Seventy years after it was founded, Lincoln Industries is behaving more like a startup than a mature, well-established company.
Marc LeBaronBorn out of the optimism following World War II — when young men and women believed anything was possible — Dale LeBaron founded Lincoln Plating. Ironically, the date was June 13, 1952—a lucky Friday, the 13th, as it turned out. It was a one-person business that would be known as Lincoln Plating. In 2007, the company’s name was changed to Lincoln Industries to reflect the company’s focus on manufactured products.
Lincoln Industries strategically differentiated itself from its competition by successfully transforming from a finishing company into a supplier of manufactured products focusing on large, technically difficult projects.
Four Locations and 1,400 People
The company has grown to more than 1,400 people at locations in Nebraska, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Mexico.
“We intend to add positions in all of our markets, with plans to add over 100 people in Lincoln in the next year,” says Marc LeBaron, Lincoln Industries CEO and Chairman. “While we have been highly successful with our metal finishing and manufacturing growth, we now have an added focus on providing new products through our own brands.”
LeBaron says he is also optimistic about Lincoln Industries’ growth.
“We’ve broadened our opportunities by acquiring new businesses and investing heavily in expansion in Lincoln, including our branded products,” he says, as the company’s introduction of its own products was a natural result of the company’s position as the nation’s largest metal finisher and continued expansion into manufacturing.
Lincoln Chrome and Khrome Werks Brands
The “Go Platinum! Climb” is one of many wellness events that has garnered Lincoln Industries international attention. For over 15 years, team members who achieve the highest wellness status are taken on a company paid trip to Colorado to climb a “Fourteener.” The company was the recipient of the C. Everett Koop National Health Award in 2008 and in 2017 won the Global Healthy Workplace Award from the Global Centre for Healthy Workplaces.Lincoln Industries’ first branded product line, Lincoln Chrome, focuses on the aftermarket Class 8 truck accessory market. More recently, the Khrome Werks brand was introduced, focusing on aftermarket motorcycle accessories for Harley-Davidson and Indian motorcycles. Both brands are committed to offering the highest quality craftsmanship in the market.
With the Lincoln Chrome and Khrome Werks brands, Lincoln Industries is at the forefront of the aftermarket trucking and motorcycle markets. The company will continue investing heavily in its brands, believing these products offer outstanding opportunities for future growth.
“While we have grown from one person in 1952 to more than 1,400 today, we are still a family-owned business,” says LeBaron, who adds that daughters Katie Haszard and Kassy Knudson are now third-generation owners continuing the tradition of making their people feel welcomed and valued.”
“We know the importance of our people’s work every day and hope everyone at Lincoln Industries finds pride in their work,” he says.
Culture of Family, Work-Life Balance
Lincoln Industries is known in the community for its culture of family, work-life balance, career building, and wellness program.
“We commit to our people to provide outstanding benefits and a culture that encourages innovation, growth, and support,” LeBaron says.
The “Go Platinum! Climb” is one of many wellness events that has garnered Lincoln Industries international attention. For over 15 years, team members who achieve the highest wellness status are taken on a company-paid trip to Colorado to climb a “Fourteener.”
The company was the recipient of the C. Everett Koop National Health Award in 2008 and, in 2017, won the Global Healthy Workplace Award from the Global Centre for Healthy Workplaces.
