Value-added serVices means doing more for our customersLincoln Industries services continue to expand to better serve customers, markets

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catalyst

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lincoln industries announces Bill ellerBee as President

04 Bill ellerBee named President

06 Heat management exPerts

A broad range of expertise and upstream approach prove successful.

08 green Belt Program Builds leaders

Continuous Improvement and Learning and Development efforts build a bench of problem solvers.

10 Value-added serVices

11 introducing Jim dutmer

12 market and Branded Product HigHligHt

14 new PeoPle and transitions

lincoln industries Beliefs ▶ Our people and their unique individual talents are valued.

▶ Appropriate recognition motivates our people to be successful.

▶ Leaders create value.

▶ Innovation creates continuous improvement.

▶ Profitability ensures the survival of our company.

▶ Positive relationships build loyalty.

▶ Honesty is essential in all transactions.

▶ We create value for our customers.

▶ Wellness and healthy lifestyles are important to our success.

lincoln industries success driVers ▶ Quality in everything we do.

▶ Productivity improvement is a continuous process.

▶ On-time delivery because our customers depend on us.

▶ A safe working environment is our commitment to each other.

▶ Environmental responsibility is our commitment to our communities.

▶ People development because our people create our success.

▶ Company growth is the result of providing a superior service.

▶ Value-added service means doing more for our customers.

For all inquiries contact:Kaylan Maloley / Marketing Manager Lincoln Industries / 600 West E Street / Lincoln, NE 68522 kaylan.maloley@lincolnindustries.com (O) 402.473.2048 / (F) 402.475.9565 LincolnIndustries.com © 2016 Lincoln Industries

inside tHis issue/ 02

Our success is directly tied to expanding our business beyond finishing to engineering, packaging,

logistics management, assembly, pipe fabrication and other services. These value-added services not only make us more diverse in the markets we serve,

they also allow us to build a stronger bond with our customers.

“

Marc LeBaron / Chairman and CEO

marc’s columnI am pleased to announce the appointment of Bill Ellerbee as President of Lincoln Industries.

Since joining our company in 2008, Bill has been a proven leader with strong operations skills, as well as a deep understanding of our culture. During Bill’s tenure as our vice president of operations, he oversaw numerous quality, cost and service improvement projects.  Bill’s familiarity with finishing, manufacturing and our customer service model will be critical in his role as president.  His vision for utilizing innovation and technology to serve our customers is exactly what Lincoln Industries needs as we enter the next phase of innovation and growth.

Bill may be not as well-known outside Lincoln Industries, but inside he is highly regarded. He has been a successful leader at every level. At Lincoln Industries leadership is not

only what you know; it’s about nurturing and strengthening our great culture. Bill has great depth in understanding our people and their ability to serve our customers. Knowing the importance culture plays in our success, I am confident that Bill is the right choice for this role.

This issue of Catalyst focuses on the Lincoln Industries Success Driver “Value-added services means doing more for our customers.”

Our success is directly tied to expanding our business beyond finishing to engineering, packaging, logistics management, assembly, pipe fabrication and other services. These value-added services not only make us more diverse in the markets we serve, they also allow us to build a stronger bond with our customers.

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For those reasons, Lincoln Industries CEO and Chairman Marc LeBaron announced in August the selection of veteran insider Bill Ellerbee as the company’s president. He is only the fifth person to hold the president’s role in the 64-year history of the company.

Ellerbee said he was “honored, humbled and excited,” by his appointment.

“We have tremendous opportunity to grow our business and that’s exciting. I also understand that like any company, we will face challenges. Lincoln Industries has truly revolutionized itself over the years and I am committed to continuing that growth while providing our customers with innovative solutions,” he said.

Over the last 26 years Ellerbee has held key leadership roles within sales, procurement and operations. Prior to joining Lincoln Industries in 2008, he was vice president of global operations with Federal Signal Corporation at University Park, Illinois. Ellerbee also spent 16 years with Maytag Appliances at Newton, Iowa in various roles. He has been a key influencer of business growth strategies and execution.

Ellerbee is a Hastings, Nebraska native and a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a bachelor’s degree in finance. He and his wife, Diane, have six children.

Ellerbee believes Lincoln Industries’ future is bright.

“Our leadership team is aligned on our strategy,” he said. “We understand the importance of adhering to our Beliefs and Drivers – the importance of culture and our understanding of how it drives our performance.

“Just as important, we are a growth company. We understand that our growth is tied to our innovative spirit and ability to bring value to our customers.”

Extremely comfortable on the production floor, Ellerbee believes his operations background will impact his future success as president.

“My experience has provided me an understanding of the cost side of our business and that it’s the people inside the walls of our facilities that provide our customers with unique value. I have spent the last several years working side-by-side with the people that go above and beyond for our customers. As a result, I am uniquely able to support them with what they need to be successful.”

Ellerbee believes his experience also allows him to provide customers the best service possible.

“I know how to get the organization focused fast – I’ve done it many times before to meet the needs of our customers. We have a very talented group of people who are passionate about customer satisfaction and I am excited for the opportunity to lead them to a new level.”

Bill ellerBee named President

The strategy. The customers. The people. Bill Ellerbee gets it.

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In June, Lincoln Industries launched a new website with the purpose of providing customers a clear, comprehensive view of our vast range of capabilities.

“The website is a large component of Lincoln Industries’ refreshed brand,” said Marketing Manager, Kaylan Maloley. “Both the brand and website better position us as a technical solutions provider in the areas of cosmetics, heat management and protection. Our current business goals

have a strong focus on innovation and technology and our brand needs to reflect that.”

Vice President, Business Development, Scott Weishaar believes the website will be a valuable tool in both prospecting and growing business with current strategic customers.

“The new website shows how we are building on our core competencies,” said Weishaar. “Customers will gain a much better understanding of our expanding capabilities. The site’s navigation and content was designed specifically for engineers, procurement and other key stakeholders to easily search and find specific information on our products and services.”

lincoln industries launcHes a new weBsite

The new site delivers easy navigation, valuable resources, strong customer focus

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Lincoln Industries has a broad reach in thermal solutions

Heat management isn’t just about making things stay cool. It’s about much more. This is something Director, Technology/Innovation, John Wilson, clearly understands.

Since he joined Lincoln Industries in May, he has worked with the innovation team to ensure that they are looking at heat management with a unique, yet practical perspective.

“There are many common heat management challenges across the industries we serve,” said Wilson. “There are elements of rider comfort, safety, performance and functionality.”

Lincoln Industries’ innovation team takes the same approach with heat management problems as they do with any other, starting with a clear understanding of the customer’s point of view.

“We believe strongly in working upstream,” said Wilson. “We like to talk with customers as soon as they are aware of a heat management challenge. We look at the vehicle or system and use data collection instruments to gather and

analyze data. It’s all a part of our process and helps us to understand what potential solutions to apply.”

Wilson believes that what sets Lincoln Industries apart in the heat management space is its customer focused mindset.

“We don’t develop technology for technology’s sake,” he said. “We develop technology in response to problems our customers face. We are creating solutions to help them be more successful. As a result, we are starting to engage with large OEM’s in the early phases of product design. Our goal is to be a good partner and deliver on solutions.”

He also understands the importance of responsiveness when working with customers to develop new solutions.

“Our responsiveness is unique,” said Wilson. “We gather data and use virtual tools to test various concepts and ideas to shorten the development cycle. This allows us to provide potential solutions rapidly and at a lower cost.”

Wilson says Lincoln Industries covers a broad area in terms of solutions. Many companies that work in heat management offer only insulation or only coatings. We are fortunate to have a variety of expertise within the organization that allow us to combine multiple technologies for a uniquely customized solution.

understanding Heat from tHe customer’s Point of View

Director, Technology/Innovation, John Wilson

Director, Technology/Innovation, John Wilson and Senior Technology Development Engineer, John Merrett discuss ThermoLinc™ Elite, a multilayer composite insulation.

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tecHnologies to talk aBout: ThermoLinc™ Elite: A multilayer composite insulation technology that can reach temperatures up to 1800F. Elite is designed for both diesel and gas engine applications to maintain heat, reduce surface temperature, increase driver comfort, mitigate thermal and fire risks and reduce heat on surrounding components.

ThermoLinc ™ Genesis: A thermal insulating coating that offers protection for surface temperatures from -40C to 200C. Genesis is lightweight, can conform to complex geometries and offers additional corrosion under insulation (CUI) protection.

Heat management exPertise:> Radiant barriers > Shielding> Thermal coatings > Covers> Surface finishes > Metallurgy> Insulation

Radiant barriers, thermal coatings, surface finishes, insulation, shielding, covers, and metallurgy are just a few examples of technologies leveraged by Lincoln Industries in solving customer’s challenges. Also leveraged, is Lincoln Industries’ large supply base.

“We have a wide reach in the marketplace,” said Wilson. “We can subcontract and partner with other organizations. We also have a credible history in other markets and a supply base that is well equipped to serve our customers.”

Wilson speaks highly of the innovation team and its experience.

“They have experience on the factory floor and in other departments,” he said. “They have an orientation toward practical problem solving and a natural curiosity that allows us to develop technologies that are unique.”

Most importantly, the innovation team understands the synergies between Lincoln Industries and its customers and how these commonalities build lasting relationships.

“It is challenging to do business with strangers and easier to work with people and companies you know and trust.” said Wilson. “We pride ourselves on building strong relationships with our customers, suppliers and work partners.”

Wilson and Merrett view thermal images of ThermoLinc™ Elite on a UTV.

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Process Control Engineering Manager, Carl Witte also helped develop course curriculum.

“I always dreamed of doing this,” said Witte. “It allows our people to learn about other facets of the company, build new relationships and develop technical and high level problem solving skills. This means a better future for the company and for our customers.”

Unique to Lincoln Industries, this Green Belt program offers courses focused on servant leadership and life skills. Learning and Development Manager, Mike Milbourn along with Blended Learning Specialist, Sara Paisley recognized the need for a servant leadership focus because it’s a reflection of the core values of the company.

“Servant leadership is an outward mindset,” said Milbourn. “It requires you to consider how the decisions you’re making are impacting others. This also applies to people’s home lives. It allows people to approach difficult conversations in a productive way.”

“A few people have already said how much of an impact this was having on them both at work and at home,” said May. “I give Mike all the credit in the world for what he does. He is giving people the tools to have a happier, healthier home life.”

For Lincoln Industries, the Green Belt program hits on all of the Beliefs and Drivers, the core values of the company.

“Through these courses we are building a bench of talented leaders and change agents that have the skills to take our organization to the next level,” said May. “Everything we talk about is tied back to the customer and they see how this program is impacting our ability to provide the best services possible.”

green Belt Program Builds a BencH of leaders, ProBlem solVers

Carl Witte, Aaron May, Mike Milbourn and Sara Paisley are always thinking ten steps ahead. For Witte – it’s numbers. For May – it’s processes. For Milbourn and Paisley – it’s people. As a team, they are putting plans in place to continuously improve our people’s knowledge, skills and leadership mindset.

Together, this core team has developed an internal Green Belt program that puts Lincoln Industries ahead of the competition and in a strong position to build a team that can lead the organization in better serving our customers.

Green Belt certification requires days of training in six sigma, lean, statistics and other problem solving strategies. Many large OEMs offer this training both internally and to key suppliers.

Continuous Improvement Manager, Aaron May is a master black belt which requires 200-300 hours of classes and training. This certification makes him qualified to develop an internal Green Belt program.

“We recognized that we were in need of more high level problem solvers and leaders,” said May. “We could either send them outside or we could provide the training internally, which would make more sense strategically and logistically. Now, we have a program that can be tailored to our processes, capabilities and customer projects.”

The Green Belt program includes 30 courses that can be taken in total, along with a final project, to receive certification. The courses can also be taken individually to develop specific skills. All departments are encouraged to participate in the program in order to learn skills that are of interest or are beneficial to their unique role.

First wave of Green Belt participants with core team, (from left) Kaleb Nixon, Trevor Hanson, Randy Kolman, Mark Horstman, Sara Paisley, Todd Pflanz, Chris Millet, Todd Juracek, Mike Milbourn, Carl Witte, Chad Arens, Tylor Mapson and Aaron May. Not pictured are Mark Rolfsmeyer, Jason Belz, Lan Nguyen and Devin Lewis.

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ignite – a continuous improvement program sees massive success 320 project submissions. 140 project completions. 600 passionate people.

Since Lincoln Industries launched its Ignite program in January of this year it has seen an overwhelming amount of excitement for projects that focus on improving the processes, supplies, materials and equipment we use every day.

Like Green Belt, Ignite is a proposal system that follows the DMAIC thought process, (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) a philosophy of identifying a problem and using various methodologies to identify the best solution. The program is also another avenue for recognizing our people for the work they do to provide better services to our customers.

It’s a simple, easily accessible process to submit and complete projects that result in quality, productivity and safety improvements. It also taps into the competitiveness that is a part of our culture.

Normally unseen leaders within the company are now recognized and teams come together to tackle problems they are passionate about. It’s igniting passion within our company and resulting in value for our customers.

Todd Juracek and Randy Kolman work through example problems in the Green Belt course curriculum.

Aaron May answers questions from Chad Arens and Todd Pflanz.

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Providing customers with services that improve efficiency and lead time is at the heart of why Lincoln Industries provides value-added services.

Lincoln Industries’ years of manufacturing high-quality cosmetic parts for OEM suppliers have revealed many opportunities to provide engineering services, assembly, functional checks and packaging to its customers.

Senior Account Manager, Megan Verch believes that an experienced team has made these offerings impactful for customers.

“We have a wide-variety of assembly and packaging services we currently provide to our customers,” she said. “Our advanced manufacturing team finds innovative ways to solve our customers’ toughest assembly challenges. Our engineers can look at a project and determine the best way to assemble, kit or package customers’ products using a solution that is efficient and ultimately adds value.”

Senior Account Manager, Dennis Kottwitz believes that assembly and sub-assembly have been successful examples of Lincoln Industries’ value-added services.

Value-added serVices means doing more for our customers

“Some of these projects require many different components and the ability to manage the inventory of hardware,” said Kottwitz. “It makes it easier for our customer if they do not have to worry about holding different components in inventory and focus on the larger assemblies at their facilities.”

The evolution of engineering solutions that address design and integration of customers’ products is the latest piece of Lincoln Industries’ value proposition.

“Our traditional value-added services dealt with post-production opportunities. We have found that we can also add value on the front end of the process,” said Verch.

“Customers are receptive to the contributions we can make during the design phase. This allows us to contribute in ways that improve the product for manufacturing before tooling is initiated. We also offer on-site support at customer facilities to address immediate and day-to-day concerns pertaining to active projects.”

“By becoming directly involved in the design phase, it allows us to help our customer design a product that is easier to manufacture and reduces cost. It benefits both our customer and ourselves,” Kottwitz said.

Both Verch and Kottwitz see this collaboration as an extension of the company’s innovation strategy.

“We recently offered a technical conference where we shared knowledge on a wide-range of topics on finishing and manufacturing to address the latest customer challenges and needs,” she said.

Kottwitz added, “Our customers want to know of new, innovative finishes that can provide a distinctive look in the market. We are committed to developing these alternatives and identifying new avenues to share them with our customers.”Senior Account Manager, Megan Verch and Senior Account Manager,

Dennis Kottwitz understand the importance of value-added services.

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Jim Dutmer’s many roles at Lincoln Industries have taught him how sourcing is a key component in providing the best possible products and services on time.

“Our success in managing complex supply chains has been a long-lasting strength of Lincoln Industries,” said Dutmer. “And as our customer demands have changed, our sourcing strategy has changed to meet their needs.”

Dutmer has held many operations, account management and customer service leadership roles prior to being named global sourcing manager in 2010.

“Lincoln Industries is providing customers with many new products and services and it isn’t always metal,” he said. “Today, our supply base expands world-wide and we depend on it to provide our customers with innovative solutions to make them successful.”

Dutmer believes strong relationships have made Lincoln Industries sourcing strategy successful.

“We work together to provide the best value for our customer,” he said. “We create an environment of mutual respect between us and our suppliers. We rely on our supply base to provide input on how we can improve our processes, because they are closest to the work.”

Trust also plays a role in success, he said.

“Problems occur and how you handle those problems makes all the difference,” said Dutmer. “We rely on our suppliers to help identify solutions, because they are a part of our team.”

Dutmer understands that Lincoln Industries’ growth strategy using innovative technologies also creates unique challenges.

“With growth comes the need for the talent to fuel our innovation goals,” he said. “We have assembled a strong group of people with great talent. And we will continue to expand our talent base to help better serve customers.”

Away from work, Dutmer has a long-lasting passion for riding motorcycles. He and his two sons just returned from his 14th trip to Sturgis. He and his wife, Kathy, have an athletic family. Their three grown children all received athletic scholarships.

Their daughter Amy, a basketball scholarship at Kansas State University; their son Paul, earned a football scholarship at the University of Nebraska-Kearney; and their son, Dan, a football scholarship at University of Wyoming.

“It made for some interesting pick-up basketball games,” said Jim. “They were a little rough on dad at times, but always a lot of fun.”

introducing Jim dutmer,

Global Sourcing Manager

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market HigHligHt

Motorsports: We work with both motorcycle OEMs and aftermarket motorcycle companies to create products that perform great, last longer and make a bold statement. For over 25 years, we’ve been plating and finishing highly cosmetic parts for the leaders of domestic motorcycles. Our experience allows us to offer unique, alternative finishes that match demanding consumer trends. In addition, we provide solutions in heat management and protection to extend the life and quality of motorsports products.

Truck: We serve the heavy duty truck industry by providing manufacturing and finishing capabilities that ensure their trucks perform well, look great and withstand the wear and tear of the open road. We have worked with the nation’s largest truck manufacturers to design, bend, polish and plate their large cosmetic parts and offer solutions that provide protection and heat management benefits.

Powersports:We work with UTV/ATV, snowmobile, motorsports and marine brands on technologies that increase the performance, extend the life and enhance the style of their products. Our testing capabilities allow us to provide extensive analysis of heat management, protection and cosmetic technologies that we offer this industry.

Agriculture:Our service to the agriculture industry extends many years. Our high corrosion, wear and chemical resistance finishes extend the quality and life of agriculture products. These finishes have additional abrasion resistance and durability characteristics. We currently provide finishing for irrigation, hydraulic cylinders, cotton spindles, bracketry and engine components.

Lincoln Industries’ history working within many diverse industries means broad expertise and strong relationships that allow us to provide unmatched solutions to our customers.

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Branded Product HigHligHt

Automotive:We work with OEM and aftermarket automotive companies to provide finishes that meet the high quality standards of their brand. Our finishes prevent corrosion, increase durability and improve appearance. Many automobile tips, running boards and door frames are nickel chrome plated at our facility because of our expertise and high quality standards in this area.

Oil and Gas: We serve companies in the oil and gas and alternative fuel industries to provide finishes that prevent corrosion and wear, increase durability and offer great chemical resistance. Our wide array of protective finishes offer many unique attributes that improve the functionality of products in this industry.

Khrome Werks: Performance is the beast that growls in the heart of Khrome Werks – manufacturer of the best fitting, high performance aftermarket accessories for Harley-Davidson motorcycles for more than 35 years. Our products include exhaust systems, handlebars, sissy bars, trailer hitches and other accessories.

Lincoln Chrome: With over 60 years of experience, Lincoln Chrome is the leading manufacturer and distributor of high quality chrome exhaust systems and accessories for class 8 trucks. With a strong commitment to quality, customer service and style, Lincoln Chrome has made its mark in heavy duty trucking.

Kassy Knudson named to Products Finishing 40 under 40 Kassy Knudson, Director, Khrome Werks, was selected by Product Finishing Magazine as one of the “40 under 40” future leaders of the finishing business. The “40 under 40” list was launched this year and announced in July as a way to recognize young professionals who have been identified as a vital asset to the future of the finishing industry.

Knudson has worked within many departments of Lincoln Industries including People Resources, Operations, Business Development, Marketing and currently in Branded Product. As a leader within the organization, Knudson represents a strong commitment to our Beliefs and Drivers, personal development and the strategic growth of the company.

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ChAd NAdGWICK named Director, Business Development, WyNN LAFFErTy named Senior Account Manager, TruckLincoln Industries Vice President, Business Development, Scott Weishaar is pleased to announce Chad Nadgwick as Director, Business Development. In addition, Director, Strategic Accounts, Clint Boothe has announced Wynn Lafferty as Senior Account Manager, Truck.

These transitions will support the Business Development and Strategic Accounts teams as they prospect new opportunities, expand market presence and continue to build strong relationships with our current strategic customers.

Nadgwick most recently led Lincoln Industries’ Innovation team. His technical background, leadership experience and Six Sigma Black Belt certification arm him with tools and expertise that will bring added value to the Business Development team.

“Previously, I worked with the Innovation team to identify new thermal, cosmetic and protective technologies for our customers,” Nadgwick said. “Now, I will push to connect those technologies with the needs of new customers and markets while identifying additional solutions that will make their products more successful.”

After 14 years at Lincoln Industries in various departments, including Business Development, Lafferty is looking forward to his customer facing role, focused on the truck segment.

“The Strategic Accounts team ensures that customers are receiving Lincoln Industries’ full breadth of knowledge and resources,” Lafferty said. “I’m looking forward to getting involved in new projects with customers that we provide tremendous value to. Coming from Business Development, I understand that each customer is unique and the best way to serve them is to understand how they work from the top-down.”

new PeoPle & transitions

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TIM CArPENTEr named Vice President of Operations

ALI NILseN selected as Talent Specialist

Lincoln Industries President, Bill Ellerbee, is pleased to announce Tim Carpenter as Vice President, Operations. In this role Carpenter will be responsible for safety, quality, productivity and delivery in all operations areas. In addition, Carpenter will oversee the customer service and planning teams.

Since joining Lincoln Industries in 2011 Carpenter has demonstrated strong people centric leadership while leading the Nickel Chrome and Continuous Improvement teams. He has also aided in the evolution of the Lincoln Industries’ culture and strategy.

Prior to Lincoln Industries, Carpenter spent 13 years with Pella Corporation at their Pella and Sioux Center, Iowa locations. During that time, he worked in a wide variety of production and manufacturing leadership positions.

Carpenter is a Columbus, Nebraska native and a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a Bachelor of Science degree. Carpenter also continued his education through the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.

“Tim’s passion for our culture and operational excellence makes him ideal for this role,” said Ellerbee.

“I’ve always looked at every new opportunity as a way to have a positive impact on the lives of our people,” Carpenter said. “This new role won’t be any different. I’m looking forward to spending more time with different functions of the business and learning how I can support them in achieving their goals and ultimately the goals of our company.”

Lincoln Industries Talent Manager, Kristi Oltman is pleased to announce the selection of Ali Nilsen as talent specialist.

Nilsen most recently served as Talent and Culture Coordinator with Bishop-McCann in Kansas City.  She was a Learning and Development Intern at Lincoln Industries from 2012-2014 while earning her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with minors in Business and English from University of Nebraska – Lincoln.

Nilsen will coordinate the technical and temporary selection processes as well as assisting with the data entry, tracking and reporting of all training functions/logistics, research, development and marketing of services offered through Lincoln Industries’ internal Learning and Development Department.

“Helping our people learn and develop important skills that will further their personal and professional lives is such a privilege,” Nilsen said. “In addition, I am able to welcome new talented people to our organization that will embody our values and contribute to the great culture we have at Lincoln Industries.”

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lincolnindustries.com

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600 West E Street Lincoln, NE 68522

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A spirit of innovation is rooted deep within the

history of Lincoln Industries. Now, as we develop

new solutions we draw inspiration from our

customers’ visions, our innovative legacy and

the hard working mentality of our people.

That inspiration allows us to continue to excel at

moving our world-class customers forward.

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