The Professional Plating Inc. Story
We are proud of our history, we are proud of our culture, and most importantly we are proud of all of our team members who make our business successful.
Our History
1979
Professional Plating Inc. was founded in 1979 to address the need for a reliable plating source for fasteners supplied by Endries International. Operations began in May with a zinc barrel plating line housed within a 10,000 sq. ft. facility.
1983
In June 1983, a zinc rack plating line was added to expand capacity. To support increased production and evolving environmental regulations, wastewater treatment capabilities were enhanced with the installation of a sludge dryer and filter press.
1988
Professional Plating expanded further in 1988 with a 12,000 sq. ft. addition to support a new acrylic e-coat line. The laboratory was also upgraded with advanced testing equipment.
1991
An epoxy e-coat line was added in 1991 to broaden coating options and support a wider range of customer applications.
1993
A 15,000 sq. ft. facility expansion was completed in 1993 to accommodate an additional zinc rack line, expanded office space, increased customer storage, and a dedicated maintenance area.
1998
In 1998, Professional Plating installed a state-of-the-art powder coating system. This expansion also included additional laboratory space, three shipping docks, and finished goods storage, adding approximately 35,000 sq. ft.
2002
The wastewater treatment system was upgraded in 2002 with a new 5,000 sq. ft. facility, exceeding EPA and DNR requirements while reducing hazardous waste disposal costs.
2009
A 65,000 sq. ft. expansion in 2009 increased shipping, receiving, and finished-goods storage capacity. A fully automated, RoHS-compliant zinc barrel plating line (Barrel Line 1) replaced the original barrel line, bringing the total facility footprint to approximately 140,000 sq. ft.
2013
In 2013, one legacy zinc rack line was decommissioned and replaced with a custom-built plating system. Operational in May, the new line improved efficiency and ensured consistent, repeatable quality.
2015
Professional Plating initiated a major expansion in November 2015 by relocating an existing 10,000 sq. ft. building offsite and constructing a new 60,000 sq. ft. addition. A new zinc rack plating line (Rack Line 4) was installed, creating 20 new jobs. The project was completed and fully operational in October 2016.
2017
In 2017, the company relocated offices to a new collaborative workspace at 705 Northway Drive. The former office area was remodeled into a 10,000 sq. ft. Work Lounge and Wellness Center.
2018
An older zinc plating line was decommissioned in 2018 to make room for Rack Line 5. This $3.6 million investment increased capacity, enhanced safety, and improved quality performance.
2022
A new zinc rack plating system (Rack Line 6) was ordered in 2021 and installed in June 2022. This $4.3 million investment further expanded capacity and operational capability.
2023
In December 2023, Professional Plating commissioned a second zinc barrel plating line (Barrel Line 2), creating redundant barrel capacity for the first time in company history. This $4.5 million investment doubled barrel plating capacity while delivering significant ergonomic and efficiency improvements.
2024
In January 2024, construction began on a new epoxy e-coat line. Installed and commissioned in July, this $5.4 million project increased rack capacity by 30% and introduced automated chemical feeders, computerized temperature control, and automated startup systems.
Additionally, the original 2009 barrel line was fully renovated and modernized with a $650,000 investment, ensuring consistency across both barrel lines. The upgraded line returned to production in April 2024 with expanded capabilities, including the ability to process stamped parts up to 7 inches in length. Both barrel lines operate exclusively with RoHS-compliant chromates, supporting a wide range of industries including lawn and garden, agriculture, automotive, and recreational equipment.
