PIONEERING EXCELLENCE

STRONGER THAN EVER

For over 60 years, Lacks has built our success by embracing innovation and staying true to the hardworking West Michigan values that built our foundation. While technology has transformed the world, our dedication to pushing boundaries and our material design and processing expertise have kept us leading the way. As we look to the future, we remain inspired by endless possibilities and guided by the same commitment to excellence that has always set us apart. At Lacks, it’s not just about what we do—it’s about how we do it, with passion, integrity, and trust at every step.

INNOVATIONS AND

MILESTONES

  1. 1961

    Richard Lacks Sr. and his father J.P. form Metalac Corporation to handle machining and assembly work for REM Die Casting.

  2. 1970

    J.P. and Richard Sr. construct a completely integrated operation, allowing them to meet the growing demand for quality zinc diecast products.

  3. 1972

    As the company begins experimentation with plastics to diversify its portfolio of finish technologies, it incorporates itself as Lacks Industries to mark the start of this new era.

  4. 1976

    Richard Lacks Jr. and Kurt Lacks join the company. There are now three generations of the Lacks family working together.

  5. 1978

    Lacks enters into Reaction Injection Molding (RIM), allowing the company to produce durable lightweight parts that can be easily painted. This leads to business with Buick.

  6. 1985

    The company’s first dedicated plating facility is opened. It’s the first fully automated plating-on-plastic plant.

  7. 1991

    Lacks establishes a reputation for going the extra mile for its customers and accepts major achievement awards from Ford, GM, Chrysler and Cadillac.

  8. 1994

    Lacks develops the world’s first flexible chrome-plated grille for the 1994 Chrysler New Yorker using HIPP-140™, a stronger alternative to ABS.

  9. 1998

    Ford F-150, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator are the first vehicles to feature the Lacks proprietary process to fill the gaps between the wheel’s structural backbone and the composite wheel face.

  10. 1999

    J.P. Lacks and Richard Lacks Sr. pass away, leaving control of the company to Richard Lacks and Kurt Lacks. In honor of Richard Lacks Sr., the Lacks family makes a contribution to Mercy Health Saint Mary’s to help create the Lacks Cancer Center.

  11. 2000

    Lacks Enterprises reorganizes into three business units to better control growth, product quality and innovation.

  12. 2005

    Spinelle™ Metal Finishes launches into the market.

  13. 2006

    Ryan Lacks and Kurt V. Lacks join Lacks Enterprises.

  14. 2011

    Selective Spinelle™ comes into the market. First program is a wheel application for the 2011 GMC Acadia Denali, followed by grilles for the Buick Regal and Verano.

  15. 2012

    The Lacks Board of Directors approves a significant investment in the pursuit of developing Tessera® Textured Finish Technology.

  16. 2018

    BMW begins production of Lacks Backlit Selective Plating components on their X5, X6 and X7 ultraluxury interiors.

  17. 2019

    Lacks Carbon Fiber™ is introduced.

  18. 2020

    Since 2003, Lacks employees have donated over $1.5 million and countless volunteer hours to dozens of West Michigan nonprofits.

  19. 2021

    Ford selects Tessera® Texture Technology for the all-new 2021 Ford-150.

  20. 2022

    Lacks is selected as runner-up for Altair Enlighten Award for Toyota Sienna composite wheel trim program.

  21. 2023

    Lacks Carbon Fiber™ is named the supplier of high-performance carbon fiber wheels for the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 “the quickest, most powerful muscle car in the world.”