As a global animal health industry innovator, Shor-Line constantly reinvents and adds to an extensive array of products to help animal health professionals provide the best possible care for their companion animal patients and customers. Our continuing research and development, field-testing, quality control and open dialogue with professionals worldwide enable us to provide high-quality equipment. We remain dedicated to continuous improvement. As you browse through our website, you’ll quickly appreciate how Shor-Line’s engineering and manufacturing expertise combined with the use of high-quality materials creates equipment that is built to last! Our business has been committed to serving this market since 1927. Though the names have changed across three generations, our staff remains dedicated to helping you build and improve your best facility. We make the best possible product options available so you, the customer, select the statement you want to make. We work hard to provide products that lead the industry and guide animal housing and surgery trends. We take pride in our industry-leading reputation and work hard every day to earn your business. We thank you for your support through the years, and we look forward to contributing to the continued development of the animal care profession. When Kansas City brothers Karl and Gary Schroer founded Schroer Manufacturing Company in 1927, the principle of quality workmanship and quality materials was a benchmark of their finished products. Today, although the brothers might be surprised at how their company has changed, they would be proud that the company’s dedication to service and quality has remained steadfast for more than 90 years. Originally the company operated as a job shop for various industries, including large local veterinary pharmaceutical companies. The brothers developed special expertise in veterinary equipment, manufacturing an extensive line of veterinary instruments and surgery/exam tables. By the 1940s, Karl Schroer Sr. has incorporated stainless steel fabrication into the product lines. To this day, stainless steel is synonymous with most Shor-Line equipment.
Mission Statement
A Short History of Shor-Line
Origins of Veterinary Work
The 1950s
The 1950s ushered in the first veterinary antibiotics and as society migrated to the suburbs, more parents began taking children’s pets to the veterinarian for treatment. Shor-Line saw tremendous growth as the company diversified its product line by introducing modular dog cages.
The Second Generation of the family was leading the business during this expansion. Karl Schroer Jr. and his brother-in-law, Richard Donahue, were fulfilling the surging demand for various veterinary medical products.
By 1955, products were marketed under the new "Shor-Line" trademark name, including the iconic Classic Flat-Top Surgery Table and eventually stainless steel cages.
The 1960s
Product refinement and specialization occurred throughout the 1960s with Shor-Line developing specialized cage products. Shor-Line developed an extensive line of tables, bathing tubs and weighing equipment, including the famous Shor-Line scale. In addition, Shor-Line introduced its unique V-Top Stainless Steel Surgery.
The 1970s
The 1970s saw the company meeting the needs of animal control, humane societies, boarding kennels and zoos. Working closely with animal control experts, Shor-Line introduced kennels and animal handling products.
The 1980s
By 1980, Shor-Line was working with digital and electronic technology for weighing and lifting tables. Diversification continued, and the company created a European division to serve overseas markets. Shor-Line’s reputation for durability and quality went GLOBAL.
The 1990s
The 1990s generated expansion into stainless steel kennel run systems and laminate cat condos. Schroer Manufacturing acquired T-Kennel Systems in 1994 to expand production of galvanized kennel runs and kennel drainage systems. By this time the Third Generation of the family, having grown up tinkering in their fathers’ factory, were now college-educated professionals innovating alongside engineering professionals.
The 2000s
The turn of the new century saw Shor-Line expanding even more overseas while launching new products. The age of the Pet Parent emerged, creating a surge in demand for dog daycare, luxury boarding and expanded veterinary care options. Shor-Line invested into cutting edge manufacturing at its Kansas City plant, growing to meet the demand.
The 2010s
The great recession hit the pet and veterinary industries hard but Shor-Line retained a loyal customer base. The longevity of Shor-Line products helped customers weather the economic downturn with reliable equipment. When the economy began to recover in the 2010s, Shor-Line launched the higher end Blue-Line to provide a sophisticated look on scales and tables. 2018 marked revolutionary innovations for Shor-Line as the company led the industry in creating new feline housing that meets the new standards for space. The Feline Comfort Suite also featured a new material that is impervious to moisture, providing lightweight strength that can withstand common cleaning products. The worldwide acceptance of Shor-Line continued to grow, and Shor-Line was named the Kansas Governor’s Exporter of the Year in 2018.
The 2020s
In September 2021, Shor-Line was acquired by Midmark Corporation, the only clinical and environmental design company in medical, dental and animal health with locations across the United States, Italy, India and the UK. Shor-Line’s manufacturing expertise combined with Midmark’s design insight and capabilities make a perfect match to provide holistic solutions for animal care facilities.
Now a Part of Midmark
