(Minneapolis) – March 17, 2004 – In September of this year, Stylmark, Inc. of Fridley, MN will celebrate its 50th anniversary in business.

Stylmark originally was started under the name Designware Industries in 1954 when founder Ray Brink was constructing his new home.  As he was building the medicine cabinets, Ray wanted to minimize the noise of plate glass on a steel track, which was accepted as the standard at that time.  It was then that he literally decided to reinvent the wheel and soon began manufacturing his own wheel-based rolling door mechanism in his Fridley garage.  By incorporating this into a variety of fabricated aluminum extrusions, the company soon expanded its product line to include tub and shower enclosures, bathroom cabinets and wardrobe doors.

Today, Stylmark Inc. is a leading designer and manufacturer of aluminum and steel products for retail, hospitality, entertainment and other commercial environments.  Product lines include open sell systems, showcase frames, cabinet and shelf lighting, architectural trim and glass wall hardware.  Stylmark, through its in-house design engineering department, also has the capability to create custom products to fit special needs.  The company further prides itself on its ability to provide the industry’s most expansive anodized color palette for aluminum products, along with a wide variety of finishes for both aluminum and stainless steel.  

Evolving from a garage with a one-man crew to a 170,000 square foot facility with 150 employees has required many changes over the last 50 years. Perhaps the most significant change has been that of ownership, which was transferred from David Brink, son of founder Ray Brink, to Stylmark’s employees. Since 1998 the company has been 100% employee-owned, which is a major factor in making sure that not everything has changed, specifically Stylmark’s dedication to quality, design and customer service.     

Vice President of Sales and Marketing Glenn Craft says, “Continuing to grow a business for 50 years is a true achievement for any company. But we have only been able to do it by showing a willingness to change, innovate and listen to our customers. Our employee-owners really make this happen and make this company unique.”  David Brink, who has continued as Stylmark’s Chairman, adds, “We may have moved locations, expanded our product line and improved our manufacturing technology, but product quality and service have remained constant. I am proud that we have upheld everything my father believed in.”

Over the last 50 years Stylmark products have been used by a veritable Who’s Who of retail and commerce. Neiman Marcus, Federated Department Stores, May Company, Disney World, Target Stores, Nordstrom, Petco, Sephora, and Estee Lauder are but a small sample of Stylmark’s global customer base.  And the rolling door assembly that started it all remains the industry standard and one of Stylmark’s biggest sellers.  

For more information:
Carol Perry
763-574-8701
cperry@stylmark.com