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Our History
1983
In January 1983, Charles Wisdom founded Inland Electrostatic Powder Coating to offer powder coating services to the public, equipment manufacturers, and metal fabricators. Facing operational challenges, Wisdom sought assistance from his son-in-law, David Flatten, who, with financial expertise, provided consulting services in September 1983. Flatten played a crucial role in establishing procedures to enhance the company's profitability and officially joined as general manager in November 1983. Before his involvement with Inland Electrostatic Powder Coating, Flatten worked for the North West Council of Governments in the State of Colorado, managing various improvement projects in small towns around Steamboat Springs. Flatten holds degrees in economics and biology from Claremont Men’s College (now Claremont McKenna College).
1984
In May 1984, David Flatten incorporated Inland Electrostatic Powder Coating as Inland Powder Coating (IPC) and acquired a majority stake from Charles Wisdom. After the transaction, Flatten owned 51%, Wisdom held 44%, and Orris Flatten (David's father) held 5%. Over the next decade, IPC experienced growth by attracting new customers and expanding its powder coating services. In late 1984, the company further expanded by adding large conveyor Line #1 to its services.
1991
In 1991, the company expanded its capabilities by introducing a mini conveyor, Line #3. This allowed Inland Powder Coating to process a high volume of small parts, freeing up the larger conveyor lines for other jobs, massively increasing overall throughput.
1994-1995
In 1994, Inland Powder Coating expanded its capabilities by adding mini-batch capabilities to line #7, along with services such as burn-off and sandblasting on line #5. These additions allowed IPC to handle jobs with parts of varying sizes and specialized requirements.
In July 1995, the retirement of Mr. Wisdom from his teaching position led to changes in IPC's ownership. David Flatten increased his stake by purchasing shares from Mr. Wisdom, and Orris Flatten also acquired additional shares. As a result, David Flatten owned 67% of IPC. The company continued to grow and attract new customers in the late 1990s and into the 2000s, establishing a strong reputation for high quality, integrity, and rapid service.
2003
In 2003, Inland Powder Coating embraced a significant expansion initiative by incorporating a state-of-the-art large conveyor line, denoted as line #6. This strategic enhancement marked a notable stride in IPC's operational efficiency.
2006
Subsequently, in 2006, the company further fortified its production capabilities with the introduction of an additional large-sized batch line, designated as line #4. This deliberate investment empowered IPC to adeptly handle heavier parts, showcasing a commitment to versatility and innovation. Not only did these advancements cater to the processing of more substantial components, but they also significantly augmented IPC's overall throughput capacity, positioning the company at the forefront of efficiency in its industry.
2007
In a pivotal move in 2007, David Flatten executed a strategic acquisition, purchasing the shares held by all other stockholders and subsequently assuming full ownership of Inland Powder Coating. This acquisition solidified his position as the exclusive owner, marking a transformative moment in the company's history. Under his singular leadership, IPC entered a new era, where strategic decisions and the trajectory of the business were steered by a unified vision. David Flatten's complete ownership underscored a commitment to autonomy, allowing for more streamlined decision-making processes and providing a clear path for the company's future endeavors.
2012
In late 2012, Inland Powder Coating (IPC) took a significant leap in technological advancement by creating a bespoke Material Requirements Planning (MRP) software program. Tailored to manage diverse systems across multiple locations, this cutting-edge software underwent continuous testing and upgrades since its inception. The MRP software provides real-time and precise production data, allowing IPC to monitor its operations dynamically. Uniquely cloud-based, the software empowers IPC to efficiently schedule and actively track thousands of jobs spanning various facilities and production lines.
This sophisticated MRP software serves as a competitive advantage for IPC, enabling managers to monitor live job progress seamlessly. Accessible via desktop, laptop, iPad, or iPhone, this capability transcends geographical constraints, allowing managers to oversee operations from anywhere in the world, around the clock. The implementation of this advanced technology reflects IPC's commitment to efficiency, innovation, and maintaining a competitive edge in the industry.
2013
PRS Industries was acquired by IPC in April 2013. IPC brought the 3 facilities operations, customers, employees, and liquid paint line #12 in house to the IPC 5-acre facility in Ontario over the next 3 years after beta testing and confirming that the new MRP software was capable of operating multiple facilities and lines.
2023
In May 2023, Inland Powder Coating (IPC) completed the acquisition of Tortoise Industries, a strategic move that involved consolidating Tortoise Industries into IPC's operations. As part of this expansion initiative, IPC introduced a new fabrication line, denoted as line #9, to its facilities. This integration of Tortoise Industries and the addition of the new fabrication line underscore IPC's commitment to growth, diversification, and enhancing its capabilities.
This strategic move positions Inland Powder Coating as a trailblazer in providing comprehensive finishing solutions. Notably, IPC has solidified its status as the largest powder coater in the Southwest United States. This achievement reflects the company's sustained leadership in the industry and its dedication to meeting the evolving needs of its customers. With expanded facilities and enhanced capabilities, IPC is well-positioned to continue setting industry standards for quality and innovation in finishing solutions.
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