History
Inpro is an industry leader bringing innovative, new products to market every year that are purposeful and relevant to our customer's needs. Take a look through our history to see what makes us stand out amongst our competitors.
2010
On the frontiers of sustainability
To understand why 2010 was such a big year for us on the frontiers of sustainability, it’s important to look where we’ve come from. Inpro Corporation was the first company in our industry to understand the importance of working toward sustainable and green initiatives. We modestly started 15 years ago in 1995 with our industry’s first pre-consumer vinyl recycling process, followed in 1998 by being only the fifth manufacturer to embrace and join the USCGB. In 2001 we launched Inpro’s EnviroGT™ line, our industry’s first non-PVC line of door and wall protection products as we began building our successful “Choices” program. That year we also launched our industry’s first post-consumer Vinyl Recycling Program. In 2002 we introduced HDPE into door and wall protection, followed in 2003 by a BuildingGreen Top-10 New Green Products Award. In 2004 we delivered the industry’s first AIA-approved green continuing education program. In 2005, we introduced rapidly renewable bamboo into our EnviroGT line, followed in 2006 by beginning the manufacture of solid surface products to enhance sustainable building interiors. Inpro was the first in our industry to introduce a line of BPA-free PETG products in 2007, which was the precursor to our remarkable 2010 breakthrough – the introduction of our exclusive G2 BioBlend™ made with a corn-based biopolymer. Unquestionably, this delivered the best green product in our markets. For the past 15 years, Inpro has led our industry in green initiatives and our passion and resolve to help this planet we all live on will never subside.
2011
Expansion overseas and at home
The company saw significant expansion of its international presence in 2011. Inpro Corp India Pvt. Ltd. officially started operations as a wholly-owned subsidiary. The company operates in two locations – a headquarters and sales office in Mumbai, and manufacturing and warehousing in Silvassa. In addition, the company has also opened a direct sales office in Dubai, to service the company’s many distributors in the Middle East.
These developments marked the completion of a second phase of expansion. Inpro had previously announced a completed first phase, which encompassed a new strategic alliance agreement with its UK-based manufacturing partner, Gradus Group, headquartered in Macclesfield, UK.
On the domestic front, Inpro purchased and put into operation a 17,000 sq. ft. manufacturing and warehouse building in Mesa, Ariz., for our Clickeze fabric operation, and a 168,000 sq. ft. manufacturing and warehouse building across the street from our main Muskego, Wis., facility to expand our JointMaster™ expansion joint and our Endurant™ solid surface operations.
2012
More plant expansion and achieving ISO 14001 environmental certification
Inpro completed two major plant expansions in 2012. The company completed a transition into a 200,000 sq. ft. facility located across from Inpro’s main plant and headquarters on Apollo Dr. in the Muskego Business Park. The new Inpro South and Mercury drive buildings house the company’s hydrographic operations, Clickeze™ cubicle track bending operations, as well as JointMaster™ expansion joint and Endurant™ solid surface operations.
The company also opened a 17,000 sq. ft. sew shop in Mesa, Ariz., for its Clickeze Privacy Systems division. The new operation provides greater vertical integration in Clickeze manufacturing. With the two new buildings, Inpro’s total square footage under roof is nearly 350,000 sq. ft.
In 2012, Inpro moved to formalize its sustainable business practices by seeking and achieving ISO 14001:2004 certification of its environmental management system (EMS). As the industry leader in reducing the environmental impact of its products, the ISO EMS certification marks an important milestone in Inpro’s years-long journey to reduce resource and energy use across the entire company.
The end result has been a shift in Inpro’s cultural paradigm that makes sustainability a key factor in every business decision.
2013
$100 Million and Growing
$100 million and growing – Inpro reached this important milestone thanks to outstanding customers and a dedicated team of excellent employees.
With increasing business opportunities in the Middle East, Inpro opened a larger sales office with a new adjoining warehouse in Dubai. Domestically, Inpro Interiors opened a second office in Miami as the next step in a planned, nationwide expansion of its direct-to-facility service network.
Inpro leapfrogged other companies in its industry by being the first to develop an entire library of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and Health Product Declarations (HPDs) – the two critical documents in building product transparency.
Talk about award winning! Inpro took home awards from the Association for Corporate Growth, the Wisconsin 75 award, and Product Innovation Award for its Contego™ Modular sign System.
2014
Innovation, Expansion and Recognition
The year was marked with several major events highlighting Inpro’s constant pioneering in product development, it expanding operations both at home and abroad, and several business awards recognizing our world-class operations:
Inpro received patents for its Contego™ Modular Sign System and G2 BioBlend® material. The Company also received two Product Innovation Awards for its Palladium® Square Edge Wall Panel Systems and JointMaster® 787 Seismic Expansion Joint product. And Clickeze® Solarity™ Solar Shades brought home a Top Product of 2014 award from Building Operating Management magazine.
Continuing the growth of its operations, Inpro broke ground on a new 30,000 sq. ft. office building that further expands its campus in Muskego. In addition, the company completed a new warehousing operation in Dubai, giving the company a distribution hub to serve the Middle East.
Several events marked the company’s continuous efforts toward sustainability, including receiving an Environmental Stewardship award from Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce, the state’s chamber of commerce. Inpro also released a full-disclosure Health Product Declaration (HPD) for its G2 BioBlend biopolymer sheet, and built a honey bee sanctuary on its campus to help combat colony collapse disorder.
Finally, for the 5th year in a row, Inpro was named a Top Workplace by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
2015
2015 marked by major expansion
Several significant events in 2015 amplified Inpro’s growth track:
Fireline 520™
This Buffalo, N.Y., based subsidiary provides fire barrier products to the JointMaster® line, and was acquired by Inpro on January 6, 2015. Put simply, fire barriers reduce the risk of fire, heat and smoke moving from the source of ignition through expansion joints, thus allowing occupants of the building or structure to safely evacuate. In the fall of 2015, additional production began at Inpro’s manufacturing facility in Mesa, Arizona.
Hinkel™ Systems
Based in Charlotte, N.C., Hinkel Systems was acquired on February 26, 2015. Working in concert with our Mesa (Ariz.) sewing operation, Hinkel Systems has become a leading manufacturer and installer of privacy and design products. This subsidiary, through its sales and installation teams travel the Southeast providing hands-on project management, design consultation, and lifelong customer service. They specialize in providing these products and services to healthcare, corporate, hospitality, educational and government facilities, as well as designers and general contractors.
Ascend™ Elevator Protection Systems
The newest Inpro division launched in April 2015, Ascend™ manufactures a line of elevator cab interior renovation packages. The concept is simple: Over time, elevator interiors begin to show wear and tear, especially if the cabs are used for both passengers and freight. Ascend’s pre-fabricated renovation packages allow for the quick change-out of wall panels, handrails and trim, and cab lighting to minimize elevator downtime.
New North Bldg. increases Inpro campus
In August, the company dedicated a new 28,000 sq. ft. office building to house Inpro’s finance and supply chain departments, as well as providing office space for future growth.
2016
Domestic growth and European operations launch mark a Record-Breaking 2016
Eastern Production - Charlotte, NC
In spring, Inpro completed the construction of a new Eastern Region production hub in Charlotte, N.C. The new 23,584 sq. ft. building houses the Inpro Interiors Carolina's operation, the Ascend® Elevator Protection Systems sales office, and the Hinkel™ Systems operation.
European Operations
In a move designed to put production and warehousing in close proximity to customers in Continental Europe and the United Kingdom, Inpro Corporation has established Inpro Europe S.R.L. in Orvieto, Italy. Inpro has been active in the European and UK markets since 1997, mainly through the use of distributors. The new operations hub will cut transit time, greatly reduce shipping costs, and expand on the company’s obsessive commitment to protecting buildings and the people who use them.
Webbshade
Inpro made major investments to expand its domestic product offering and its operations overseas. The acquisition of San Diego-based WebbShade broadened the company’s window treatment offerings – WebbGlide™ and WebbLok™ Roller Shades are designed for healthcare, behavioral health and education facilities.
2017
Continuing expansion trend into 2017
Inpro continued on its expansion trend with the purchase of a 48,000 square foot facility in Phoenix to replace the 17,000 square foot Mesa building, as well as the purchase of an additional 21,000 square foot manufacturing building in Muskego. The year 2017 also saw a broadening of its international markets with the launching of five global websites.
Big changes in the manufacturing area were highlighted by the increase in vertical integration with the purchase of two horizontal axis CNC machines and doubling the size of the injection molding operations to better serve its annual growth trend. An extensive safety software system was installed and integrated to further its commitment to employee welfare.
On the sales side 2017 ended with Inpro recording its 24th straight best year ever and was named a Sherwin-Williams Vendor of the Year.
2018
Continued growth and community commitment
Highlights for this year included the purchase and build-out of a new Phoenix production and warehousing facility that doubled our footprint in the Southwest. Overseas, the sales staff in Mumbai also completed a move to larger space, which now comfortably accommodates the 14 staff members there.
Inpro’s award-winning history continued with a ninth consecutive Top Workplaces award, and the third Wisconsin 75 honor marking our place as one of the state’s largest privately and closely held companies.
We’re known for our commitment to our community, and 2018 was no exception. In addition to our contribution to build the new Inpro Athletic Field at Muskego High School, Inpro also contributed to provide camera technology to the police department’s K-9 unit. And we continue as a main corporate sponsor for Make-a-Wish, Children’s Hospital, Racers Fuel the Cure and the Waukesha County Fair.
2019
A year of expansion and innovation
Inpro sustained its reputation as a first-rate employer with its 10th consecutive placement as a Top Workplaces as scored by Energage, Inc., the research partner for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s annual ranking.
Product innovation was in the spotlight as the new F140 Fire barrier was named an Architectural Record Best Product, and the new 1000BH Series Ligature Resistant Handrail won a prestigious Nightingale Silver Award for Clinical Architectural Products.
Inpro expanded its international production of fire barriers with the opening of a Fireline Fire Barriers production cell at its plant in Orvieto, Italy, which vastly reduces lead times for customers in the European region.
The company embraces its role as a corporate citizen, and was proud to be honored by the Wisconsin Association of School Boards (WASB) for its work with local students in career exploration, high school co-op student engagement and college internships.
2020
Continued performing, growing and innovating
It was an incredibly challenging year for any business in 2020. Yet despite the pandemic, Inpro continued performing, growing and innovating. Here are some of the highlights:
- For the 11th year in a row Inpro was named a Top Workplace in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / Energage annual ranking. In addition, Inpro was ranked in the Deloitte Wisconsin 75 for the 4th
- We became the first company in Wisconsin to receive a Fitwel® building certification. Fitwel is the world's leading certification system committed to building health for all. The system’s vision is to create a healthier future where all buildings and communities are enhanced to strengthen health and well-being.
- Inpro completed a successful expansion and implementation of cubicle curtain track production at its Charlotte, N.C., and Phoenix, Ariz. plants. These new production hubs allow for capacity balancing and faster ship times.
- The company’s door + wall protection division launched a new wall cladding system targeting labs, pharma production, clean rooms and commercial food prep. The innovative Sani-System™ Heavy Duty Wall Protection is comprised of two integrated products:
- Sani-Base™ Stainless Steel Wall Base— the only complete waterproof transition from floor to wall when installed per manufacturer’s instructions
- Sani-Surface™ Hygienic Wall Cladding – new industrial-strength, fiberglass-free wall panels offering high impact resistance, a Class A fire rating, and thermal stability to handle a wide range of temperatures and moisture fluctuations.
- Inpro successfully completed a migration to the NetSuite® system as its Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) platform. The highly flexible, cloud-based NetSuite ERP will serve Inpro’s growth plans well into the future.
2021
Continued Expansion
This year, Inpro chalked up its 28th straight Best Year Ever, and we hired 125 new employees to accommodate increased sales and allow us to successfully manage our industry-leading short lead time delivery to our customers. Other highlights included:
Being recognized with our 12th straight regional and first-ever national Top Workplaces USA award, issued by Energage, a purpose-driven organization that develops solutions to build and brand Top Workplaces. In addition, Inpro was recognized with special awards in the areas of manufacturing, innovation and leadership.
Acquiring Chicago-based Everything Division 12 (ED12) a provider of window treatment solutions, including solar shades, blinds and drapery; and specializing in motorized and automated shading solutions for commercial buildings. The acquisition supports Inpro’s leadership in the commercial interiors industry and broadens our capabilities in the commercial window treatment business.
Being named the Large Business of the Year by the Waukesha County Business Alliance. The Business of the Year award honors small, medium and large businesses with a significant presence in southeast Wisconsin who are committed to good business practices, are involved in their community, are committed to their customers and employees, and demonstrate financial growth and consistency.
Once again, Inpro was recognized in the Deloitte Wisconsin 75 award that recognizes the contributions made to Wisconsin’s economy by the state’s largest privately and closely held companies.
And to conclude … in recognition of our continuous focus on protecting our planet and resources, Inpro was recognized by the Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resource Recycling Award for implementing a more robust recycling program and increasing product yields to produce less scrap. Inpro is operating at a 79.4% overall diversion rate based on production efficiencies.
2022
Getting Bigger and Bolder
Inpro is proud to celebrate our 29th straight “Best Year Ever” having reached record momentum on all fronts. For the 13th year in a row, we received the Top Workplace Award. In March, Marc Holland transitioned to CEO to continue the legacy left by Phil Ziegler. We acquired WT Shade, an expert commercial window treatment manufacturer, and launched Continuum® Shower Walls and interior protection.
To address industry-wide challenges we invested in a new sheet line and tanker truck for our door and wall product line, providing better control of our material supply and lead times in our ongoing obsession with providing world-class service.
We launched the CommUNITY of Friends program as a space for employees and their peers to gather, create, socialize, and plan for whatever their passions inspire them to do. And Inpro’s community impact reached beyond our U.S. borders. Inpro employees came together to donate nearly $17,000 in funds and critical supplies to Ukrainian refugees at the height of the Russian and Ukraine crisis. We also innovated our recycling and product yields to operate more efficiently and keep us on track to become net zero landfill by 2025.
We anticipate great success as we prepare for 2023’s “Best Year Ever.”
2023
Exceeding and Expanding
Inpro celebrated its 30th “Best Year Ever” in 2023, reaching new milestones and exceeding expectations for the 30th anniversary of ownership by the Ziegler family.
We proudly earned both regional and national awards as a Top Workplace: 2nd year as a United States winner and 14th Hall-of-Fame winner regionally. This honor is a testament to our unwavering dedication to fostering an exceptional workplace environment and being an “employees first” company.
In tandem with this milestone, Inpro embarked on a groundbreaking initiative—the first-ever building products roadshow: Join the Movement™. This pioneering venture brought accredited education and products directly to architects and contractors across the nation in a never-before-done way.
Collaborating closely with MSI Construction, we announced significant expansion plans, including the expansion of our distribution center and the construction of a new office building.
Aligned with our commitment to sustainability, we are still set to achieve net-zero waste status by 2025.
The year 2023 was a testament to Inpro's dedication to excellence, innovation, and growth. As we move forward, these milestones serve as the foundation for our continued commitment to our people, our customers, and our pursuit of industry-leading solutions.