Muskego-based Inpro Corp. announced on Monday that it has acquired Hinkel Inc. Based in Monroe, N.C., Hinkel is a manufacturer of window shades and treatments, cubicle curtains, privacy systems, and decorative and specialty products. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
Hinkel will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of Inpro, and maintain its 22-member staff and operations at its facilities outside of Charlotte.
Inpro, an employer of 450, is a manufacturer of door and wall protection, washroom systems, expansion joint systems, privacy systems and architectural signage.
The company states the acquisition of Hinkel will expand its footprint to the southern United States, where it will use Charlotte as a new operations hub, as well as build on the success of its interior products installation division–Inpro Interiors.
“We’ve been a supplier to Hinkel for years, and know the Hinkel family and their excellent operations quite well,” said Marc Holland, Inpro’s executive vice president of sales and marketing. “This is a win-win in that Hinkel gains from Inpro’s domestic and international reach, and we gain through their product offerings, and by establishing an eastern U.S. manufacturing, distribution and installation hub in Charlotte. We constantly obsess over enhancing the customer experience, so this acquisition gives us an excellent geographic advantage in terms of order turnaround and shipping from Hinkel’s state-of-the-art facility.”
Additionally, Inpro will soon be hiring an undetermined number of employees in Monroe to expand distribution and installation staffing levels, according to Evan Bane, Inpro marketing strategy manager.
“Inpro enhances the Hinkel business model in many ways,” said Teresa Hinkel, general manager of the new subsidiary. “As family-run businesses, we share a passion for exceptional product quality, professional installation and outstanding customer service. Our customers will benefit from Inpro’s wide variety of products and services and short lead times. Our employees will have access to generous benefits and opportunities for advancement. We are enthusiastic about our future with Inpro and the positive impact it will have with our community, our customers, our employees and our industry.”
Hinkel specializes in serving healthcare, senior living, corporate, educational and government facilities, as well as designers and general contractors in the Carolinas and the surrounding region.
