60 Years of Growth and Innovation
Explore six decades of milestones, people and innovation that have shaped INPS—and continue to guide our future.
1960's - The Beginning
1966 – International Name Plate Supplies Limited (INPS) was founded in September 1966 in a house on Trafalgar Street in London, Ontario. The company was established by Werner and wife Pamela Humann (current CEO) and their friend Eric Foster.
Werner, a 27-year-old immigrant from Germany, and Eric, who had emigrated from Yugoslavia (now Slovenia), shared a vision of building a business in Canada. Starting as a small engraving company producing nameplates. The early years were challenging and growth was slow. Through perseverance and determination, they never gave up on their dream, laying the foundation for what would become a multi-generational manufacturing company.
Their first paying job was at a Sunoco Station – White sign with blue engraved letters.
1970’s – Growth and Expansion
As business increased, INPS moved to a small house at 578 Crumlin Road in London, Ontario. While continuing to provide engraving services, the company expanded its capabilities to include hot stamping, silk screening, and pad printing.
Werner’s cousin Hans Schoettle joined the partnership.
In one year INPS hot stamped 1 million golf balls at 2 cents/ part for Miller Golf.
Two additions were added one 40’ x 80’ and the second 30’x100’.
Founder Werner Humann believed in giving everything you had and never turning down a job. This commitment to customer service and hard work became a cornerstone of the company’s culture and helped fuel steady growth throughout the decade.
By the end of the 70’s INPS went up for sale for $595,000 with no bidders, Werner and Pamela Humann ended up buying out their two partners.
INPS expanded their opportunities by purchasing Artcal Graphics and Screen Printing Inc. with a vision to grow.
1980’s – Expanding Capabilities and Building a Reputation
Following a brief partnership with Wilf Myers, an artist from 3M, INPS moved forward as a solely owned family business.
In 1984, INPS acquired Ontario Plastics in St. Thomas, Ontario, adding vacuum forming to its growing list of manufacturing capabilities. As the company expanded, it served both large and small customers across Ontario, earning a reputation for delivering quality products and dependable service.
Rather than relying on extensive advertising, INPS grew through word of mouth and long-standing relationships. The company’s reputation with customers and suppliers alike was built on the competence, reliability, and professionalism from its employees and management team.
During this decade, INPS completed projects for organizations including General Motors, Fanshawe College, the University of Western Ontario, and Northern Telecom.
As the business grew, a portable office was purchased for the sales team.
1990’s – A New Generation of Leadership
The 1990s marked the arrival of a new generation at INPS, bringing fresh ideas, enthusiasm, and direction to the growing company.
David Humann joined the company in sales, Tom Freeman in engineering, and Ed Arts in finance and accounting, forging INPS’s leadership team.
INPS purchased the screening portion of Stevens Signs. INPS expanded its customer base and strengthened its relationship with National Steel Car, North America’s leading railroad freight car manufacturer—a partnership that continues today.
General Motors invited INPS to quote on larger programs and enter the aftermarket business.
2000’s – Rapid Growth and Diversification
The 2000s marked a period of significant growth and expansion for INPS. In 2000 INPS partnered with CSX to start an associate company called Ecotrans Technologies (now known as IEP), building auxiliary power units for locomotives.
INPS opened its U.S. operation in Longview, Texas, in 2004. Then in 2005 following the events of 9/11, INPS launched Firefly, a photoluminescent safety product line. In 2006, INPS expanded internationally with the opening of INPS Mexico.
INPS acquired XYZ in 2008, adding CNC manufacturing capabilities (waterjet cutting, flatbed knife cutting, laser cutting, and router cutting).
In 2009, INPS created a new company MII (Mexican International Inc) and a 2nd manufacturing facility (30,000 sq ft).
2010's – A Decade of Accelerated Growth
The 2010s became the most significant growth decade in INPS history, marked by strategic acquisitions and expanded product offerings.
In 2011, INPS acquired North American Transit Supply Company (NATSCO), broadening its presence in the transit industry.
In 2015, INPS manufactured the wraps for the Canada Post community mailboxes all across Canada.
In 2016, INPS acquired Column Graphics (Autograph Trim), expanding INPS’s product portfolio in custom branding, design and graphic solutions.
In 2017, the company acquired S&C Rail Solutions, adding trackside signal and housing products for the railroad industry.
In 2018, INPS was granted exclusive rights to convert 3M™ Scotchgard™ Multi-Layer Protective Film, providing anti-graffiti protection for glass.
In 2019 – The company was deeply saddened to announce that their founder, Werner Humann, passed away.
David Humann became president of INPS.
2020's – Innovation and Expansion
The 2020s have been defined by innovation, resilience, and continued growth. During the COVID-19 pandemic, INPS responded quickly by manufacturing protective barriers for trains and producing face shields to help reduce the spread of the virus.
In 2024, INPS completed a major expansion of its London, Ontario headquarters, increasing its manufacturing footprint to 80,000 square feet. Today, INPS offers a broad range of manufacturing capabilities, including CNC cutting, composites, engraving, laminating, kitting, painting, thermoforming, vinyl cutting, and digital printing.
With operations in Canada, the United States, and Mexico, the INPS Group of Companies continues to grow with a simple mission: to be a single-source provider delivering innovative solutions and exceptional service to customers across North America and beyond.
