Our Story
It all started with a straight edge. Or rather, the lack of one. As the owner of a remodeling center for kitchens and baths in Plato, Minnesota, Tom Pinske began working with solid surfaces as soon as they were introduced in the marketplace. He realized almost immediately that woodworking tools did not provide the cutting accuracy and precision he required for his finished products. Since fabrication tools designed specifically for solid surface did not exist at that time, Tom decided to design and build his own solution. As a result, the edges and seams of his countertops became virtually perfect. Other fabricators, having seen the remarkable results of Tom’s tools, asked if he was willing to begin mass producing and selling them in the marketplace. This is how The Pinske Edge was born. Almost 30 years later, The Pinske Edge is widely recognized for its innovative solutions, excellent customer service and relentless pursuit of quality across each of its three divisions.
Tools Division
Originally established as an independent company under the name “The Pinske Edge,” the tools arm of the company grew from a small Midwestern company to one of the largest and most well-known solid surface fabrication equipment and supplies providers in the world. In addition to tools, we also offer training videos and other educational materials that instruct fabricators on how to use The Pinske Edge equipment. In-house training seminars, ongoing support and same-day shipping capabilities have made us a preferred partner for fabricators worldwide. In 2013, the Glencoe Area Chamber of Commerce named The Pinske Edge “Manufacturer of the Year” and honored Tom Pinske for his significant role in supporting the solid surface fabrication industry across the Midwest.
Commercial and Residential Divisions
Our commercial and residential division was initially established in 1976 in Plato, Minnesota, under the name “Plato Home Center,” which later became “Plato Custom Concepts.” The facility includes a showroom, design center and fabrication shop where solid surface countertops and wood cabinetry for kitchens and baths are designed and fabricated. In 2014 we opened a new location in Rochester, Minnesota, under the name “Ultimate Surfaces,” which offers natural stone and quartz products to the residential and commercial markets. Both locations specialize in the retail, healthcare, education, hospitality, and residential markets and offer a wide variety of products. Our customer base nationwide benefits from our breadth of capabilities and materials, impeccable craftsmanship, high volume production and short turnaround times.
A New Brand
2016 was a big year for The Pinske Edge. Our three divisions – The Pinske Edge, Plato Custom Concepts and Ultimate Surfaces – were rebranded under the name “The Pinske Edge.” Our new brand identity includes a new logo, website and a new tagline: Excellence from Every Angle. This rebranding effort is a natural evolution that allows us to better align our capabilities and products with our core markets and provide unparalleled value and service to our customers every day.
Becoming an Employee-Owned Company
Becoming a company that is 100% owned by our employees is probably the most significant event in the history of The Pinske Edge. In 2016, we became an ESOP, which means that our employees have ownership interest in the company. In addition to being personally invested in the success of our customers and the well-being of The Pinske Edge, our employees are highly motivated to consistently produce the highest quality products and go above and beyond in innovation, growth initiatives and exceptional service. Being an ESOP also provides us with full control of the future of the company, ensuring The Pinske Edge will not move out of state or overseas, thus keeping jobs at home.
