About Us
Over 70 Years of Metal Finishing Excellence
Since 1952, Associated Finishing Inc. has been providing high-quality metal finishing services, including powder coating, liquid coating, pretreatment, and abrasive blasting. What started as a small engineering firm has grown into a multi-location operation serving manufacturers across the U.S. Our focus on quality, customer service, and continuous innovation makes us a trusted finishing partner for industries that require precision and durability.
With facilities in Minnesota and North Carolina, we have the capacity to handle projects of all sizes, from large-scale production runs to custom finishing solutions. Our leadership team continually invests in the latest technologies and sustainable practices to ensure consistent, high-performance coatings.
A Legacy of Growth and Innovation
Early Years and Expansion
- 1952 – Founded as Associated Engineering by Fred W. Cords, primarily focusing on engineering and design.
- 1965 – William “Bill” Klammer Sr. purchased the company and expanded into liquid spray painting, creating a more sustainable business model.
- 1976 – William “Chuck” Klammer took over operations and introduced powder coating, recognizing its potential as a game-changing technology.
- 1980s-1990s – The company underwent four expansions to accommodate growing customer demand and new finishing capabilities.
- 1998 – The company rebranded as Associated Finishing Inc., better reflecting its focus on advanced finishing solutions.
Leadership and Continued Growth
- 2009 – Long-time employees Ted Schreyer and John Kapsner purchased AFI, bringing a combined 60 years of expertise in metal finishing and business operations.
- 2013 – Opened a second facility in Mankato, featuring a monorail conveyor system and a six-stage washer to enhance efficiency in high-volume production.
- 2017 – Expanded into Litchfield, MN, adding a 27,000-square-foot facility designed to handle oversized parts up to 40 feet long and advanced blasting, pretreatment, and powder coating services.
Recent Expansions and Industry Leadership
- 2021 Ownership Transition – After 33 years with AFI, John Kapsner retired. Leadership transitioned to AFI’s Operations, Finance, Sales & Marketing, and Facilities Managers, who became co-owners alongside Ted Schreyer.
- 2021 North Carolina Expansion – Opened AFI Carolina in Salisbury, NC, offering powder coating, liquid coating, blasting, and carbon fiber coatings for high-performance industries.
- 2021 Extreme Powder Coating Acquisition – Purchased Extreme Powder Coating in Blooming Prairie, MN, known for custom coatings in the racing industry. The facility continues to specialize in high-performance finishes.
Why Manufacturers Choose Associated Finishing
Full-Service Finishing Solutions
We manage the entire finishing process, from surface preparation to final coatings.
High-Capacity Production
Our multiple locations are equipped to handle a wide range of parts, from small components to large structures, and high-volume production.
ISO 9001:2015 Certification
We follow strict quality control processes to ensure consistency and precision.
Eco-Friendly Practices
Our operations prioritize sustainability, using low-VOC liquid coatings, waste reduction programs, and powder coatings with zero VOC emissions.
Industry Expertise
We serve various industries, including automotive, aerospace, defense, industrial, medical, and racing.
Explore More About Associated Finishing
Mission Statement
Associated Finishing is committed to delivering high-quality finishing services while continuously improving our processes. Our mission is to provide dependable solutions that meet customer requirements, maintain operational efficiency, and uphold industry-leading quality standards.
Environment
Sustainability is a key priority in our finishing operations. We implement eco-friendly coating processes, responsible waste management, and chemical recycling programs. Our powder coatings produce zero VOC emissions, and our advanced filtration systems minimize environmental impact while ensuring top-quality finishes.
Employment
A career at Associated Finishing provides stability, growth opportunities, and hands-on experience in the metal finishing industry. We offer training programs, competitive benefits, and advancement opportunities for individuals who want to build a long-term career with us.
Locations
Associated Finishing has multiple facilities across Minnesota and North Carolina, offering a variety of metal finishing solutions. Our facilities are equipped for high-volume production, custom coatings, and processing oversized parts, ensuring efficiency and fast turnaround times.
Contact Us for Metal Finishing Solutions
Associated Finishing has over 70 years of experience as a trusted partner for manufacturers who need high-quality finishing services. Whether you require powder coating, liquid finishing, or specialized coatings, we can deliver exceptional results.
Contact us today to discuss your project or request a quote.