Grimm Stamp & Badge Company Founded in St. Louis, MO
Henry Grimm founded Grimm Stamp & Badge, starting the company's journey by specializing in seals, stamps, badges, checks, and custom license plate dies for wagons, buggies, and bicycles. They also crafted badges for fraternal organizations and produced commemorative coins for the annual Agriculture and Mechanical Fair—a significant event that later evolved into the city's iconic VP Fair.
Expanding into Vehicle Registration and License Plates
In response to the booming motor carriage industry, the company started producing colorful annual registration tags for both chauffeured and private vehicles. By the early 1900s, its operations had expanded to include license plates for nearly every U.S. state and several international markets.
Evolving with the Automotive Boom – Transition to Metal Signs
As the automotive industry continued to evolve, Grimm Stamp & Badge adapted to the changing landscape by shifting from producing auto tags to manufacturing printed metal signs. Through Grimm Metal Sign Corporation, the company began serving both commercial clients and municipalities, ensuring its relevance in a rapidly growing market.
MUTCD Publication Drives Growth for Grimm Metal Sign Corporation
The Joint Board on Interstate Highways published the first Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) in 1935, setting national standards for traffic control. This milestone fueled significant growth for Grimm Metal Sign Corporation, as demand surged for traffic and advertising signs. The evolving traffic control standards ensured a steady stream of work and innovation for the company.
Expanding Beyond Traffic
Grimco embraced the method of silkscreening letters and artwork onto enamel-coated steel signs, setting a new standard for sign fabrication. The company also ensured that all designs adhered to MUTCD recommendations, aligning with nationwide traffic sign production standards. During this time, Grimco expanded its reach beyond traffic signage, serving a diverse range of customers, including hospitals, country clubs, and more with their signage needs.
New Leadership Takes the Helm
At just 29 years old, Robert Hummert, along with Terry Alexander and John McCarthy, acquired Grimco, Inc. and Auto Sign Display Company, ushering in a new era of growth and innovation for the business.
Grimco Makes Its First Acquisition
Grimco made its first acquisition by purchasing Miro-Flex, a Kansas-based manufacturer known for silkscreen and embossed signs. As one of the largest traffic sign fabricators at the time, Miro-Flex's addition to Grimco's portfolio expanded the company's product offerings and further strengthened its position in the signage industry.
Grimco Manufacturing
Goes on Strike
May 18th, 1981
After two weeks of the Metal Workers Union Strike, an agreement was reached, and employees returned to their workstations. However, Grimco recognized that for long-term success, it would be important to maintain stability. They had to find a way to minimize disruptions to their business.
Grimco Relocates
Manufacturing to Owensville
Following the challenges of the strike, Grimco made the thoughtful decision to relocate its manufacturing operations to Owensville. This move helped the company ensure a stable future, allowing it to continue its operations with greater flexibility.
Embracing Technology for Growth
Grimco upgraded to a software system capable of managing inventory, orders, and customer information in real time. This technological advancement streamlined daily operations and transformed the company’s entire operational model, paving the way for greater efficiency and improved customer service
Strategic Expansion
Grimco opened a second distribution center in Ohio, enhancing its ability to serve more customers. Leveraging data from UPS delivery zones, the company strategically identified opportunities for further expansion to provide efficient, nationwide service.
24 New Locations
Starting with the opening of their third distribution branch in Chicago in 2000, Grimco experienced significant growth, launching 24 new locations across the country within eight years, establishing a coast-to-coast presence.
Grimco Shifts Focus to Distribution and Digital Markets.
Grimco transitioned away from the retail market to fully embrace a distribution-focused model. This strategic shift marked the company's entry into the digital market, offering media and wide-format printers to meet the evolving needs of its customers.
Grimco Goes International and Expands into Canada
Grimco entered the international market in 2014 by acquiring Proveer’s Canadian operations. Recognizing the value of the Canadian team, Grimco prioritized retaining their expertise and building a business rooted in local connections. Bob, Grimco’s CEO at the time, assured employees they were essential to Grimco Canada's foundation and long-term success.
This first international acquisition brought new challenges, including navigating currency exchange, language differences, and the metric system, but also fostered growth and adaptability. In 2024, Grimco Canada celebrated a 10-year milestone, with a decade of growth, partnership, and a lasting legacy within the Grimco family.
Grimco Expands into Apparel Decoration Markets
Up until 2020, Grimco was an industry leader in distributing consumables and wide format equipment to the sign and graphics markets. Continuing their expansion, Grimco purchased Midwest Sign and Screen on October 1st, 2020. Along with growth in the sign and electrical markets, this allowed Grimco to start their journey to becoming an industry leader to the apparel decoration markets including screen print and direct to film.
A New Generation of Ownership
In 2021, ownership of Grimco was passed down to the second generation of the Hummert family, Amy Salzman, and Susanne McDonald. While the company has grown significantly, its "think big, act small" family mentality remains at its core. Grimco continues to prioritize a people-first culture, valuing employees and customers alike. Every milestone achieved is a testament to the incredible team driving the company forward, with decisions centered around the customer and fostering genuine relationships where both employees and customers can grow and thrive together.
Grimco Acquires Pyramid Displays and New Hampshire Plastics
2021 was an eventful year in Grimco's history.
Grimco expanded into the UK with the purchase of Pyramid Displays. This advanced Grimco as the sign and graphics distributor in the UK and increased our location count to over 70 worldwide.
Grimco also expanded their manufacturing capabilities by the purchase of New Hampshire Plastics. Grimco manufactures polystyrene under their Duratex Polystyrene line.
Grimco Expands to Manufacturing Aluminum Composite Material
In 2023, Grimco acquired Multipanel UK, enabling the company to produce its own aluminum composite material. This acquisition enhances Grimco's manufacturing capabilities, allowing them to produce aluminum sheet blanks, traffic signs, custom signs, polystyrene, and ACM.
