Celebrating 50 Years of Innovation and Excellence: The Benchmarc Display Story
As Benchmarc Display marks its 50th anniversary, we take pride in reflecting on a legacy steeped in innovation, craftsmanship, and a relentless pursuit of excellence in retail design. From our humble beginnings in Palatine, IL, to becoming a leading force in the industry, Benchmarc Display’s journey is a testament to visionary founders, groundbreaking advancements in technology, and a commitment to seamless concept-to-installation services.
The Visionaries: Jim Krebs and Mike Glisch
Benchmarc Display was founded in 1974 by Jim Krebs and Mike Glisch, two industry pioneers with a shared vision of transforming retail environments. With a small workshop in Palatine, IL, they set out to create innovative display solutions that would enhance the shopping experience. Jim, with his background in industrial design, brought a keen eye for aesthetics and functionality. Mike, a charismatic leader, forged partnerships to bring concepts to life.
Their partnership was the perfect blend of creativity and passion, laying the groundwork for what would become a thriving business. Even with the first project they worked on, innovation was key to their success. ANCO wiper blades had always been sold at gas stations in steel boxes; the durable, rustproof plastic ones Benchmarc introduced became the standard design for the industry that remains to this day.
Today, the legacy of out-of-the-box thinking continues. Our current leaders know that quality and innovation have always been at the forefront of Benchmarc's success.
Growth and Expansion
Starting in a modest workshop, Benchmarc Display’s reputation for high-quality, innovative retail solutions quickly spread. The company’s growth was fueled by a dedication to understanding clients' needs and delivering beyond expectations. Over the decades, we expanded our capabilities, investing in state-of-the-art technology and recruiting top talent in design and engineering.
Today, Benchmarc Display operates out of a sprawling 60,000 square-foot facility, complete with in-house design and engineering departments, a fulfillment center, and a warehouse. This evolution has enabled us to offer a comprehensive suite of services from initial concept to final installation, ensuring a seamless experience for our clients.
Iconic Projects
Over the years, Benchmarc has had the privilege of working with some of the most recognized brands in the world. Here are a few highlights:
Brandable Tire Stands: Creating customizable tire stands that combine functionality with brand visibility, enhancing the retail presence of leading tire manufacturers.
Microsoft Kiosk: One of the first digitally interactive kiosks to hit stores.
Kitchen and Bath Showrooms: Designed to encourage shopper to recycle their cell phones in US Cellular stores.
Paint Displays: Our custom paint displays for Sherwin Williams and True Value have become a staple in hardware stores across the country. Designed to showcase a wide range of paint colors and finishes, these displays are both eye-catching and functional, making it easy for customers to find exactly what they need.
Shop-in-Shops for Crocs: We partnered with Crocs to create immersive shop-in-shop experiences that reflect the brand’s playful and innovative spirit. These installations feature vibrant colors, interactive elements, and modular displays that can be easily reconfigured to accommodate new collections.
Interactive Display Merchandisers for Shure, Inc. and Bushnell Golf: Our interactive display merchandisers for Shure and Bushnell Golf are designed to engage customers and provide hands-on experiences with the products. These displays incorporate digital screens, product demos, and interactive elements that highlight the unique features of each item.
Bobcat Store Fixtures: For Bobcat, we developed durable and functional store fixtures that enhance the retail environment while maintaining the brand’s rugged, industrial aesthetic. These fixtures are designed to withstand heavy use and to showcase Bobcat’s extensive range of equipment and accessories.
The Athlete’s Foot Stores: Our work with The Athlete’s Foot Stores involves creating dynamic and flexible retail displays that cater to the ever-changing needs of the athletic footwear market. From shoe racks to branded signage, our displays help to create an engaging shopping experience for customers.
A Legacy of Innovation
Innovation has always been at the heart of Benchmarc Display. Over the years, we have embraced technological advancements to stay ahead in a competitive market. Our investments in cutting-edge technology and processes have been pivotal in maintaining our reputation as industry leaders.
Green Technology: Our commitment to sustainability is evident in our investments in green technology. We have installed solar panels to reduce our carbon footprint, adopted 3D printing for efficient prototyping and production, and incorporated CNC machinery for precision manufacturing. These efforts not only enhance our operational efficiency but also align with our responsibility towards the environment.
Streamlining Production: To ensure seamless production processes, we have implemented smart warehousing solutions and scannable quality control systems. These advancements allow us to maintain high standards of quality while optimizing production timelines and reducing waste.
Digital Management: Embracing the digital era, we custom design web ordering sites in-house that simplify the ordering process for our clients. Our digital management systems enhance customer service by providing real-time updates and streamlined communication channels, ensuring a smooth and efficient service experience.
Looking into the Future
As we celebrate our 50th anniversary, we remain forward-focused, continually seeking new ways to innovate and enhance our services. Our future roadmap includes further investments in technology, sustainable practices, and expanding our capabilities to meet the evolving needs of the retail industry.
Sustainable Practices: We are committed to expanding our use of sustainable materials and eco-friendly manufacturing processes. Our goal is to lead by example in promoting environmentally responsible practices within the retail display industry.
Technological Advancements: We will continue to leverage advancements in technology to streamline our operations and enhance our product offerings. From augmented reality (AR) displays to IoT-enabled fixtures, we are excited about the potential of emerging technologies to transform the retail experience.
Customer-Centric Innovations: Our focus remains on our clients and their success. We will invest in further developing our customer service platforms, ensuring that our clients receive unparalleled support and services that meet their unique needs.
Conclusion
Celebrating 50 years is a rare milestone in our field, and it certainly fills us with pride and gratitude. From our founding by Jim Krebs and Mike Glisch in a small workshop in Palatine, IL, to becoming a leader in retail design and manufacturing, Benchmarc Display’s journey has been one of innovation, dedication, and growth.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our clients, partners, and team members who have been an integral part of this journey. As we look to the future, we are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and remain committed to delivering the exceptional quality and innovation that Benchmarc Display is known for.
Here’s to the next 50 years of Benchmarc setting benchmarks in the retail display industry!
Contact Us
For more information about our services or to discuss your retail display needs, visit our website or contact us at info@benchmarc.com
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Thank you for being part of our journey. Here’s to celebrating the past and looking forward to a bright future together!
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