Author Archives: Saporito Finishing Company

  1. Saporito Finishing CEO Greg Immell Named to the 2026 Chicago Titan 100

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    The metal finishing industry thrives on precision and innovation that drives operational excellence. Companies that consistently deliver quality results are often led by visionaries who understand both technical demands and the importance of building strong teams.

    Saporito Finishing is a metal finishing organization that specializes in high-precision electroplating, anodizing, and strategic surface treatments. Since our founding, we have maintained a dominant position in the Midwest industrial market by delivering engineered coating solutions. This month, the regional business community recognized our CEO, Greg Immell, as a prominent figure among Chicago business leaders and an honoree in the 2026 Titan 100.

    What it Means to be a “Titan” in Chicago

    The 2026 Titan 100 Chicago class represents a pillar of the Illinois economy. Collectively, this year’s honorees lead organizations that generate over $120 billion in annual revenue and support a workforce of more than 207,000 individuals. These numbers underscore the profound economic impact that Greg Immell and his fellow Chicago business leaders exert on the regional business ecosystem.

    The Titan 100 Chicago program selects executives based on several pillars of excellence, such as:

    • Visionary leadership. The ability to set a strategic course that results in sustainable organizational growth.
    • Innovation. The successful integration of new technologies and finishing processes that yield a competitive edge.
    • Integrity. A commitment to transparent operations and ethical business standards.
    • Community impact. Active contributions to local economic development and the broader Illinois corporate landscape.

    Greg’s selection among the 2026 Titan 100 validates the company’s dedication to technical mastery and continuous improvement.

    A Leadership Philosophy Centered on Team & Community

    Greg attributes this milestone to the collective effort of the workforce and the strength of Saporito Finishing leadership. “This recognition is a testament to the incredible team at Saporito Finishing and the trust they place in our leadership,” he stated. He also emphasized the importance of the mentorship that has guided his career as one of the influential Chicago business leaders.

    The nomination came from David Morris of Fox Swibel Levin & Carroll LLP. The selection committee evaluated Greg based on his concrete impact, the company’s recent performance metrics, and visibility in the community.

    His management style prioritizes internal trust and robust partnerships. This approach has allowed the company to scale its technical capabilities while it maintains the rigorous quality standards required by industrial buyers-a hallmark of Saporito Finishing leadership.

    Celebrating Excellence at The Geraghty

    The official awards ceremony for the Titan 100 Chicago took place on February 19, 2026, at The Geraghty. This event brought all 100 Titans together to honor their individual achievements and their shared commitment to Illinois business growth.

    For Greg and the team, being part of the 2026 Titan 100 reflects a core company value: leadership must extend beyond daily production. It involves the responsibility to mentor the next generation of Chicago business leaders and contribute meaningfully to the local economy.

    Driving the Future of Metal Finishing

    Greg Immell’s recognition as a 2026 Titan 100 honoree is a result of his purpose-driven direction. Under his guidance, the company has expanded its facility’s capacity and invested in advanced plating equipment and processes to meet increasingly complex specifications.

    The company remains a vital partner for manufacturers in the aerospace, medical, and automotive markets. The Titan 100 Chicago honor reaffirms the company’s commitment to technical excellence and client success. This achievement stands as a significant milestone for the firm and its position in the Midwest.

    To learn more about our award-winning leadership and how our team can support your next project, contact us today.

  2. What Is Nadcap and Why Is It Critical for Aerospace? | Saporito Finishing

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    What Is Nadcap and Why Is It Critical for Aerospace?

    There are no shortcuts in aerospace manufacturing. Components used in this industry must perform flawlessly in high heat, pressure, vibration, and zero-failure conditions every time. The high standards for special processes used in aerospace and defense manufacturing are set by Nadcap (formerly known as the National Aerospace and Defense Contractors Accreditation Program), an internationally recognized program.

    Earning Nadcap accreditation is more than a stamp of approval. It’s a guarantee of capability, repeatability, and risk reduction across the supply chain. As a result, it plays a key part in meeting performance requirements in the aerospace sector.

    Ensuring Global Safety and Risk Mitigation

    Aerospace manufacturers rely on special processes to guarantee that parts perform safely in demanding conditions. Once the processes are completed, however, this cannot be verified just by looking at the final part. 

    Nadcap accreditation ensures the following:

    • That each process is tested, monitored, and performed consistently.
    • That operators receive the right training and meet all qualification requirements.
    • Equipment is carefully maintained and checked for accuracy.
    • Records are accurate, complete, and ready for review.
    • Daily operations include ongoing process improvement.

    Nadcap enforces uniform global standards, helping suppliers stay consistent and reduce risk. With components on commercial aircraft, in space vehicles, or used in defense platforms, this guarantees that they meet the strictest quality and safety requirements worldwide.

    Saporito Finishing: Proudly Nadcap Certified

    Saporito Finishing is one of the 30 original suppliers that established the Nadcap Chemical Processing tank group and the Nadcap AC7108 standard over 30 years ago. Our work reflects the standards that the entire aerospace industry relies on today. The rules aren’t just important to us; our experience and insight helped set and shape them.

    Today, Saporito Finishing holds and maintains Nadcap accreditation, supporting demanding programs for top industry leaders like Boeing, Moog, and Lockheed Martin. Our ongoing involvement and certification demonstrate a long-standing commitment to the following:

    • Controlled, proven processes
    • Advanced finishing expertise
    • Highly trained technical teams
    • Strict internal and external audits
    • Ongoing improvements to meet aerospace standards

    Helping Shape a Global Standard

    Saporito Finishing’s status as a founding member of Nadcap reflects our dedication to expertise and leadership. From the beginning of the program, Saporito Finishing has worked from the belief that aerospace quality should have strict global standards that are transparent and independently verified. 

    That same commitment continues today as aerospace standards change to meet new technologies and materials. Saporito Finishing has held a position as a voting member on the Chemical Processing Task Group since the inception of the group in 1994.

    The Value of Partnering with a Founding Member

    When you partner with a founding Nadcap member, you tap into a rich source of experience that you’d have a hard time finding elsewhere. For aerospace buyers and engineers, this means:

    • Faster qualification and onboarding
    • Fewer audit surprises
    • Proven alignment with OEM expectations
    • Deep institutional knowledge of aerospace requirements
    • Confidence that processes are audit-ready at all times

    Working with an established, accredited partner ultimately protects your budget, reputation, and schedule. Saporito Finishing’s experience as a founding member makes us a trusted leader and technical partner in the aerospace realm.

    Secure Your Supply Chain with Proven Expertise

    Supplier reliability has never been more important as aerospace programs continue to expand. Nadcap accreditation provides the framework, and experience is what brings it to life. Saporito Finishing has met these requirements for decades as a founding Nadcap member. In that time, we’ve earned approvals from some of the most demanding aerospace organizations in the world, offering the expertise and stability that today’s aerospace supply chains rely on.

    If you’re seeking the right finishing partner or you’re planning future aerospace programs, you can work with a supplier who has been part of Nadcap since the beginning. To learn more, contact us today or request a quote. 

  3. Inspiring the Next Generation of Skilled Trades at Saporito Finishing

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    Inspiring the Next Generation of Skilled Trades at Saporito Finishing

    Last week, Saporito Finishing had the pleasure of hosting a group of bright and curious students from Morton West High School’s engineering and welding classes. Spanning all four grade levels, these students took a deep dive into the world of metal plating and anodizing.

    Our maintenance team shared insights into their day-to-day responsibilities, highlighting the critical need for skilled tradespeople in our industry. The students were eager to learn, asking insightful questions about processes, equipment, and career paths.

    This event was a fantastic example of how industry and education can work together to inspire future careers and strengthen our community. Several seniors requested job applications!! We look forward to continuing—and expanding—this collaboration with Morton West High School and other local programs.

    Thank you to the students and educators who made this visit such a success!

  4. Saporito Finishing’s Hannah Johnson has been selected for Products Finishing Magazine’s List of 40 Under 40: Class of 2025

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    Hannah Johnson

    Every year, the editors at Products Finishing dig through a list of nominees to select the recipients of the annual 40 Under 40 awards — a program designed to recognize the hard work, motivation and passion of individuals that drive the surface finishing industry forward. These individuals were nominated by their peers in the industry (managers, co-workers or industry partners) and then selected based on a variety of criteria, including leadership and industry involvement. Saporito Finishing is pleased to announce that our very own Hannah Johnson is included in the 2025 list. Congratulations, Hannah!!

    As Lab Manager, Hannah brings a rare mix of curiosity, drive, and technical aptitude to her work. A 2021 graduate of Wheaton College with a B.S. in Chemistry, Hannah joined Saporito in 2023 with no background in metal finishing but quickly proved herself an eager learner and natural leader. In just one year, she earned the title of Lab Manager, now overseeing lab operations, chemistry purchasing, compliance audits, and more. Her team respects her precision, initiative, and dedication.

    Hannah embodies the talent and tenacity that will continue to support Saporito’s success and will drive the finishing community forward.

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  5. Saporito Finishing Company Welcomes Greg Immell as New CEO

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    Greg Immell

    Cicero, IL — October, 1, 2024 — Saporito Finishing Company is pleased to announce the appointment of Greg Immell as Chief Executive Officer. With over 25 years of extensive experience in the food service industry, Greg brings a proven track record of strategic growth and operational excellence to the organization.

    Most recently, Greg served as a leader at Electrolux Professional, where he successfully managed the strategic growth of the beverage and food preparation categories across the Americas. His visionary leadership and dedication to excellence consistently resulted in strong team performance and substantial growth in both top and bottom-line results.

    “Greg’s impressive background in the food service sector, coupled with his ability to inspire and build high-performing teams, makes him the ideal leader for Saporito Finishing Company as we embark on our next chapter,” said Chuck Saporito Chairman of the Board. “We are confident that his strategic insight and commitment to innovation will further elevate our brand and enhance our market position.”

    In his new role, Greg will focus on driving the company’s vision and strategic initiatives while building on the culture of collaboration and excellence. His leadership style emphasizes empowerment and accountability, ensuring that teams are aligned with the company’s goals and equipped to meet the demands of a dynamic market.

    “I am thrilled to join Saporito Finishing Company and work alongside such a talented leadership team,” said Greg Immell. “Together, we will build on our long legacy of customer service and quality, positioning Saporito as a leader in the finishing industry. I look forward to collaborating with our employees, partners, and customers to drive sustainable growth and deliver exceptional value.”

    Greg holds an MBA and has received numerous accolades throughout his career for his contributions to the food service industry. His appointment marks a significant milestone for Saporito Finishing Company as it continues to enhance its offerings and expand its reach in the market.

    About Saporito Finishing Company
    Saporito Finishing has been providing anodizing and metal finishing for 76 years. Our mission is to deliver world-class finishing services that empower our customers to gain both wallet share and market share. We want to earn trust through the highest standards of quality and customer satisfaction with a focus on continuous improvement to support our clients’ success in an ever-evolving marketplace.

    We are equally dedicated to our employees, fostering a supportive and growth-oriented work environment that encourages innovation, collaboration, and professional development.

  6. Newly refurbished and upgraded Automatic Zinc Rack plating line

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    Oct 3rd, 2022

    Newly refurbished and upgraded Automatic Zinc Rack plating line

    Saporito Finishing is proud to report the commissioning of their refurbished Automatic Zinc Rack plating line. The line now features state-of-the-art PLC controls and a programable computer HMI interface to allow for a wide variety of cycles to support a vast array of finishing recipes. The computer system also records process information and exports the data to a database that can be reviewed anytime, anywhere, providing objective process parameter documentation in real-time. The line capacity was upgraded to 1,150 pounds allowing for zinc plating of very heavy parts. Work bars, racks, and saddles were all redesigned and upgraded to provide greater uniformity across the entire load package reducing variation in coating thickness while improving overall plating quality. Several additional tanks were added to the line extending the footprint to over 100 feet. Safety features were upgraded, and additional features were added to ensure the safe operation of the line and the safety of our employees which is priority number one at Saporito Finishing.

    Newly refurbished and upgraded Automatic Zinc Rack plating line

    Upgrades were also made on the hoists to safeguard customer hardware including an ultrasonic carrier detection system that prevents line crashes enhancing the protection of customer parts in the process. The overall project came in at just under $1,000,000. The results of this capital project include:

    • improvements in quality, repeatability, reliability, and turnaround
    • reduced downtime for repairs and maintenance
    • increased capacity to support the growth of our customers.

  7. Saporito Finishing Celebrates 75th Year in Business: 1946 – 2021

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    Saporito Finishing Celebrates 75th Year in Business: 1946 – 20212021 marks the 75th Anniversary since Saporito Finishing Company was formed. Over the years, the business has evolved to meet the needs of each era, while facing challenges that have shaped its growth from one decade to the next.

    In the early 1940’s, while World War II was well underway, a young man in Chicago by the name of Charles J. Saporito started his own company, Sun-Glo in the basement of a store focused on military work for the war effort. At that time, it was not unusual to find Charlie Saporito and his wife wiring parts in their kitchen to prepare for the next day’s plating work. In 1946, following the war, the business was renamed C.J. Saporito Plating Company.

    As the nation eased its way out of a tumultuous era and into the more peaceful and prosperous 1950’s, Charles looked to expand the scope of the company. This led to the purchase of Accurate Anodizing in 1956. Three years later, they left the roar of the elevated trains and relocated to the west Chicago suburb of Cicero, Illinois. It was here they setup shop, under the roof of a 25,000 square foot plant.

    The new location inspired innovation and growth within the business. In 1964, Saporito Plating went on to add a new Magnesium Anodizing Division. Unfortunately, disaster hit in 1971, when the entire Accurate Anodizing plant nearly burned to the ground, rendering all of the finishing equipment unusable. Within one year, the company was housed at Saporito’s present address in Cicero, Illinois. Since then, the facilities have expanded to include more than 125,000 square feet.

    The next 20 years brought steady growth and refinement as the company matured, leading the way as a modern manufacturing operation. In 1997, Saporito achieved ISO 9001 accreditation and has maintained this certification in good standing since then.

    In October 2001, the name of the company was officially changed from C.J. Saporito Plating Company to Saporito Finishing Company to reflect the company’s evolution of capabilities, which now included Zinc plating, Sulfuric and Hardcoat Anodizing, Zinc Nickel Plating, Electroless Nickel, Chemical film Conversion Coating, and many other finishes.

    In 2004 Saporito achieved Nadcap accreditation in Chemical Processing, while setting a record for the least non-conformances in an initial accreditation audit. Saporito has maintained this certification in high standing ever since, including their current status of merit.

    Saporito is also a leader in environmentally responsible finishing. Charles J. Saporito set a standard in pollution compliance that has been passed down over the years. Realizing that one day his grandchildren would be drinking the same water he left behind, Saporito became the first metal finisher to voluntarily request a permit from the Metropolitan Sanitary District of Greater Chicago to treat his company’s wastes. Since then, Saporito Finishing has strived to maintain high standards in areas of environmental regulation. Saporito Finishing was the recipient of the Governors Award for its environmental compliance activities in the state of Illinois and has been recognized for its outstanding record of compliance by the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago.

    Saporito Finishing has been recognized as a Top Shop through Gardner Publications annual benchmarking survey of electroplaters and anodizers. After 2018’s survey, Saporito Finishing was awarded Top Shop Honors for excellence in HR and Training practices.

    The team at Saporito Finishing Company is proud of the history and heritage accumulated over the last seven decades. We look forward to continued progress for years to come, as we carry on a tradition that has been steeped in commitment to quality and high standards for nearly a century.

  8. Saporito’s Jim Logan Selected for PF Magazine’s List of 40 Under 40: Class of 2021

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    Jim LoganEach year, Products Finishing editors comb through a long list of nominees with a wide range of skill sets to select the 40 Under 40 class. This year’s finalists include engineers, operations managers, chemists, general managers, sales professionals, and entrepreneurs working in the finishing industry. Saporito Finishing is pleased to announce that our very own James (Jim) Logan is included in the 2021 list. Congratulations, Jim!

    Jim is a graduate of Northern Illinois University where, in 2008, he earned his B.S. in Finance and his MBA in 2018. He came to Saporito Finishing from a large, national, agricultural distribution corporation in April of 2011 to work as the 2nd shift supervisor in the Anodizing Division. He learned quickly and was instrumental in leading sales and profit growth for the company through productivity improvement and waste elimination. In June of 2016, Jim became controller at Saporito Finishing where he excels utilizing his strong accounting skills along with his management and finishing experience.

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  9. Unique Floating Rack Design Boosts Plating Quality, Speeds Project Turnaround

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    Saporito Finishing recently announced it has received a patent for its unique floating rack design for electroplating applications. The floating rack boosts plating quality, cuts costs, reduces labor, and speeds project turnaround on metal finishing projects. The new rack is ideal for use when plating tubes, components with blind holes, and cup-shaped parts in high-speed, automatic production operations.

    Our new floating rack takes our metal finishing services to the next level, says Jeff Logan, president, at Saporito Finishing. It also helps us meet customer demands for higher quality, more cost-effective service, and faster turnaround. We can now process workpieces, like caps and cups, quickly and efficiently instead of manually plating them. From a company standpoint, the new floating rack boosts competitiveness and enhances customer service. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.

    Unique Floating Rack Design Boosts Plating Quality, Speeds Project Turnaround

    Two Common Methods of Plating

    Electroplating bonds metal ions in solution to a metal substrate using electrodeposition. In this process, the flow of electrical current increases the ions’ attraction in the plating solution to the metal workpiece’s surface. The plating protects the workpiece from corrosion and wear, prolonging its useful life and boosting its aesthetic appeal. Selecting the right electroplating method for a workpiece, however, is critical. Two standard methods of plating workpieces are barrel plating and rack plating. Knowing when to use each is paramount.

    With barrel plating, finishers place the parts in a barrel, which then spins slowly while immersed in the electroplating solution. Spinning causes the workpieces to tumble or cascade and provides a uniform coating to the workpieces. Barrel plating works well for plating a high volume of small, durable workpieces, such as stampings, fasteners, and small parts of similar shapes and sizes.

    With rack plating, finishers hang individual workpieces to metal frames, hooks, or racks, sometimes using screws, wires, or other means. The rack holds the part securely in place during the electroplating process and provides the connection to bring electrical current to the part. Finishers use rack plating for delicate parts that can’t withstand a barrel’s tumbling action or for large or complex parts too big for a barrel. Rack plating is the “go-to” choice in industries where a high-quality finish is paramount, including military and defense, automotive, medical, and electronics.

    Floating Rack Helps Beat Plating Challenges

    Floating Rack Helps Beat Plating Challenges

    Some workpieces, however, present challenges for finishers using the rack plating process. Tubes, components with blind holes, and cupped shape parts are especially challenging for rack plating, especially in high-speed, automated operations. For example, if a finisher hangs a cup-shaped part right side up on a rack, the electroplating solution inside the cups can be carried from tank to tank, contaminating the other tanks further down the process. If the finisher hangs the cup upside down, not all of the part gets plated.

    The plating solution only works on areas it touches, says Logan. If the solution doesn’t touch an area, it remains unplated and vulnerable to corrosion and wear. Tube assemblies, components with blind holes, and cupped shape parts have areas where it’s hard for the metal plating solution to reach, leaving gaps in coverage where the air pockets occur. Our new floating rack helps us eliminate these plating challenges and provides high-quality coverage of metal parts. The floating rack is especially beneficial when it comes to high-speed plating operations.”

    Unique Design of Floating Rack Key

    The key to the floating rack is its unique design. It allows for the workpiece’s rotational movement during the plating process automatically and without manually manipulating the part, which typically involves stopping the line and interrupting the process. That enables the plating solution to reach the part’s smallest crevices.

    In addition to increasing finish quality, the floating rack also enhances the process tanks quality by reducing contamination from “drag-in” from tank to tank. Plus, the floating rack cuts labor costs, reduces turnaround, and increases throughput. Put simply, the floating rack helps Saporito produce a high-quality finished piece quickly and cost-effectively.

    As a single-source supplier of finishing solutions, Saporito offers a premium line of metal finishing processes, including zinc plating, anodizing, zinc-nickel plating, electroless nickel plating, hard coat anodizing, magnesium anodizing. and many other finishes. It also provides aluminum treatment services, such as chemical film conversion and etch and clean.

    Founded in the 1940s, Saporito strives to maintain the highest environmental standards possible, which the floating rack helps by reducing drag out to rinse tanks. The company is continually looking for advancements, like the floating rack design, to boost quality, cut costs, and shorten turnaround for customers while protecting the environment.