KPI Concepts Since 1984

Company History

From a small Burlington, Iowa garage to a multi-building manufacturing operation in West Burlington, KPI Concepts has grown through decades of custom craftsmanship, practical problem-solving, and commercial manufacturing experience.

Founded 1984

KPI Concepts was founded by Craig Upton and has continued to grow as a U.S. manufacturer serving retail, commercial, and custom manufacturing markets.

Craig Upton Founder Of Kpi Concepts

Founder Story

Built from Practical Craftsmanship and a Vision for Custom Manufacturing

KPI Concepts was founded in 1984 by Craig Upton, beginning with custom craftsmanship, problem-solving, and a willingness to build solutions that met real customer needs. What started in a Burlington, Iowa garage grew into a manufacturing company serving retail, commercial, and custom production markets.

Through steady growth, expanded capabilities, and a commitment to practical manufacturing, KPI Concepts developed into a trusted partner for custom store fixtures, checklanes, cabinetry, millwork, metal fabrication, foam products, and commercial manufacturing solutions.

1984 Founded in Iowa
40+ Years of manufacturing history

Growth Through the Years

From a Garage Workshop to a Multi-Facility Manufacturer

KPI Concepts has grown through decades of expanded space, added capabilities, new markets, and continued investment in custom manufacturing.

1984

KPI Concepts Is Founded

Craig Upton founded KPI Concepts in Burlington, Iowa, beginning with custom work and practical manufacturing solutions from a small garage workshop.

1986

First Dedicated Workshop

As demand grew, KPI moved into its first dedicated 4,200 square foot workshop, creating more room for equipment, projects, and production.

Growth

Expanded Manufacturing Space

KPI continued growing its manufacturing footprint, expanding to support larger commercial projects, custom store fixtures, cabinetry, millwork, and production work.

2007

Second Facility Added

KPI added a second building, increasing capacity and creating more space for manufacturing, fabrication, assembly, and expanded customer needs.

2008

Composite Manufacturing Growth

KPI expanded into composite-related work, including manufacturing support for wind turbine blade components and other foam and composite product applications.

2019

New Ownership and Continued Investment

Craig Upton retired, and KPI Concepts was purchased by Summit Equity Group , a Des Moines, Iowa private investment group. KPI continued its growth, operational development, and long-term manufacturing focus.

2023

Accent Industries Acquisition

KPI expanded its retail fixture and manufacturing capabilities through the acquisition of Accent Industries, strengthening its position in custom commercial manufacturing.

Today

220,000+ Square Feet of Manufacturing Space

Today, KPI Concepts operates as a multi-facility manufacturer in West Burlington, Iowa, supporting custom store fixtures, checklanes, cabinetry, millwork, metal fabrication, foam products, and commercial manufacturing projects.

KPI Concepts Today

Built for Custom Manufacturing at Scale

Today, KPI Concepts operates from West Burlington, Iowa with more than 220,000 square feet of manufacturing space across multiple facilities. The company continues to support customers with custom store fixtures, checklanes, cabinetry, millwork, metal fabrication, foam products, and commercial manufacturing solutions.

KPI’s growth reflects decades of investment in people, equipment, production space, and manufacturing capabilities. From retail fixture programs to custom commercial projects, KPI Concepts remains focused on building practical, durable, and scalable solutions for businesses nationwide.

220,000+ Sq. ft. of manufacturing space
Multiple Facilities in West Burlington, Iowa
Nationwide Commercial manufacturing support
Kpi Concepts Manufacturing Facility In West Burlington Iowa

Manufacturing Legacy

Decades of Growth Across Products, Materials, and Markets

KPI Concepts has continued to evolve by expanding its manufacturing capabilities, product categories, and customer markets while staying focused on practical custom solutions.

Retail Fixture Manufacturing

KPI Concepts supports custom store fixtures, retail displays, shelving, checklanes, checkout counters, cabinetry, and commercial fixture programs.

Metal Fabrication

In-house metal fabrication capabilities support custom components, formed parts, welded assemblies, canopies, railings, signs, shelving, and commercial metal projects.

Cabinetry & Millwork

KPI manufactures commercial cabinetry and millwork solutions for retail, convenience, grocery, workplace, and other business environments.

Foam & Composite Products

KPI’s history also includes foam and composite manufacturing support for product applications beyond traditional retail fixtures and cabinetry.

Commercial Manufacturing Support

From custom projects to repeat production needs, KPI works with businesses that need reliable manufacturing support, project coordination, and scalable production capacity.

Customer-Focused Problem Solving

The company’s growth has been shaped by a willingness to build practical solutions for customers across retail, grocery, convenience, commercial, and industrial markets.

Built on History. Focused on What’s Next.

Learn More About KPI Concepts

KPI Concepts’ history reflects decades of growth, manufacturing experience, and customer-focused problem solving. Today, the company continues to support businesses with custom store fixtures, retail displays, checklanes, cabinetry, millwork, metal fabrication, foam products, and commercial manufacturing solutions.

Contact KPI Concepts