Journey Through Time: The Story of Spartek and Its Legacy
Welcome to a very special edition of the Spartek Solutions Spotlight. As we continue to look forwards, it’s important to also remember our roots. In this issue, we take a journey through the rich history of Spartek, exploring our foundational years, the historical significance of our building, and the lasting impact we’ve had on the community of Sparta, WI.
Spotlight on Our Home: The Spartek Building
Before we delve into the rich history of Spartek, it’s important to highlight the remarkable building that has housed our operations and witnessed our journey. This structure, steeped in historical significance, has played a pivotal role in shaping our company’s identity and success. Its story begins long before Spartek made it our home, serving as a cornerstone of industrial activity in Sparta.
The site where Spartek proudly stands today has a storied past that dates to the turn of the 20th century. Originally purchased by the American Cigar Company in 1901, this property quickly became a central hub for industrial activity in Sparta. The following year, recognizing the need for expansion to accommodate its growing operations, a significant investment was made. In 1902, an addition to the plant’s warehouse space was planned—a project that would entail an expenditure of $10,000 ($365,000 in today’s dollars). Completed in 1903, this expansion was not just physical growth but a testament to the industrial boom of the era.
By 1904, the workforce within these walls had grown to over 500 employees, making it not only a major employer in the region but also claiming the title of the largest sorting tobacco plant in the world at that time. The plant boasted an impressive 100,000 square feet of floor space, designed to streamline the processing and storage of tobacco—a critical component of the cigar manufacturing process.
The American Cigar company and subsidiaries remained in possession of the building and property until 1960.
The Spartek Legacy
Spartek’s journey began in the bustling city of Minneapolis in 1953 as Carlson Industries. As the company grew, the need for a more strategic location became evident to accommodate expanding operations and to better serve our growing customer base. In 1960, Carlson Industries, now Spartek, made a significant move by relocating its equipment to what would become its long-standing home in Sparta, Wisconsin. This decision was driven by several key factors that aligned perfectly with Spartek’s vision for the future.
The choice of Sparta was strategic, lying at the ideal midpoint between the major urban centers of Minneapolis-St. Paul and Chicago. This location allowed Spartek to maintain and expand its presence in these critical markets while ensuring efficient distribution and accessibility to our clients.
Proximity to major transportation routes was crucial. Sparta’s access to the Milwaukee railroad provided a logistical advantage, facilitating the smooth transport of goods and raw materials. Additionally, the availability of commercial air service in nearby La Crosse ensured that Spartek could quickly connect with markets and clients beyond the Midwest, enhancing our national reach.
To support our operations and maintain close contact with our clients, Spartek operated sales offices in both Minneapolis and Chicago. These offices played a pivotal role in sustaining relationships with our clients and understanding their evolving needs, enabling Spartek to adapt and innovate our offerings effectively.
This strategic move not only marked a new chapter in Spartek’s history but also set the stage for decades of growth and innovation. As we settled into our new home, Spartek continued to build on its foundation of excellence, pushing the boundaries of what was possible in the manufacturing industry.
The establishment of Spartek coincided with a pivotal time in Sparta’s development, marked by industrial growth and economic expansion. It was not only Spartek that was setting down roots; the period saw a wave of growth as other companies also recognized the potential of the area. This collective expansion contributed significantly to the economic landscape, transforming Sparta into a hub of industrial activity and opportunity.
Prior to Spartek opening its doors, the city recognized the potential impact of our company and approved a crucial water extension program. This infrastructure enhancement was vital, ensuring that Spartek had the necessary resources to operate efficiently and effectively from day one.
When Spartek commenced operations in Sparta, it started with a workforce of 24 individuals, carefully selected from an impressive pool of 160 applicants. This robust interest in positions at Spartek highlighted the community’s need for stable and promising employment opportunities. The availability of jobs not only provided livelihoods but also played a pivotal role in revitalizing the local economy. By the end of the decade, Spartek had grown rapidly, employing over 100 people.
The ripple effect of Spartek’s opening was immediate and profound. The influx of jobs and economic activity spurred a marked increase in the construction of new homes, particularly on the south side of Sparta. This development, driven by the need to accommodate Spartek’s employees and their families, catalyzed a period of rapid growth and community building. The establishment of Spartek injected new urgency into local housing developments and schools, transforming the city’s landscape and fostering a sense of optimism and progress.
Spartek began forging relationships with major clients like 3M and Honeywell, setting a standard of excellence and trust that would define its future. Recognizing the evolving needs of these industrial giants, Spartek ventured into injection molding. This expansion of service offerings reinforced our commitment to meeting customer demands with precision and innovation and enabled Spartek to move into the production of electrical signs.
The acquisition of Spartek by John Bosshard in 1982 ensured continued growth and diversification. Spartek continued to diversify our capabilities which included vacuum metallizing, injection molding, silk screening, painting, hot stamping, vacuum forming, pad printing, and metal shop operations. This evolution was driven by a clear vision: to adapt to our customers’ needs and work alongside them as partners in their success. During this period, notable customers such as Budweiser and Disney relied on Spartek’s diverse offerings to enhance their products, showcasing our ability to deliver high-quality, customized solutions.
As manufacturing for electrical signs began shifting overseas, Spartek responded by refining our focus. The late 2000s brought George Parke, IV into leadership as CEO and part-owner. His strategic vision was clear: streamline our operations, focus on our core competencies, and maintain a competitive edge through relentless innovation.
Today, Spartek utilizes cutting-edge technology, including three inline vacuum metallizing and coating lines, among the most advanced in the industry. Our production portfolio now boasts names like Tito’s Vodka, Crown Royal, and Whirlpool, highlighting our continued relevance and leadership in manufacturing. The recent acquisition of Marca Technologies in 2023 further solidifies our position. With the addition of production facilities in the Northeast and enhanced capabilities in designing and manufacturing our own processing equipment, Spartek is not just adapting; we are leading the way into the future of manufacturing.
As we conclude this special edition of Spartek Solutions Spotlight, we extend our deepest gratitude to you, our readers, for your continued interest and engagement. Your enthusiasm and feedback are invaluable to us as we strive to not only share our story but also to make a positive impact on our community and industry. We would also like to take this this to thank the Monroe County Local History Room & Museum for assisting us with gathering newspaper articles and photos for their archives.
Engage and Connect
We encourage you to share your thoughts, stories, or suggestions with us. Whether it’s feedback on this edition, questions about our community activities, or ideas for future content, your input helps us improve and enrich our newsletter. Please feel free to reach out via email, connect with us on social media, or drop by our next Chamber of Commerce meeting to say hello in person. Let’s keep the conversation going!
Next Month’s Spotlight: A Deep Dive into Decorative Vacuum Metallizing
Looking ahead, next month’s edition of Spartek Solutions Spotlight will take you into the intricate world of vacuum metallizing. We’ll explore how this cutting-edge technology works, its applications across various industries, and why Spartek is at the forefront of innovation in this field. Join us as we uncover the processes, challenges, and breakthroughs that make vacuum metallizing a key component of our manufacturing expertise.
Thank you once again for your time and engagement. Here’s to another month of innovation, community, and excellence at Spartek. We look forward to exploring new horizons with you and crafting solutions that not only meet but exceed expectations. Welcome to Spartek Solutions Spotlight—where innovation meets integrity.
