New Direct to Plate System

February 5, 2021

SPS Works purchased a Saati LTS 6080 direct laser image and exposure unit in the spring of 2021.  This system exposes screen images without film negatives or positives.   Digitally processing the screens produces high resolutions, eliminates consumables and reduces power consumption. 

 

New Flatbed Cutting System

January 13, 2023

SPS Works acquired a Summa F1612 flatbed cutting system.  The digital cutting system is a great addition to the existing C02 and fiber laser capabilities.  A few of the Summa’s tools include a knife, oscillating knife, router and camera registration system for tight tolerance cutting of polyester, polycarbonates, acrylic and vinyl materials.   The cutter will improve speed, efficiency and capability of operations.

 

SPS Works Celebrates its 150th anniversary

September 19, 2020

This summer, SPS Works is celebrating its 150th year in business! SPS Works has successfully navigated the great depression, the tech bubble, the crash of 2008, and now COVID. Originally an artisanal engraving shop run by Axel Mellgren in 1870, five generations of Mellgrens and hundreds of employees have nurtured SPS Works into the thriving company it is today. Though it has grown to produce nameplates, labels, stamps, and much more, SPS Works maintains its commitment to a supportive culture with emphasis on stewardship for both the company and its customers.

 

New Company-Wide ERP System

September 1, 2020

SPS Works is now live on a brand new ERP software system! The new system, Infor, will support the continued growth of SPS Works into the future. This system can now fully integrate from beginning to end of the business cycle, giving customers and employees unprecedented transparency through the full business and manufacturing process.

 

St. Paul Stamp Works, Inc. Rebrands to SPS Works

May 27, 2020

We are pleased to inform you that, effective in March 2020, we have rolled out a long-anticipated rebranding of our company! After 150 years, St. Paul Stamp Works, Inc. is stepping into the future with new branding as SPS Works, encompassing a much broader product line. SPS Works, Nameplates Division, and all other subsidiaries have received a digital rejuvenation on their websites and digital forms, including a crisp new logo.

 

Emma Madeline Mellgren Joins St. Paul Stamp Works

August 20, 2018

Emma Madeline Mellgren, a graduate of the University of Minnesota, Carlson School of Business joins St. Paul Stamp Works, Inc. as a fifth generation family member in the operations of St. Paul Stamp Works, Inc.

Previously Emma was an analyst at Accenture. Her experience, educational background and skill set,

bring a variety of insight, knowledge and fresh perspectives to tackle new challenges and achieve ongoing success.

 

Allen Markings

June 30, 2018

On June 30, 2018, all of the operations of Allen Markings, in Kansas City, moved to our St. Paul Stamp Works location in St. Paul, MN. The consolidation will allow for more lean and efficient operations.

 

James Gerald Mellgren Named President

September 28, 2017

On September 28, 2017 James (Jim) Mellgren, COO, was named President of St. Paul Stamp Works Inc. His energy, skill set and vision will direct the company’s future towards a continued path of success. Ed Mellgren and Jerry Mellgren will continue in their supportive roles and will not be retiring. Jim Mellgren is the fifth president in St. Paul Stamp Works’ 147-year history.

 

Artcraft Nameplate & Stencil

April 30, 2017

On April 30th 2017, St. Paul Stamp Works Inc. consolidated the manufacturing and operations activities of Artcraft Nameplates & Stencil Co. of Kansas City with the St. Paul Stamp Works corporate manufacturing facility in St. Paul, MN.

 

Meto-Grafics Acquisition

April 1, 2016

On April 1, 2016 St Paul Stamp Works, Inc acquired Meto-Grafics, a high-quality manufacturer of OEM nameplates, panels, overlays, scales, architectural signage and labels. Meto-Grafics is a 2nd generation, family- owned business run by Michael Emrich in Cary, IL. The business was established by Michael’s father, Vern, in 1948. The acquisition will expand the capabilities, experience and sophistication of products.

 

Alex Mellgren Retirement

June 6, 2014

Alex Mellgren, Vice President of St. Paul Stamp Works, Inc., announced his retirement from both the Company and the Board of Directors effective February 28, 2014. Alex started continuous employment with the company as a sales person on November 17, 1980. Over the years he accumulated many friends in the community, and he will be missed. The company celebrated Alex’s life with the company by hosting a retirement party on Sunday May 4, 2014 at the St. Paul Athletic Club’s Grand Ballroom. Many of Alex’s friends and coworkers were there.

 

Teresa Leite Manager

September 24, 2013

On August 21, 2013 Teresa Leite assumed the role of manager of DM Stamps and Specialties. Her background and emphasis will be on marketing.

 

New Graphic Arts Computer System and Software

June 16, 2012

On or about June 16, 2012 St. Paul Stamp Works, Inc. acquires new graphic arts computer system and cutting edge software packages. With this latest update St. Paul Stamp Works, Inc. can accept nearly all graphic file types, making it even easier for the customer.

400 Watt Laser

October 11, 2011

On October 11, 2011 St. Paul Stamp acquired a state of the art 400 watt laser cutter. For a number of materials St. Paul Stamp can now fabricate nameplates and labels with reduced lead times, better accuracy, and free of tooling costs.

A & V Rubber Stamps & Stamp Fever Move

July 1, 2010

To better serve their clients, A & V Rubber Stamps and Stamp Fever have moved to a facility located at 388 Tustin Ave, Orange, CA 92866. The new facility is roughly 50% larger than the old facility with nearly 400% more parking capacity.

Lean Manufacturing

August 12, 2009

On Dec 10, 2008 St. Paul Stamp Works, Inc. was approved for a Minnesota Job Skills Partnership Grant which was to aid in the implementation of a Lean Manufacturing system. By February 10, 2009 the planning and implementation was initiated. As of July 31, our nameplate department had reduced its’ lead times from 15 days on new orders not requiring proofs to 10 days. On rerun orders the lead times were reduced from 10 days to 8 days.

New Digital Equipment

December 19, 2008

On December 19, 2008 St. Paul Stamp Works, Inc. obtained a new large format Oce Printer. This printer will allow us to print up to 49.2" by 98.4" in 4 Color process. The benefit to the customer is that we will be more competitive on both short run multiple color jobs and jobs requiring large area prints.

D M Stamps & Specialties Relocation

December 2, 2008

DM Stamps & Specialties move to larger location. On November 24, 2008 DM Stamps moved to its' new Mankato location at 1101 North Riverfront Drive. In part the move was made to accommodate the increasing sales over the past few years.

Next Generation

November 29, 2006

On October 11, 2006, Jim Mellgren, St. Paul Stamp Works fifth generation family member, is elected to the Board of Directors. With a strong background in Quality Control and Information Systems Jim is currently heavily involved in the implementation of our new ERP system.

Artcraft Nameplates Relocation

July 10, 2006

On June 30, 2006 Artcraft Nameplates moved to a new location. The larger facility is located at 1130 Elmwood in Kansas City Missouri.

A&V Rubber Stamps and Stamp Fever Acquisitions

April 27, 2005

A&V Rubber Stamps and Stamp Fever of Orange County California have been acquired, on March 14,2005, by St. Paul Stamp Works, Inc. In addition to establishing a sales office in Orange County, the Stamp Fever acquisition has gained an experienced company in the art stamp business.

ISO 9001:2000 Certification

March 3, 2005

On February 21, 2005, after a thorough and rigorous inspection, St. Paul Stamp Works, Inc. was awarded an ISO 9001:2000 certification for its efforts at continuously improving quality.

 

Allen Markings International Acquisition

October 4, 2004

Allen Markings International located in Kansas City MO, was acquired on October 4, 2004. Allen Markings, founded in 1874, is a well-respected marking device and signage company located in Kansas City. New management will broaden our product lines and shorten lead times, while providing the best quality products available

James Gerald Mellgren Joins St. Paul Stamp Works

September 2, 2003

James Gerald Mellgren, a graduate of the University of Minnesota Duluth joins St. Paul Stamp Works, Inc. as a fifth generation family member in the management of St. Paul Stamp Works, Inc. Jim will be functioning as a quality manager with an initial goal of achieving ISO certification in early 2005.

Artcraft Nameplate & Stencil Acquisition

April 25, 2003

Artcraft Nameplate, centrally located in Kansas City MO, was acquired on April 25, 2003 by St. Paul Stamp Works, Inc. This acquisition will allow us to be more competitive in both pricing and delivery of our etched nameplate products

Victor Rubber Stamp Acquisition

July 10, 2002

Victor Rubber Stamp was acquired and will be merged with Inmark. Both companies will be operated out of the spacious new Ontario California ... On July 10, 2002 St. Paul Stamp Works, Inc. acquired Victor Rubber Stamp of Ontario California. Well located in the Los Angeles basin, Victor Rubber Stamp, which specializes in the banking industry, will be merged with our Inmark division. Both companies will operate out of the spacious new Ontario facility located at 2101 Maple Privado. The strong customer relation skills of Inmark and the specialized knowledge of the banking industry should serve this merger well.

StPaulStamp.com

December 15, 2001

St. Paul Stamp Works is now online at stpaulstamp.com. When you visit stpstamp.com you will be able to view products and read about the company's 125 year history.

Xstampers®

April 1, 2001

We have recently been approved to become one of the few authorized manufacturers of the Xstamper® brand of pre-inked stamps. The Xstamper® is known as the highest quality stamp anywhere, with a lifetime guarantee on custom manufactured stamps.

These stamps are laser cut, producing the sharpest image possible. They are available in red, blue, green, purple

and black. With over 30 mount sizes we have a size to meet most stamping needs, including several stock and custom daters.

In March we installed the equipment in our Mankato facility. This is an exciting addition in stamp manufacturing that will allow us to produce the Xstamper® in 2-4 days as opposed to the previous 2 week time frame.

Contact one of our customer service representatives for a complete catalog.

 

Inmark Acquisition

October 12, 2000

With the acquisition of Inmark, St. Paul Stamp Works can now offer new products for all customers and a new manufacturing location to better serve the west coast customers. Inmark, located in San Bernardino, CA, offers laser engraving and additional signage products. Standard personnel desk plates can now be made from traditional plastics to designer colors. Our three dimensional engravers can cut custom industrial steel stamps and brass, aluminum or stainless nameplates.
 

DM Stamps & Specialties Acquisition

December 4, 1997

DM Stamps provides a broad line of marking products and is the site of the XStamper® manufacturing system.
A.R Maul Acquisition

 

October 1, 1997
A.R. Maul is a longstanding supplier of corporate record books to the legal profession.