Recent News


U.S. Nameplate Co. Earns ISO 9001:2015 Recertification - September 2018

What is it?

ISO 9001:2015 is the second major revision of the ISO 9001 international standard that specifies requirements for a quality management system. It requires that a certified company continues to organize processes, improve efficiency, and focus on continual improvement of the business to meet customer satisfaction.

What does it focus on?

ISO 9001:2015 is based on a number of quality management principles, including:

  • Strong customer focus – Meeting and exceeding customers’ needs is primary focus of the business
  • Leadership – Company has unified direction that begins with leadership team
  • Process approach – Understanding of how processes are linked within organization and ensure everyone is focused on consistency and efficiency
  • People – Employing and keeping competent, empowered people at all levels of organization
  • Continual improvement – Ongoing focus on improvement of overall business
  • Evidence-based decision making – Business decisions are based on analysis and evaluation of data
  • Relationship management – Identifying the importance of relationships among vendors and customers

What does this mean to you?

Getting recertified to the ISO 9001:2015 standard means that we are continually committed to putting you, our customers, first. We aim to enhance customer satisfaction through increasing productivity, improving our processes and efficiency, and meeting and exceeding statutory and regulatory requirements. Most importantly, we want to ensure that you consistently receive high quality products and services from U.S. Nameplate Co.


U.S. Nameplate Co. Earns Certified Metalphoto® Converter Designation

Metalphoto nameplates

The Company Completes Assessment, Implements Processes to Improve Quality and Application Knowledge for the Metalphoto Product Line

Cleveland, Ohio, USA, Friday, October 18, 2016 - Horizons Imaging Systems Group (ISG) announced that U.S. Nameplate Co. has achieved Certified Metalphoto Converter status. Certified Converter status means that U.S. Nameplate Co. has completed a process assessment, received recommendations and begun implementing new processes to improve product quality and expand application expertise for Metalphoto® photosensitive anodized aluminum.

Certified Converters receive in-depth training regarding the features, benefits and performance specifications to which Metalphoto is certified. They understand when Metalphoto is appropriate for a specific application and can help organizations write Metalphoto into specifications.

Metalphoto identification labels

According to Scott Lehner, Director of Converter Sales, “the Metalphoto Converter Certification sends a clear message to OEMs and government organizations as to which suppliers are the best source for outstanding product quality and service.” Certified Converters receive access to a library of selling tools, including case studies and product videos, as well as a certification press release and a “Certified Metalphoto Converter” emblem for their website.

Metalphoto is one of the most durable identification materials available. Metalphoto is converted into barcode labels, nameplates/data plates, placards, maintenance schematics, machine control panels and other identification items by more than 500 companies around the world. The largest and most advanced converters are eligible to apply for certification.

About Metalphoto®:

For over 50 years, industrial and military engineers have specified Metalphoto® photosensitive anodized aluminum in applications where permanent product identification is critical. Metalphoto’s durability comes from its photographic image which is sealed inside of the anodized aluminum, providing resistance to corrosion, sunlight degradation, abrasion, extreme temperatures and chemical exposure.

Metalphoto anodized aluminum

Available from 0.003” to 0.125” thick, Metalphoto can be used for a wide variety of applications where permanent identification is critical including barcode labels, nameplates/rating plates, maintenance schematics, machine control panels and signage.

Metalphoto can be purchased from global network of approved converters. For more information, visit metalphoto.com.

About U.S. Nameplate Co.:

U.S. Nameplate Company is a family-owned and operated manufacturer located in Mount Vernon, Iowa, and we've been in business for more than 70 years.

Since 1946, we have become the SUPPLIER OF CHOICE to more than 3-thousand Original Equipment Manufacturers throughout the U.S. and abroad. Our experienced, highly skilled, team members take pride in their work; these members have an impressive average of 10 PLUS years of service.

From concept through to completion, U-S Nameplate Company is a one-stop shop, ready and able to manufacture all of your identification products requirements. In fact, we handle every detail of your order inside our modern 55-thousand square foot climate-controlled facility.

We are customer driven and pleased to offer custom solutions for both metal and flexible products ranging from decals to graphic overlays to aluminum tags of all kinds, saving you time and money.

At U.S. Nameplate Company, quality matters. That's why we're constantly updating, constantly re-investing in our company's equipment, people, and facility.

It’s also why we're an ISO certified facility and UL approved label supplier.

We know many companies are looking for trusted industry partners. With seven decades of experience, you can rely on our service and delivery. Count on U-S Nameplate Company to eliminate your pain points and provide affordable and high-quality custom products every time.

From concept to completion ... U.S. Nameplate Company.
For more information, visit www.usnameplate.com.


Overalls All Over

engraved metal plaque

The Overalls All Over project will include 24 life-sized 6' fiberglass statues depicting the farmer and daughter from the American Gothic painting. It is one of the most familiar images in 20th-century American art and painted at 5 Turner Alley in Cedar Rapids. Statues will be on parade from May 1st through September 2016, culminating at the NewBo Arts Festival on Labor Day Weekend. Print and digital maps will direct visitors through the area. Local, regional and national media coverage has begun to promote this event.

The Cedar Rapids Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, Black Earth Gallery, andnameplate on statue. Czech Village/New Bohemia Main Street District are working together to celebrate Grant Wood’s legacy utilizing the theme of the American Gothic portrait as a celebration of Grant Wood’s 125th birthday by creating an engaging experience in which organizations, businesses, and attractions throughout the Cedar Rapids area can participate. U. S. Nameplate Company was proud to manufacture and donate the plaques attached to each display identifying the sponsors/artists. This event will attract visitors from across the region, state and nation.


U.S. Nameplate Company presents scholarship awards to Mount Vernon, Iowa Community High School recipients.

U.S. Nameplate Company scholarships

U.S. Nameplate Company recently contributed scholarship funds in partnership with the Mount Vernon Community School District Foundation Board of Trustees In May, 2016. The scholarships were awarded in the amount of $1,000 each. The recipients of these awards were: Nathanial Barnhart - who will be attending Iowa State University, majoring in Engineering; and Kimberly Schroeder - attending University of Iowa, majoring in Biomedical Engineering. The purpose of these awards is to foster trades and engineering in order for the next generation to fill an ever growing need for skilled young people.

Presenting these awards were Sally Novetzke, wife of Former President/Owner, Richard Novetzke, and his son- current President of U.S. Nameplate Company, Andrew Novetzke.


Cedar Valley Humane Society Gets New "Window Treatment" (Article from the Iowa Federation of Humane Societies Newsletter)

wall graphic decals

Cedar Valley Humane Society, in Cedar Rapids recently got a facelift for the windows on the front of their building thanks to their friends at U.S. Nameplate and Visions Photography.

The colorful graphics of animal adoption from CVHS, are visible from the road and greet visitors as they enter the parking area. They were provided and installed by U.S. Nameplate using images from Visions Photography, who regularly photographs pets available for adoption at CVHS.

If you're in the Cedar Rapids area, be sure to stop by CVHS at 7411 Mt Vernon Road SE, and check it out!


U.S. Nameplate Company presents scholarship awards to Mount Vernon, Iowa Community High School recipients.

U.S. Nameplate scholarship

U.S. Nameplate Company recently contributed scholarship funds in partnership with the Mount Vernon Community School District Foundation Board of Trustees on May 12th, 2014.US Nameplate Co engineering scholarship The scholarships were awarded in the amount of $1,000 each; 1 of which goes towards vocational education at an Iowa Community College focused on the trades, and the other goes towards a four year degree at an Iowa college focused on engineering. The purpose of these awards is to foster trades and engineering in order for the next generation to fill an ever growing need for skilled young people. The recipients of the awards were, Cheyenne Yerkes ( pictured left ), and Noah Dahlstrom ( pictured right ), both Mount Vernon high school seniors. Presenting the awards was Sally Novetzke, wife of Former President/Owner, Richard Novetzke.


U.S. Nameplate Company is involved in Mt Vernon, Iowa’s middle school career exploration day.

US Nameplate Co career exploration

April 17, 2014- U.S. Nameplate Company recently participated in the Mt Vernon Middle School’s Career Exploration Day.
The event, sponsored by the Kirkwood Workplace Learning Connection, was an opportunity for the 6th graders to learn about various career optionsUS Nameplate career options. Tina Kohl, a graphic artist at U.S. Nameplate Company, presented to the classes her education, training, experiences and responsibilities at U.S. Nameplate Co. She explained and demonstrated her use of her various skill sets and how they relate to her career. She was able to use several visual aids while speaking to the groups, and elicited several interesting questions from the students.


Caterpillar Nameplate Supplier recognitionAndrew Novetzke, President of U.S. Nameplate Company, accepts award on behalf of the company.

Clayton, North Carolina, November 7, 2013

Andrew Novetzke, president of U.S. Nameplate Company, attended a Caterpillar Supplier Recognition Day held at the Clayton Machine and Development Center located in Clayton, North Carolina.

CAT equipment nameplate

U.S. Nameplate Company was invited to the event in recognition for Excellent Supplier Performance in 2013. In addition, a celebration luncheon was held, along with a tour of the SWL manufacturing facility. Suppliers were also given the opportunity to get hands on "in the dirt" experience with one of the BCP machines (Building Construction Product machine.) (Pictured left)


Mt. Vernon, Iowa, October 2, 2013

Richard C. Novetzke, U.S. Nameplate Companys' owner and Chairman of the Board, passed away on Oct. 2, 2013.

Richard, a former U.S. Navy aviator, who lived an extraordinary life, had worked at Collins Radio in Cedar Rapids twice after serving in the Navy. Immediately prior to the time he purchased U.S. Nameplate Company he was working as vice president of marketing with McGraw Edison, a diversified manufacturer based in Florida that is now owned by Cooper Industries.

In 1959, Richard moved his family to Cedar Rapids, where he was employed by Collins Radio. Sometime after, he met with Howard Cherry former president of Cherry-Burrell. Cherry, with his eye toward acquisition of additional businesses, sold Midwest Nameplate to Richard Novetzke in 1971. Richard acquired the assets of the business and changed the name to U.S. Nameplate Company. Richard changed the name as the new corporate name more accurately reflected the market expansions U.S. Nameplate Co. would see in the years to come.

Over the years, Richard expanded the facility from 4,000 square feet to 55,000 square feet of modern, high technology manufacturing, warehouse and office space that it is today.

Richard was loved by those who knew him, and will be missed by all.