IMARK - Celebrating 25 Years

Photo by Rebecca Lippiatt

IMARK Architectural Metals Celebrates 25 Years More Than a Cladding Company

By Nerissa McNaughton

I

MARK is a leader in Western Canada for commercial cladding and metal fabrication projects. IMARK offers a diverse range of services that includes budgeting, estimating, drafting and design, installation, supply, and project management. You’ve seen IMARK’s signature work in commercial spaces such as Edmonton’s Home2 Suites

by Hilton and Simons in Londonderry Mall. IMARK is also known for creating decorative art like the 12.5 foot, 850 pound Stanley Cup replica in front of United Cycle.

Founders Ted Sims and Barry Clark launched IMARK on January 5, 1995.

“We saw an opportunity to provide an enhanced service level and to become a much-needed new player in the marketplace,” Sims and Clark explain. “We knew the industry could be serviced better than it currently was. At that time there were just two or three major players, and several subcontractors.”

The first location opened with three employees, including Sims and Clark.

“That first employee is still with IMARK 25 years later!” the duo smile.

Their first location was a 2,000 square foot shop and a 500 square foot office where Sims and Clark invested in a 10’ Reduce your freight costs, shorten your transit times, and avoid customs delays with our team of professionals. Call us today and start saving money.

Congratulations on a Quarter Century of Business!!

Tel. (604) 941-9400 | Fax. (877) 387-7735 | cs@transporterslogistics.ca

IMARK Architectural Metals Celebrates 25 Years | 1 59

hand brake and a slitter. The first major project was a red metal roofed school in Maskwacis. IMARK completed this project with a general contractor. This initial start quickly led to more local metal roof and cladding jobs.

That changed in 2000.

“We started a supply-only flashing business where we made brakeshapes for outside customers. It was also the year that our continued growth meant moving to a larger location.”

Alberta Teachers Association Centenial Sculpture

The second location included a 5,000 square foot shop and a 1,000 square foot office for the now 15 employees, the office team and the field crews.

They continue, “We purchased a 150 ton press brake and a folding beam brake, which provided a giant leap in productivity and capabilities. During the 2000s we also entered the decking and welding businesses, along with diversifying to include a side business of selling aluminum ATV trailers.”

IMARK continued to make a name for itself and to grow rapidly. Just five years later, in 2005, another expansion was necessary. This time Sims and Clark didn’t need to lease space. They were ideally positioned to buy their first building. It was a 12,000 square foot facility that accommodated 25 employees and the purchase of a CNC punch. The new shop also accommodated another IMARK spin off business, which was building ACM panels.

UofA Student Innovation Centre

Despite fluctuations in Alberta’s economy, IMARK’s expertise, outstanding workmanship on projects, and customer service saw the brand continue to grow and expand. In 2010 a move was made to a 30,000 square foot facility and an automated CNC laser was purchased.

“We also completed the exterior podium cladding renovation of the First & Jasper building, which is now home to

St. Albert Centre Redevelopment

CONGRATULATIONS IMARK!

We’ve enjoyed doing business with you and wish you all the success in the future with our systems and your professional staff.

NON-COMBUSTIBLE

www.carterpanels.com IMARK Architectural Metals Celebrates 25 Years | 2

Simons Londonderry Mall

State & Main restaurant and Williams Engineering,” Clark and Sims add.

one of our greatest assets, is our ability through experience and technology to turn an idea into reality.”

In 2015 the miscellaneous metals division was created, 2016 saw a rebrand to IMARK Architectural Metals, and 2017 was when the Ocular and Motif product lines were launched and the welding facilities expanded by 6,000 square feet. The Alberta Teachers Centennial Sculpture at the Legislature Grounds was fabricated for a client in 2018.

Twenty-five years after its launch, IMARK is proud to create and supply innovative products and services such as Ocular perforated imaging, Motif decorative screens and Alura Panel prefinished woodgrain metal siding.

Through the rapid growth, diversification, and creation of landmark projects, Clark and Sims never lost sight of their original values and goals.

“IMARK remains a local company,” they say with pride. “We formed from humble beginnings and our success can be attributed to hard work and from the contributions of IMARK’s dedicated and skilled employees, our outstanding customer service, problem solving skills, fast turnaround times, and industry knowledge. Our greatest challenge, which is also

Sims and Clark note, “Now, more than ever, there are so many different options for cladding materials and systems – from aluminum composite panel to woodgrain metal, phenolic, terracotta, insulated metal panels and more. It really is an exciting time to be in the cladding business. It is important to seek out experts with years of experience that understand the products for various applications and Alberta’s climate. IMARK is a proven partner to contractors and architects thanks to our deep industry expertise, strong supplier networks, customer service and utilization of the latest in technology (such as 3D modeling, which allows us to execute at a high level of quality and service).”

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS, EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT AND BUSINESS INSURANCE

Congrats on 25 years Imark!

It has been our pleasure to work with your organization over the years and we look forward to many more!

5202 47 St Leduc, AB | P: 780-986-7412 | F: 7809869694 | financialservicesgroup.net

IMARK Architectural Metals Celebrates 25 Years | 3

Cambridge Tunnel LRT Rehabilitation (nominated for 2019 City of Edmonton Urban Design Award)

Ted Sims and Barry Clark. Photo by Rebecca Lippiatt.

IMARK is hosting an open house for suppliers and customers in March. Email events@imarkmetal.com to learn more.

IMARK is also active on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook and is found online at imarkmetal.com.

The founders wish to thank their hardworking staff, clients, vendors, and families for their support over 25 years.

“At times, design-forward thinking can come with challenges; however, we know the city and its inhabitants will continue to demand unique and interesting designs from the architecture and construction community,” they conclude.

“We look forward to working on these projects in Edmonton, and beyond.”

14440-123 Avenue Edmonton, Alberta Phone: 780-448-8997 | imarkmetal.com

CONGRATULATIONS IMARK ON 25 YEARS! We are proud to be a partner in your success.

www.exteriortechnologiesgroup.com IMARK Architectural Metals Celebrates 25 Years | 4