Apogee Enterprises Inc. Launches Architectural Finish Division

Linetec was founded in 1983, by its parent company Apogee Enterprises Inc. Apogee's companies specialize in glass, coatings and architectural products, so establishing a finishing company focused on architectural products was a natural fit.

The increasing demand by architects for windows of different colors spawned Linetec. As hardly anyone was specializing in coating architectural products, this was a niche waiting to be filled. Linetec started in Wausau, Wisconsin in June of 1983 with a small facility and a single paint line. Scott Platta managed Linetec with 20 employees and a 40,000 square foot building capable of applying enamel, acrylic and Kynar paint finishes. Linetec was only the second paint line in the U.S. to paint Kynar coatings in a single pass.

LINETEC FIRST PROJECT IN KUWAIT

In 1984, Linetec's field service department was founded and sent on its first project to a 34-story, high-rise bank in Kuwait.

Dale Robinson, a paint line supervisor was sent to Kuwait to inspect the project. Upon review, the only thing wrong with the material was the fact that they were off-loading it with wire cable, wrapping chains around it, and pulling it to the jobsite. Dale has since gone on to lead Linetec's field service as the field service manager. Linetec's concern for the environment was evident as far back as 1984, when an environmental compliance officer was hired to coordinate all Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Agency compliance activities.

Linetec Adds Anodizing & Powder Coating Capabilities

Linetec subsequently expanded its finishing offering to its customers by adding anodizing and powder coating lines.

In 1986, a $4 million automated anodizing line was installed in its own facility across the street from the paint plant.

Linetec has set the standard for environmentally-friendly finishing operations.

In 1994, Linetec invested $2M in a thermal oxidizer.

The oxidizer eliminates harmful chemicals prior to them being released into the atmosphere, and enables Linetec to continue to apply high-performance liquid paint coatings, while operating 98.8% air-pollution-free.

Linetec Adds Fleet of Trucks

Linetec has gone far beyond just providing reliable deliveries and trucking services.

In 1995, Linetec added a fleet of trucks to provide regular pick-up and delivery services, with distribution points and covering much of the U.S.

PVC FABRICATION CENTER

In 1999, Linetec provided part of its factory space to help incubate a PVC fabrication business, Polywood Fabrication.

This business, which provides finished interior shutter panels to retail dealers throughout the U.S., has since established its own facility, consolidating all of its U.S. fabrication centers in Wausau.

Trucking expands to 20 Weekly TRUCK Runs

By 2001 Linetec trucking grew to more than 20 weekly truck runs throughout the U.S., demonstrating the benefit and value this service has to its customers.

Powder Coating Line Added to Linetec

In January of 2005, Linetec added its powder coat operation to it's product offerings to meet customer's expanding needs.