In December 1967, Tom and Jeri Konkin acquired a small, underperforming screen printing business in North Vancouver called Ad-Print Markings. At the time, Ad-Print offered a limited range of products, specializing in printing on labels, decals, and metal nameplates. Their mission was simple yet powerful: to deliver exceptional customer service and produce high-quality products that met their clients’ needs.

The company’s manufacturing capabilities expanded beyond screen printing as chrome plated plastic injection moulding, electronic assemblies, and metal fabricated components and products were being produced for our customers by our manufacturing partners in Hong Kong. This evolution led to the creation of a sister company, Ampco Manufacturers Inc., which focused on broadening the product portfolio.

Ampco’s expansion also reached new markets both domestically and internationally. The company established distribution channels that widened its customer base and invested heavily in workforce training and development. This ensured employees had the skills to operate advanced manufacturing technologies, driving innovation and productivity.

Recognizing a huge opportunity in the transportation sector with the installation of lighted components embedded into chrome plated plastic moulded components, Ampco collaborated with a Seattle based business colleague to launch a new venture, Grakon International Inc.

Ampco and Grakon developed and introduced new products to the heavy truck industry which grew both businesses.

By the 1980s, both Ad-Print and Ampco had implemented the ISO 9001 quality management system, aligning with international standards to enhance product quality and operational consistency. This commitment to excellence led to increased customer satisfaction, repeat business, and steady growth.

Ampco sold their 50% ownership to Grakon.

In the 1990s, the companies relocated to a 40,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Coquitlam, BC, marking a significant milestone in their expansion. Alongside the move, they invested heavily in modern manufacturing technologies, including automation and advanced machinery. These upgrades improved efficiency, reduced production costs, and enabled the company to scale operations without proportional increases in overhead.

Ampco developed new illuminated products that they continue to product for their customers.

Ampco also strengthened its network by collaborating with suppliers, distributors, and other manufacturers. These strategic partnerships allowed the company to leverage shared resources and expertise, accelerating innovation and market reach.

In the 2000s, Ad-Print and Ampco officially amalgamated under the Ampco brand, streamlining operations and presenting a unified identity. Ampco quickly gained recognition, securing high-profile contracts such as:

• Graphics supplier for the 2006 World Junior Hockey Championships
• Official Graphics Supplier for the 2007 Memorial Cup Hockey Championships
• Official print partner for the 2009 World Police and Fire Games
• 3M Canada’s print partner for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver
• Graphics Supplier for the 2015 Women’s World Cup

The Olympic Games partnership opened doors to new business opportunities, as Ampco began supplying major clients involved in the event. To support the growing transportation market, Ampco expanded its product offerings and began managing Tier 2 suppliers by providing their products through a “Pass through” program.

 In 2008, Ampco moved into a new 63,000-square-foot facility in Coquitlam, further solidifying its position as a leading manufacturer.

Throughout the 2010s, Ampco continued to evolve its quality systems, transitioning from QS16949 to TS16949, and ultimately to the IATF 16949 standard. These advancements earned Ampco recognition for achieving 50 PPM and 10 PPM quality levels, a testament to its dedication to precision and reliability.

Ampco also collaborated with US Homeland Security in becoming a partner in trade with our US customers. Ampco was certified to the US standard of Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) and the Canadian standard of Partners in Protection (PIP)

In the 2020s, Ampco demonstrated resilience by maintaining operations during the global pandemic, ensuring uninterrupted service to its customers. Today, Ampco Manufacturers Inc. stands as a diverse and innovative manufacturing company, supplying a wide range of products across industries including:

• Electronics
• Transportation
• Construction
• Industrial
• Medical
• Clean Energy
• Defense

Ampco incorporated partnerships with the Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange (TISAX) framework which is used in the automotive industry.

With a legacy built on family values, quality craftsmanship, and forward-thinking innovation, Ampco continues to shape the future of manufacturing—locally and globally.