In 2025, Grimco celebrates a remarkable milestone: 150 years in business. Reaching such a significant anniversary is an achievement few companies can claim, and it’s a testament to our adaptability, resilience, and dedication to serving the evolving needs of our customers. This journey has been shaped by a rich history with key milestones and people, countless innovations, and a relentless commitment to excellence.
The Humble Midwest Beginnings of Grimco
Founded in 1875 by Henry Grimm in St. Louis, Missouri, Grimco began its journey as the Grimm Stamp & Badge Company. Specializing in crafting seals, stamps, badges, checks, and custom license plate dies for wagons, buggies, and bicycles, the company quickly made a name for itself. The early success didn’t stop there; Grimco also developed badges for fraternal organizations and created commemorative coins for the annual Agriculture and Mechanical Fair—a significant event that later evolved into the city's iconic VP Fair— setting a foundation for innovation and quality right from the start.
By the early 1900s, we were expanding our product offerings to meet the demands of a rapidly modernizing world. Grimco seized opportunities within the booming motor carriage industry by producing colorful annual registration tags for vehicles. This strategic expansion laid the groundwork for Grimco's extensive reach, as it began manufacturing license plates for nearly every U.S. state and several international markets. The early adaptability Grimco showed in these formative years set a precedent for future growth and resilience.
Adapting to the Automotive Revolution
As the automotive industry raced forward, Grimco was quick to adapt. By transitioning from auto tags to printed metal signs, the company evolved with the times, establishing the Grimm Metal Sign Corporation. This shift allowed Grimco to cater to the growing needs of commercial clients and municipalities, cementing its relevance in a rapidly expanding market.
A pivotal moment came in 1935 when the Joint Board on Interstate Highways published the first Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). This publication established national standards for traffic control, propelling Grimco’s growth as demand for traffic and advertising signs surged. By embracing new methods like silkscreening letters and artwork onto enamel-coated steel signs, Grimco positioned itself as an innovator, setting a new standard for sign fabrication, ensuring all designs adhered to MUTCD recommendations.
Transformations in Traffic and Advertising Signage
The post-war era saw Grimco expanding beyond traffic signage to serve a diverse range of customers, including hospitals and country clubs. This period of expansion was marked by new leadership in 1977 when Robert Hummert, Terry Alexander, and John McCarthy acquired Grimco, Inc. and Auto Sign 
Display Company, ushering in a new era of growth and innovation.
In the 1980s, Grimco made strategic moves to solidify its position in the industry. The acquisition of Miro-Flex, a leading manufacturer of silkscreen and embossed signs, diversified Grimco’s product offerings and strengthened its market position. However, challenges like the Metal Workers Union Strike in 1981 tested Grimco's resilience. The company responded by relocating its manufacturing operations to an Owensville, Missouri facility, ensuring stability and continuity in its operations.
Strategic Acquisitions and Technological Advancements
The 1990s marked a period of embracing technology for Grimco. Implementing a software system that could manage inventory, orders, and customer information in real-time revolutionized the company's operations. This technological leap boosted efficiency and elevated customer service, 
paving the way for further growth. Our ability to pivot and embrace new technologies has been a cornerstone of our success.
Strategic expansion continued with the opening of a second distribution center in Ohio in 1999 and a third distribution hub in Chicago, IL by 2000. The next decade would bring Grimco even more growth, launching 24 new locations across the country. This coast-to-coast presence enabled Grimco to better serve its customers and solidified its reputation as a leading partner in the sign industry.
Expanding Internationally and into More Markets
In the new millennium, Grimco shifted focus towards distribution and digital markets, transitioning away from retail. This strategic move allowed the company to offer digital media and wide-format printers, meeting the evolving needs of its customers. In 2014, Grimco took a significant step by entering the international market, acquiring Proveer’s Canadian operations. This expansion required navigating challenges like currency exchange and language differences but ultimately fostered growth 
and a lasting staple in the Canada.
Up until 2020, Grimco was an industry leader in distributing consumables and wide format equipment to the sign and graphics industry, including the electrical market. To round out their portfolio, Grimco acquired Midwest Sign and Screen on October 1st, 2020, start their journey into the apparel decoration markets. This move diversified Grimco's offerings, enabling the company to serve the apparel decoration markets, including screen printing and direct-to-film.
A New Era of Leadership and Manufacturing Excellence
2021 marked the beginning of a new chapter for Grimco as Amy Salzman and Susanne McDonald, the second generation of the Hummert family, took ownership of the company. Despite Grimco's 
significant growth, the "think big, act small" family mentality remains at the heart of its operations. This people-first culture prioritizes employees and customers alike, fostering relationships where both can grow and thrive. Every milestone is a reflection of the dedicated team that drives Grimco forward, always with the customer at the center of every decision.
This same year, Grimco made significant strides in its global and manufacturing presence. The acquisition of Pyramid Displays marked Grimco’s entry into the UK market, increasing the company’s global footprint to over 70 locations worldwide. Domestically, Grimco expanded its manufacturing capabilities with the purchase of New Hampshire Plastics, producing polystyrene under the Duratex Polystyrene line. These strategic moves positioned Grimco as both a leading distributor and a trusted manufacturer within the sign and graphics industry.
In 2023, Grimco’s commitment to innovation reached new heights with the acquisition of Multipanel UK. This expansion allowed Grimco to manufacture its own aluminum composite material (ACM)—Maxmetal—complementing its existing product lines of aluminum sheet blanks, traffic signs, and custom signage. By integrating these capabilities, Grimco reinforced its ability to deliver high-quality, versatile solutions to its customers.
Celebrating 150 Years with Gratitude and Building for Tomorrow
As we celebrate this incredible milestone, we recognize that none of this would be possible without our loyal customers, dedicated employees, and trusted partners. Grimco’s 150-year legacy is a shared achievement, built on relationships and a collective commitment to excellence. We are proud of our past, inspired by our present, and excited for the future. To help in honoring such a legacy, we will be releasing an exclusive video series throughout the year in celebration. Check out the Teaser Here.
Grimco’s story is far from over. As we move forward, we remain committed to embracing change, driving innovation, and continuing to provide unparalleled service to our customers. The sign industry will undoubtedly continue to evolve, and Grimco will be there every step of the way—just as we have been for the past 150 years.
Thank you for being part of our journey. Here’s to the next 150 years of innovation, growth, and success! Explore more of Grimco's history in our interactive timeline here.
