History
HOW WE GOT HERE

The Story of Nimlok

Like most successful brands, Nimlok was born from a problem that needed solving. Our inventor, Neil Nimmo, was a commercial photographer looking for a better way to showcase his work in front of clients. His simple solution, a pole and a panel that locked together, saw his name and that function merge to create Nimlok, and so our amazing journey began, all the way back in 1970.

1970
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Nimlok Is Born

Neil Nimmo, a photographer with a unique idea for portable backdrops, founded Nimlok Limited in London, England, partnering with one of his business colleagues and friends, Gerald Perutz.

1981
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Dealer Growth

Simon Perutz, son of Gerald, opens Nimlok USA in Chicago, Illinois. Simon focuses on further development of Neil’s products and growing the distributorship.

1985
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Expansion

Due to its widespread success in the United States, Nimlok opens its doors in Toronto, Canada!

Nimlok concentrates on building a full offering inclusive of portable displays, modular displays, and full exhibit environments.

1987
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Ownership

Full ownership of the Nimlok brand is transferred from Neil Nimmo to the Perutz family.

1992
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Nimlok UK

Tim Perutz, Simon’s brother, is appointed head of Nimlok Limited in the United Kingdom.

1995
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Service Offering

Nimlok begins offering exhibit management services, including asset management.

2000
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Branded Environments

Design and fabrication of corporate lobbies, conference rooms, showrooms, and sales centers.

2008
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Large-Scale Event

Begins offering event management services. First large scale, private event was a success!

2015
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New Location

Moves to Des Plaines, IL with in-house custom fabrication including wood shop and spray booth.

2019
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Company President

Andrew Perutz, son of Simon, is appointed President of Nimlok Chicago.

2020
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Pandemic Pivot

Nimlok Chicago manufactures and installs custom PPE solutions, including sneeze guards, and develops a virtual exhibit program!

Today
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Storage Expansion

A warehouse expansion increases Nimlok Chicago’s dedicated client storage space!