About Us

WE ARE MORE THAN JUST SAFETY SIGNS

Our History

Since the day National Marker Company opened in 1934, we have honored our timeless traditions of safety and quality.

Nearly 90 years later, the NMC team strives to accomplish the same two goals, by manufacturing the highest-quality safety identification products, and to help make the world a little bit safer.

We started off in Pawtucket, RI as a fire warning sign screen printer, manufacturing extinguisher labels to specialized printing for retail stores in the 80’s. As time went on, workplace safety awareness heightened, and in turn our line of safety identification products grew. To accommodate our significant growth, in 1999 NMC moved to a larger location in North Smithfield, RI.

“When we first moved into the new building. It was bigger, cleaner and felt like a fresh start with endless possibilities.” – Keith Parkhurst, Inside Sales

Soon after, in 2012 President Michael Black became the new owner of NMC. His vision for future success was fueled by passion, love for his team and the desire to always give back to the community while maintaining transparency throughout his journey.

“The decision behind buying the business—I recognized that we had something just on the cusp of breaking open. The second piece of it is the people who have helped me get there, I couldn’t see them all out of a job. My wife Michelle and I decided that our best was yet to come.” – Michael Black, President

Our Growth: Unfaltering

We have doubled our size and speed through technical advancements, developing our state-of-the-art facility, and embracing new leadership and talent throughout all levels of the organization; we will continue to grow to better serve our customers in all their safety communication needs.

“We have an owner who is constantly looking for ways to improve. Investing in the latest technology and developing procedures that help us work smarter not harder—working together as a team.” – James Nestell, Regional Sales Manager

Our Quality: Unrivaled

We strive to exceed our customers’ expectations in all that we do: delivering the highest quality product in the fastest way possible—to protect end users and provide them peace of mind. Sign Muscle® is a perfect example of our commitment: a patented liquid laminate developed to extend the life of an NMC sign from years to decades.

“We’re a dedicated, determined and growing team willing to do what it takes to help out our customers and get them the products they need.” –Sean Sullivan, Graphic Designer

Pivoting When Circumstances Demand

The COVID-19 Pandemic forced the hand of every type of business, NMC as not immune. NMC had a choice; to sit back and hope for the best or respond with leadership. NMC took the latter approach, being first to market with all the products you became familiar with. Products like Social Distancing Floor Signs, Sneeze Guards, Sanitation Stations, Posters and much more.

We achieved significant growth and synergy as an organization, all remotely. Learn more about our COVID pivot by watching this video:

Our Community: More Than Signs

At National Marker Company, our word, our relationships, and our ability to deliver and exceed expectations, is treated with the same reverence as the words on our signs, tags, and labels.

Our vision of good business thrives by giving back to our community, our employees, and the environment—it’s the cornerstone of our success.

You can find us actively supporting The Autism Project and local schools through events like Kids Day, Breast Cancer, walk-a-thons, efforts to collect donations and supporting local charities. Michael feels it’s very impactful to help and support the community we live in.

We show employees our dedication through memorable Holiday parties, company picnics, and various wellness programs; we value their contributions and promote camaraderie.

Memorable moment:

“Perhaps the most recent was at the 2014 NMC Christmas Party, welcoming back and giving a standing ovation to a co-worker after returning and recovering from major brain surgery.” – Andrew Ellison, Operations

Our Planet

NMC is green. “Going Solar” is our way to help protect the planet and reduce greenhouse emissions. As the first business in Rhode Island to install solar panels, more than a decade ago, we know our efforts have, and will continue, to lead the way throughout our community and beyond.

“Installing solar panels as our source of renewable energy has helped us conserve energy…make a difference in the long run for our community and planet. Saving a number of trees, tons of CO2, and thousands of gallons of gas…that’s making an impact.” – Meghan Arnold, Product Design Manager