Our Story – InSource Technologies 25+ year History
For more than 25 years, InSource Technologies has grown alongside the industries we serve. Our history reflects a steady commitment to quality, responsiveness, and long‑term partnership with OEMs across the Midwest and beyond.
Table of Contents
Milestones That Shaped Our Journey
1997 – A Family Business Begins
We opened in a 2,500 sq. ft. facility, building one product and serving one customer. From day one, we focused on supporting OEMs—not competing with them.
Family Business opens in a 2,500 sq. ft. facility. Builds 1 product (Refrigerant Identifier) and provides contract engineering services for 1 customer while employing 10.
InSource opened a contract manufacturing business on Jan. 1, 1997 in a 2,500 sq. ft. facility. In our first year, we built a single product and did engineering work for 1 customer while employing 10. It included electronics, wiring harnesses, and was used in the refrigeration market.
InSource has chosen not to pursue our own product line, but rather perform services for OEMs who have product specifications and sales/distribution. It is a strong point with our customers that we are not their competitors. InSource is privately held.
1998 – Expanding Capacity
A 9,000 sq. ft. addition enabled rapid growth. Four redesigned products moved into production, and our manufacturing footprint tripled.
Added 9,000 sq. ft. manufacturing space and 4 new products went into production after engineering re-design.
InSource expands manufacturing operation by building a 2nd attached pole building adding 9,000 sq. ft. The one product built in 1997, tripled forecast! Our customer hired us to re-design the Refrigerant Identifier and 3 models of charging scales. All of these products went into production.
1999 – New Capabilities
We added embedded software engineering, electronic instruments, and our first wire harness customer—broadening our technical foundation.
Builds Wire Harness Assemblies for our 1st Wire Harness Customer. Engineering adds Embedded C Software Capabilities. Start production of Electronic Instruments such as Leak Detectors and Vacuum Gauges.
InSource adds Electronic products including refrigerant leak detectors, vacuum scales and control panels. Software engineering support becomes the key to unlocking more opportunities. InSource starts building their own wire harnesses and cables. We purchased a small business with one steady customer besides serving our own needs. The voyage to reduce dependence on one customer begins.
2001 — Box Build Electronics
Begins assembly of electronic products that controls light/siren function in the specialty vehicle market. Vertical integration into PCB assembly reduces overall lead time.
InSource secures another Electronic customer to broaden out our base. This product involves PCB Assembly with wire harness integration into an enclosure. It is 100% tested with end of line test equipment. Visual inspection on key points are also included.
2002 – Chassis Harnesses
Begins supplying custom cable and wire harness assemblies to a local ambulance manufacturer. Later “added value” is provided by kitting harness packages for specific trucks to aid in customer efficiency.
InSource purchased ultra-sonic splicing equipment to replace butt connectors. We secured business that required it and have offered it to multiple customers since. This UL recognized form of connecting wires increases reliable of a spliced joint. We build large, custom cable and wire harness assemblies used in ambulance chassis. InSource provides a kit for each truck at the station specified by the customer.
2004 – Copper Tube Fabrication
Begins to supply copper tubes and brazed assemblies to the refrigeration/specialty tools industry. Our pattern has been to embrace adding capabilities to meet the needs of OEM’s. This complimented our Refrigerant hose assembly line.
InSource responded to our customers request to bend and braze copper tube assemblies. Our costs were much lower and quality much higher than the current supplier. This complimented our fluid transfer offerings as we already built refrigerant hose assemblies. The process is the same with cutting to length and adding connections.
2007 – Product Launch
Embedded Design Engineering is provided to develop Electronics for Field GPS unit to customer in agricultural market. Product Launch a major success and InSource begins production. Our specialty and experience is Design to Build.
InSource was asked to manage the design on a major product launch for an electronic system to monitor seed corn placement in the field. The first beta run launched into production and termed a “success”. This customer has been the largest contributor to our success since 2007.
2009 – Wire Harness Technology
Automatic termination added to wire processing machines. Laser Etching of Connectors and Braided Looming of Harnesses. Investment in Technology increases design options and consistency!
InSource continues to expand wire harness building capabilities with potting, nylon loom braiding, laser etching, and automatic terminal crimping. We decreased cost and increased consistency…making us more valuable for wire harness customers. Wire harness design services are offered to current customers. InSource divided into 2 business units to better serve customers. Each business unit could focus on their customers and respond quickly to their needs.
2010 – SMT Board Production
Investment made to SMT Circuit Board Capabilities to better control lead time. Production Capacity increases while product defects are decreased.
The value of InSource electronics extends beyond PCB Assembly. After exhausting 8 PCB suppliers in 14 years, we purchased equipment to build our own. Review of component shortages and managing seasonal demand were the initial reasons. Better pricing, more control over production, and reduced lead times and quality defects help keep our Box build assemblies competitive.
2011 – Plastic Injection Molding
Capabilities are added for Injection Molding. Improvement in reliability and waterproofing of connectors.
InSource brings value to OEMs with weatherized over molded connections. We have in-house Plastic injection molding equipment and engineering to support custom tooling designs. Many standard sizes and connections are already available.
2012 – Programming Logic
Added Robotic Thru-Hole Soldering. CNC small copper tube bender.
InSource invests in reliability and innovation to ensure proper soldering by adding robotic thru-hole soldering. We added a CNC tube bender to ensure accurate lengths and bends and minimizing setups. Each opportunity to reduce steps and operator error is a benefit to our customers.
2014 – Condensing Unit
Standard and Custom condensing units are built for reliability. InSource begin producing a line of standard condensing units in addition to custom. Our units utilize market leading compressors and coils.
2015 – 3rd Business Unit, Upgrade Inspection Equipment
Three business units were formalized to improve focus and responsiveness. We expanded to 60,000 sq. ft., achieved ISO9001 certification, and transitioned to new leadership.
Assembly Solutions becomes Refrigeration and Controls Solutions become Electronics and Wire Harness. 3 business units are developed to promote small teams and focus to customers. Each business unit has production, engineering, quality, and materials management working together. Solder Paste Inspection (SPI) is added pre-placement in the SMT line to reduce failures as part become smaller and BGA’s are used.
2016 – Enhance Business Systems
Production facility at 60,000 sq. ft. with 125 employees. Received ISO9001:2008 certification in December. Founder and President retires. InSource sees major change as the founder retires with 20 successful years as the President. Many business decisions have made it possible for a smooth transition. Growth from 10 to 125 employees and 2,500 to 60,000 sq. ft. happens with careful planning and persistently holding to core values. “If you do the right things, the right things happen”. ISO9001:2008 certification show our commitment to “doing the right thing”.
2017 – Leadership Change
New President/CEO begins. Better Planning Systems initiative launched. Employment reaches 200. InSource continues founders core values with generational leadership change. Former president writes history book, “InSource: The First 21 Years.” Better Planning Systems involve application development with internal software skills that use technology to increase efficiency. Software engineering services are discontinued.
2018 – Building for the Future
Begin construction of another 12,000 sq. ft. of Production. Expanding into current markets. SEDEX registration, ISO9001:2015 certification. Launched QRM in Harness business unit. 3rd SMT line in Electronics.
InSource added 12,000 sq. ft. to support product launches and future growth. We have increased our presence in all major markets served: Agricultural, Forestry, Fire, Rescue and HVAC. ISO9001:2015 certification and SEDEX registration completed. Harness launch Quick Response Manufacturing (QRM) to reduce lead time and increase throughput. 3rd SMT line and conformal coating added in Electronics.
2019 Industry Associations
Joined NTEA (Work Truck Industry) and NRA (National Restaurant Association) to support key industries that we serve. Electronics and Harnesses that are 12-24v mobile, rugged, weatherized. Refrigeration in Food Service equipment.
InSource joined NTEA, the Work Truck Industry in May 2019. Our expertise in electronics and harnesses that are 12-24v, rugged, and weatherized serve this industry well. InSource joined NRA, National Restaurant Association in May, 2019. Our expertise in refrigeration for food service equipment serve this industry. With changes that will use Hydrocarbon and other natural refrigerants, like R290A, and R600a; many companies are needing help designing and building Refrigeration services.
2020 – COVID Brings Challenges
Capacity restrictions, loss of access to labor need
Quarantines cause workforce hours to dip, while orders increase, and parts availability becomes erratic. Efforts begin to streamline our customer base.
2021 – Challenges Continue
Additional 17,000 sq ft building, supply chain issues with harness components
Strong demand and component delays create a real capacity crunch. New buildings add 14,400 sqft. Inflationary pressures drive us to frequently requote pricing to customers.
2022 – Organizational Change, Celebrating 25 Years
Strong demand, supply chain pressures, and new facilities marked this period of rapid change. We celebrated 25 years and expanded leadership roles. President/CEO split into 2 roles, and 2 new BU Directors are named. InSource celebrates 25 years in business with an open house. Refrigeration and Controls struggle with long component lead times and high demand.
2023 — Innovation Through JobFlow
We launched JobFlow, a brand focused on creative solutions for harness manufacturing. The first product, BraiderBot, entered the market.
What These Years Have Taught Us
Our success is built on long‑term relationships and a commitment to doing the right thing. These principles guide every decision we make.
We’ve learned that:
- Reliability is earned through consistency
- Technology should simplify work
- Quality is a daily discipline
- Strong partnerships create shared success
- Investing in capability builds resilience
How We Serve Today
InSource provides OEMs with integrated manufacturing solutions across electronics, wire harnesses, refrigeration, and engineered assemblies. Our teams combine technical expertise with a culture of responsiveness—delivering products built for demanding environments and evolving industry standards.
We remain privately held, service‑focused, and committed to supporting the long‑term success of the organizations that trust us.
Looking Ahead
Our history is a foundation—not a finish line. As industries evolve, we continue to invest in people, technology, and processes that strengthen our ability to serve OEMs with excellence.
Ready to Build What’s Next?
Whether you’re launching a new product or scaling an existing line, InSource is ready to support your vision with proven capability and a commitment to partnership.