Eight-Time IC100 Honoree: Building Growth, Opportunity, and Manufacturing in Cleveland

Talan Products is proud to announce that we have once again been recognized by the Initiative for a Competitive Inner City (ICIC) as one of the fastest-growing inner-city companies in the United States.

This year’s recognition marks our eighth appearance on the IC100 list, placing Talan Products firmly among a select group of companies that have demonstrated sustained growth while contributing to the economic vitality of their communities. Companies that achieve five IC100 recognitions earn Hall of Fame status. This year, we celebrate number eight.

While we are honored by the award, we believe the recognition reflects something larger than our company’s growth. It reflects a long-term commitment to investing in people, manufacturing, and the city we call home.

Twenty years ago, Talan Products faced a choice.

Like many manufacturers, we could have relocated to a newer facility outside the city. Instead, we invested in a historic manufacturing facility in Cleveland’s South Collinwood neighborhood.

We saw opportunity where others saw challenges.

We believed the greenest building was the one already standing. We believed manufacturing still belonged in the city. Most importantly, we believed good-paying manufacturing careers should remain accessible to the communities that helped build Cleveland’s industrial legacy.

That decision continues to shape who we are today.

Manufacturing has faced significant challenges over the past several years. Supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, inflationary pressures, and unprecedented material lead times forced companies throughout the industry to rethink how they operate.

During the pandemic, some aluminum extrusion lead times stretched to nearly fifty weeks. Material availability became uncertain, transportation costs fluctuated, and forecasting became more important than ever.

Our response was not to pull back.

Instead, we doubled down on planning, communication, and strategic investment. Working closely with customers and suppliers, we secured raw materials, reserved production capacity, and maintained the flexibility necessary to continue meeting customer requirements.

The experience reinforced an important lesson: growth is rarely the result of reacting to challenges. More often, it comes from preparing for them before they arrive.

Manufacturing equipment is important.

Technology is important.

Automation is important.

But people remain the foundation of every successful company.

At Talan Products, we invest heavily in workforce development, training, safety, and career advancement. We believe manufacturing careers should offer long-term opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Today, more than 100 team members contribute to our continued success. Their knowledge, dedication, and commitment to excellence are the reason we have been able to grow for four decades.

Our founder and CEO, Steve Peplin, often says that success is built one decision at a time. We believe that includes decisions about hiring, training, mentoring, and supporting the people who make our company possible.

Because no people means no company.

And no people means no community.

One of the reasons the IC100 program is so meaningful is that it recognizes companies that contribute to the strength of their communities while building successful businesses.

For Talan Products, growth has never been solely about revenue.

It has been about creating opportunities, strengthening American manufacturing, supporting local families, and helping demonstrate that urban manufacturing can still thrive.

Our continued investment in Cleveland has helped create stable manufacturing careers, supported local economic activity, and contributed to the revitalization of an industrial facility that continues to serve a productive purpose more than a century after it was built.

We believe businesses have an important role to play in building stronger communities, and we are proud to be part of Cleveland’s ongoing story.

As Talan Products celebrates its 40th year in business, we remain focused on the future.

We continue investing in advanced manufacturing technologies, automation, workforce development, and the capabilities our customers need to remain competitive. We continue helping OEMs across North America improve quality, reduce costs, and strengthen their supply chains through domestic manufacturing partnerships.

Most importantly, we remain committed to the people and community that have helped make our success possible.

Eight IC100 recognitions are an honor.

But we believe the most important measure of success is the opportunity we help create for the next generation of manufacturing professionals.

Manufacturing is still alive in Cleveland.

And we’re just getting started.