Around the Shop
At Simplex, we work hard to create a positive environment for our employees. We took a moment to ask them what they enjoy about working here. Watch the videos below to discover some of the reasons why you should look into a career with Simplex!
Technical Expertise
Simplex is a UL trained and certified facility which specializes in UL508a, UL1203, and UL698a. This includes hazardous locations (Class I, II and III; Division 1 and 2).
Forward Thinking
At Simplex, we understand that the success of a company is interwoven with the success of its community. Through our involvement in professional organizations, leadership training, community outreach programs, and public speaking opportunities, we continually work to develop the skills and strategies of our team members while contributing to the knowledge and wellbeing of our community.
—More about our involvement
Manufacturing Artistry
Our attention to detail is reflected in the artistry of our panels. The clean layout and clear labeling goes beyond simply looking great; It results in a product that is built correctly, works effectively, and installs with ease.
—Custom Control Panels
Customer Centric
We always put our customers first. For this reason, a designated project manager will serve as your single point of contact, making your communications with Simplex both efficient and effortless.
—Simplex innovative process and ease of
doing business
Our Story
Barrett and Julie Gleixner
Since its inception in 1970, Simplex System Controls, a family-run business, has maintained a strong history of providing high-quality custom electrical and pneumatic control panels at a competitive price. Barrett Gleixner purchased Simplex in 1983 from his childhood friend Julio Sparacino. Simplex was a source of great pride for Barrett, a family-man, who kept his children, and even grandchildren involved in the business. He built Simplex on the principles of integrity, trust, and loyalty to his customers, vendors, and employees.
Kurt & Lianne Sundberg
In 2008, Barrett sold the business to his daughter, Lianne Sundberg, and her husband, Kurt. Lianne grew up in Simplex with first-hand experience of the company’s inner workings, while Kurt brought his prior business management experience to the table. Together, this power duo has established Simplex as a premium supplier to customers across industry lines, while continuing Barrett’s vision of a highly principled approach to business. Simplex continues to be a leader in the control panel industry.
Milestones
1970's
1970- Simplex System Controls, Inc. is founded and incorporated in Cicero, Illinois by Julio Sparacino.
- 1971- Simplex moves to a 5,000 square foot facility in LaGrange, IL.
- 1973- Simplex relocates to a new facility on Campbell Street in Chicago, IL, encompassing 10,000 square feet of office and production space. Simplex Metal is formed.
- 1974- Industrial Enclosure Corporation (IEC) is incorporated.
- 1977- IEC moves to a new location in Aurora, IL. To this day, they continue to maintain a strong business relationship with Simplex System Controls, Inc.
- 1979- Simplex relocates to a 50,000 square foot facility in Berkeley, IL, which also houses Tara Sales, a Texas Instruments distributor. Total Control Products is formed.
1980's
1983- Simplex is purchased and reincorporated by Julio’s childhood friend, Barrett Gleixner. IEC becomes an independent company under new ownership.
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- 1986- Barrett moves the company to its present location, a 14,000 square foot facility in Bensenville, Illinois.
2000's
2008- Barrett sells Simplex to his daughter, Lianne Sundberg, and her husband, Kurt, while continuing to support Simplex as a consultant.
Today
Today, Simplex is a state of the art control panel shop with over $8,000,000 in annual sales.
- Our average employee tenure rate is 17 years.
- We have the highest quality control standards in the industry, serving prominent companies such as Kraft, Heinz, Mondelez, Mars, Wrigley, Nestle, Urschel Laboratories, Kinder Morgan, TransCanada, EN Engineering, CB&I, Foth, Grantek, and Rockwell.
Our team leads the industry in knowledge, with shop employees averaging 17 years of experience and project managers averaging 24 years of experience. This allows us to provide our customers with a level of skill and expertise that only Simplex can offer.
Philosophy
Simplex’s current philosophy began with Barrett’s passion for manufacturing the best control panels in the industry. In fact, the original tagline, “We’re only as good as our last panel!” is almost a direct quote from Barrett himself. Barrett has said, “That’s why we just build control panels, instead of designing and engineering them. We’re the best at building panels, so we’re going to do what we do best.”
Our updated tagline is, “Quality First, Integrity Always.” At Simplex, we do more than furnish high-quality custom electric and pneumatic control panels; We are committed to dependability, leading with integrity, and delivering the Simplex Promise to our valued customers.
Simplex Promise
• Integrity
• Accurate Quoting and Fair Pricing
• Superior Quality Control
• Precise Project Management
• On-Time Delivery
• Hardware Commissioning Cleanly in the Field
Simplex Team
Kurt Sundberg
President and CEO
Kurt Sundberg’s entire career has been centered around superior customer service, process efficiency, strong supplier partnerships, continuous improvement, and being a life-long learner. For 24 years, he honed these skills through training and execution in previous positions with Arthur Andersen and McDonald’s Corporation. Using the knowledge and experience gained in these roles, Kurt has continued to build Simplex’s reputation and presence in the marketplace since becoming company president in 2008. He values working with a strong, cohesive team, being a well-run, operationally-efficient company, and producing a high-quality product. Kurt’s firm commitment to expanding upon the outstanding reputation of Simplex System Controls has driven the company’s success through superior quality control, control panels commissioning cleanly in the field, and ontime delivery.
Lianne Sundberg
Vice President and CFO
Simplex System Controls has been a part of Lianne Sundberg’s life for as long as she can remember. As daughter of the owner, she spent her childhood summers soldering circuit boards, helping in the front office, and taking dictation letters from her father as they drove to work. After earning a BS in math and computer sciences from the University of Notre Dame, working at Arthur Andersen World Headquarters in Chicago, and taking time to raise three boys, Lianne found her way back to Simplex. She and her husband, Kurt, purchased the company in 2008, at which time she became co-¬owner, vice president, treasurer, and secretary. In 2012, CFO was added to her responsibilities as well. A lot has changed over the years, but Lianne’s commitment to excellence and devotion to running Simplex with care and integrity, as her father did before her, has remained at the forefront of her mission.
Mariusz Domowicz
Project Manager
Chris Janiec
Project Manager
Ron McCarthy
Project Manager
Darrell Davis
Quality Control Manager
When Darrell joined Simplex in 2022, he brought with him 25 years of experience working with electrical control panels. Because of his previous experience, he began working in our quality control department as a QC technician. During his time spent in the QC department learning from our former QC Manager, Grant Miazga, he developed a deeper understanding for the complexities of producing custom electronic and pneumatic control panels. Darrell worked his way up and now assumes the role of our quality control manager.
As the QC Manager, Darrell ensures that every product built is thoroughly tested. Our guidelines for quality begin with the contractual obligation to meet each customer’s specification. Most often the requirements are at the request of that customer’s engineer. Secondly, the work he produces and the panels that the team builds are governed by industry standards. Third, our team manufactures these panels to specification, and Darrell inspects each panel, every wire, all switches and parts for functional-quality. He makes sure that every product we ship meets the customers’ and industry standards, plus he makes sure we uphold the rigorous guidelines set by our Simplex System Control’s brand image.
Ron Rytlewski
Business Development Manager
Van Williams
Project Management / Engineering Manager
Forward Thinking
Simplex believes that building a better future depends on collaboration, volunteerism, and education. Our involvement with local chambers of commerce and professional associations keeps us in tune with market trends and economic forecasts while granting us the opportunity to help other business owners learn from our experiences. We appreciate the importance of education, often lending our knowledge to future generations through speaking engagements at high school career days and encouraging continuing education within our own company.
Since the beginning, Simplex has focused on people. We recognize that our employees, vendors, and customers are the core of our company’s success, and it is our duty to do everything in our power to assist them. We are grateful that we have the ability to extend this philosophy beyond the business world to give back to the people of our community. Supporting the basic needs of local families through food drives and fundraisers is an honor that brings us great joy.
The Run for Hunger
For the last two years, Simplex has been a main sponsor of the Run For Hunger which supports local food pantries. In the spring of 2016, the run raised almost $17,000. Lianne Sundberg, volunteers monthly to assist with food distribution. http://run4hunger.org/
Technology & Manufacturing Association (TMA) Founded in 1925
TMA represents over 800 manufacturing companies and 35,000 employees in Illinois. They support industry by providing educational opportunities, industry representation, and services to foster member company global competitiveness. Governed by a Board of Directors composed of representatives from member companies, TMA represents and promotes the interests of all members, serving as a forum and a clearinghouse for the exchange of ideas and information.
Elmhurst-Yorkfield Food Pantry
The Elmhurst-Yorkfield Food Pantry (EYFP) was started in 1983 by concerned citizens who saw a need to help hungry people in their own backyard. Their purpose is to distribute food to residents of neighboring communities in need, including those in Elmhurst, Addison, Bensenville, Berkeley, Hillside, Lombard, Oak Brook, and Villa Park.
Since 1957, Vistage has made a difference by bringing together groups of successful executives across a broad array of industries. The goal: more success. Each group is designed to help members help each other improve their businesses and their lives. CEOs who joined Vistage grew their companies at three times the rate of the average U.S. company and according to a 2015 Dun & Bradstreet study.
Simplex is an active member of the Valley Industrial Association (VIA).
Coalition for a Prosperous America (CPA)
444 West Fullerton Avenue,
Elmhurst, IL. 60126
Phone: (630) 766-8401
Fax: (630) 766-8392
Email: [email protected]
Mon – Fri 7AM-5PM