs and strong supplier relationships that continued to grow the company. Both Jack and George were both humbled and amazed by the growth of the company and by the quality of people who contributed to its success.

George was an innovator, hero, a gentleman, and his dedication toward his employees, customers and suppliers will forever be the foundation of Century Fasteners Corp.

Names engraved on the Wall of Honor, located at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA, Foil 49

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