It started with faith, determination, commitment and values. Those same ideals still drive Shape although it whas grown from a handful of employees to nearly 1,500 globally. Physically, Shape grew from a rented building behind a trucking company to several global manufacturing facilities, offices and sister companies.

Four men – later joined by a fifth – started the company when a process known as roll forming was in its infancy. What started as a business evolved into a culture. Those five planted the seed to make Shape what it is today – Ron Kolkema, Bob Currier Sr., Midge Verplank, Gary Verplank and Pete Sturrus.

May 1974: Operations began in a 14,000 square foot building beind Verplank Trucking Co. in Ferrysburg, north of Grand Haven. The name of the company was simple, and based off of what they sold – shapes.

April 1974: Shape was founded. While the doors opened in mid-May, the company did not get its first significant order until November. The first part Shape made was for tool boxes. Shape’s first big order was making shelves for Haworth.

July 1978: Shape started construction on the new manufacturing facility at 1900 Hayes St. and moved in at the end of the year. Square footage of the new building was 30,500 ft.

1980: Shape adds onto 1900 Hayes building with 36,000 more square feet and the company was growing.

1985: Shape was named the Association of Commerce and Industry’s Business of the Year. At this time, Shape prepared for more business with another expansion at the 1900 Hayes facility. 57,000 more square feet was added to house more rolling mills and an organized press room.

1986: Light Corp. was created from a customer need and was added to the Shape family.

1987: Pete Sturrus became president and COO.

1989: Shape rented plant No. 2 – a 27,000 square foot building at 422 North Griffin St. in Grand Haven.

1990: Shape won the coveted Quality Excellence Award from Chrysler and Shape’s first high-tech welders arrived.

1993: A new frontier had been discovered – the international market. Shape representatives went to Japan to explore the international market.

1994: Hayes St. facility expanded yet again.

1998: Shape started construction on its third manufacturing facility.

Who owns Shape?
As in the beginning, Shape remains a privately held company. The original owners are still actively involved in guiding Shape down the path of continued growth. Owners include: Gary Verplank, Chairman of the Board, Pete Sturrus, Vice Chairman and Midge Verplank. Founding owners who have sinced passed away include, Bob Currier, Sr. and Ron Kolkema. The Board of Directors who oversee the company are: Gary Verplank, Pete Sturrus, Midge Verplank, Tom DeVoursney, Shape President, Kim Korth, Automotive Consultant and Paul Gaston, attorney at Warner Norcross & Judd.