The Pella Engraving Co. ownership team of Cory Vande Kieft, Bruce Van Wyk, Jeff Vroom, and Jarid Purvis welcomes Tim Sadler (center). PEC recently agreed to acquire Sadler Sign & Design.
Two companies with long legacies in Pella have announced they are joining forces. Pella Engraving Company—which creates plaques and corporate awards and provides laser engraving and die-making—has acquired Sadler Sign & Design, a one-stop-shop for signage design, printing, and installation.
The types of signage provided by Sadler Sign & Design will continue to be offered as a division of Pella Engraving Company. Previous owner Tim Sadler remains on to lead client services and signage design. Sadler Sign & Design operations will relocate to the upper level of the Pella Engraving building at 1811 Washington Street later this summer. For now, it’s business as usual for Sadler Sign & Design from its current 16th Street location.
“This arrangement is a good fit for both of us, and we’re excited,” said PEC Co-Owner Jeff Vroom. “Tim is an expert at creating signage solutions that are upscale yet cost-effective. We admire his craftsmanship and are excited to have him on board, helping PEC reach new customers.”
Sadler agreed. “As two providers of graphic communications in Pella, our paths have crossed over the years. I’ve always respected the work PEC does. Our two niches complement each other, and I am looking forward to working with this team.”
Not only have their paths crossed, the businesses have already partnered on a few projects to create ideal solutions for their customers. PEC’s equipment and technology, such as its world-class paint booth, will make new signage options available to the Sadler Sign & Design customer base.
The combined years of experience the two companies have creating signs, plaques and graphics in general is as impressive as their intertwined history is intriguing.
Pella Engraving Company was founded by Ed Dupree and Duco Zylstra in 1934. Originally a manufacturer of plates for printing presses, the current ownership group of Vroom, Bruce Van Wyk, Cory Vande Kieft, and Jarid Purvis has successfully diversified the company, building it into a leading provider of engraving services, serial/asset tags, and plaques and awards.
Sadler founded his company in 1979 but traces his graphic roots in Pella back 114 years, to when his great-grandfather established Sadler Brothers Publishing. At one time, Pella Engraving Company operated out of the lower level of the original Pella Chronicle building, which was owned by Sadler’s great-uncle, Hoge. From 1952–1954, Vroom’s father, John, worked for Hoge Sadler at the Pella Chronicle. John Vroom bought into the PEC ownership group in 1957.
More specific information on Sadler Sign & Design’s relocation timetable will be shared when it’s available. In the meantime, Tim can be reached at tim@pellaengraving.com.
