Key-Link Fencing & Railing Receives Certification

Pennsylvania-based Key-Link Fencing & Railing, a leading manufacturer of aluminum rail and fence systems for residential and commercial installation, announces they have received PCI 4000 certification, marking their first year of certified status.

The PCI 4000 Certification Program, administered by The Powder Coating Institute (PCI), is an extensive audit program that evaluates an OEM’s coating-related business practices, process elements, equipment, maintenance practices and quality control capabilities. Certified OEM’s show, through demonstrated audit performance measurement, that they have the capabilities to correctly clean, coat, and cure products to produce quality coated parts.

In order to achieve PCI certified status, annual audit procedures are required. The certification cycle consists of an intensive on-site audit, followed by two years of maintenance audits which require documentation that ensures processes and procedures evaluated during the on-site audit have been sustained to the level required for PCI 4000 certification. In year four, the intensive on-site audit is repeated.

“Process measurement and repeatability are key to giving customers confidence that a certified finishing operation has the processes in place to do the job well,” notes Kevin Coursin, PCI’s executive director. “By successfully completing the certification process, Key-Link demonstrates that it understands powder coating is a high-performance painting process that must be maintained and controlled to optimize the performance of the finish.”

According to Javan Lapp, Key-Link’s chief executive officer, “Achieving PCI certification illustrates our commitment to quality. To be recognized by a third party shows that we have the equipment and procedures in place that enable us to produce the quality coated products that meet our customers’ expectations.”

For more information visit www.keylinkonline.com

Empower Brands, multi-brand franchisor of premium commercial and residential services, has announced its new joint venture with Canopy Lawn Care. Canopy marks Empower Brands’ fourth new brand under its umbrella in 2023, following the additions of Koala Insulation, Wallaby Windows and Bumble Roofing.

“When we began conversations with Canopy a few months back, I knew they would be a great fit for our portfolio and organization,” says Scott Zide, chief executive officer of Empower Brands. “The brands’ mission is to leave people and properties better than they found them, and they live by a service-first code of values. Now, we have the privilege of partnering with an already great brand and proven business model that we can expand nationally via a franchise system.”

Canopy Lawn Care was founded in 2016 as an answer to the need for an innovative approach to smarter lawn care. Its services span from weed control and fertilization to lawn aeration to fungal protection and more. Through this partnership, Empower Brands will seamlessly incorporate Canopy Lawn Care’s premium services and innovative business model into its incubation function that launches new franchise brands. This will provide Canopy with the necessary tools, resources, and support it needs to establish a successful franchise framework. In turn, Empower will expand its services with a new market segment and build an established brand into a thriving franchise opportunity.

“We’re looking forward to partnering with Empower Brands and combining our shared vision for business growth and entrepreneurial success,” says Canopy Lawn Care founder Hunt Davis. “Canopy Lawn Care has always been committed to delivering exceptional service and innovation in the lawn care industry. By teaming up with Empower Brands, we can extend our reach and impact by providing aspiring franchisees with a proven business model, comprehensive training and support system and the tools they need to thrive.”

The strategic partnership between Empower Brands and Canopy Lawn Care is a testament to their commitment to innovation, growth, and the success of their franchisees. Both brands are ready to hit the ground running and are actively seeking out potential owners.

To learn more about franchising with Empower Brands, visit www.EmpowerFranchising.com.