Janco Engineered Products has been a key player in the composites industry for over five decades. Established in 1973 by two forward-thinking entrepreneurs, the company has remained a cornerstone of the electrical sector while continuously evolving to meet industry demands.
“Janco was founded by two gentlemen in the composites industry who saw an opportunity,” says Peter Giczewski, President of Janco. “And obviously there was one, because we’re still here 52 years later, which is pretty amazing.”
While the company has experimented with various industries, including the fracking sector, its primary focus has remained on the electrical industry. The team specializes in fiberglass and resin-based products, leveraging these materials to create high-quality, durable components. “Fiberglass and resin materials have just exploded over the last 20, 25 years,” says Giczewski. “We see an incredible opportunity to expand beyond our current markets.”
The company operates as a full-service provider, offering deep expertise in fiberglass and resin systems. Unlike some manufacturers that simply produce parts, Janco works closely with customers to ensure that each product meets specific application requirements. “We don’t physically design the parts. Our customers come to us with their needs, and we recommend the best glass and resin system to provide the best value at the best cost,” Giczewski explains.
The company utilizes two primary manufacturing processes: filament winding and pultrusion. Filament winding produces high-strength components, commonly used in the electrical sector, while pultrusion allows for rapid production of cost-effective parts. “If you wanted to rank them by difficulty, pultrusion is easier,” Giczewski shares. “A pultruded part is done in 10 to 15 seconds, whereas filament winding requires multiple steps like oven curing, grinding, and cutting.”
One of Janco’s biggest competitive advantages is its ability to perform nearly all manufacturing processes in-house. This ensures strict quality control, reduces lead times, and allows for highly customized solutions tailored to each customer’s needs. “We have the expertise to handle fiberglass and resin systems from start to finish, all within our facility. Because of this, we can easily accommodate custom work. Whether it’s a unique resin formulation, a specialized component size, or a complex shape, we have the skills and equipment to deliver exactly what the customer requires.”
Janco’s experience with fiberglass and resin systems allows the company to tackle even the most demanding applications. “Many of our customers need components that must withstand extreme environmental conditions, including high voltage, chemical exposure, and outdoor weathering. Our deep understanding of resin chemistry and fiberglass reinforcement allows us to formulate solutions that meet these stringent requirements,” says Giczewski.
The ability to manage the entire production process internally allows Janco to remain agile and responsive to customer demands. “By keeping everything in-house, we don’t rely on external suppliers for crucial steps in the process. This helps us maintain high standards, control costs, and ensure consistency in every product,” he adds.
Beyond manufacturing, Janco operates a full paint shop, which plays a crucial role in extending the lifespan of its fiberglass components. Fiberglass, while durable, is susceptible to UV degradation, making protective coatings essential for outdoor applications. “Probably 40 or 50 percent of the parts we make get painted, because without it, UV rays would degrade the resin in about 18 months.”
By having an in-house paint shop, Janco ensures that every product receives high-quality, durable coatings that enhance longevity and performance. “Having our own paint shop means we don’t have to rely on third parties for finishing work,” says Giczewski. “This keeps production streamlined, maintains our quality standards, and guarantees that every product leaving our facility meets our exact specifications.”
Of course, Janco’s paint shop also allows for greater customization in color and finish. “Some customers have specific color requirements for branding or safety purposes; others need specialized coatings that provide additional chemical or abrasion resistance. We can accommodate all of these needs under one roof.”
The Janco team is committed to delivering products that meet the highest quality standards, and every step of the production process is carefully monitored to maintain consistency and reliability. “Our job is to make customers happy, day-in and day-out, hour-in and hour-out. We deliver a quality product at a fair price. Of course, one quality issue is one too many for me, but we strive to provide a full-service solution where our customers don’t have to send parts elsewhere for machining or painting. We do it all.”
This turnkey approach allows Janco to offer customers a seamless experience, eliminating the need for additional processing steps. “When customers work with us, they know they are getting a product that has been designed, manufactured, finished, and quality-checked all under one roof,” Giczewski emphasizes. “That’s a huge advantage.”
Such an advantage means that Janco has steadily expanded over the years, currently employing around 85 team members. Indeed, a key factor in the company’s success is its experienced workforce. “We have a great core of workers with long tenures,” says Giczewski. “One of our employees, who retired two years ago, was the eighth person hired by the company 52 years ago.”
Now, to support its growing operations, Janco is investing in new pultrusion equipment. “We’re adding two new state-of-the-art pultrusion lines from Kent Pultrusion in Ohio to increase our capacity,” Giczewski says. “It’s not about replacing old equipment; it’s about meeting growing customer demand. This is a significant investment for us and an exciting time.” At its headquarters in Mishawaka, Indiana, Janco has room for further expansion. “We could easily double or even triple our business within our existing footprint,” he says, “and if necessary, we have the property to expand our facility further.”
Like many manufacturers, Janco has faced challenges in attracting and retaining skilled labor. “The labor shortage was a significant issue for about 30 months after COVID, but over the last 18 months, we’ve seen a lot more labor availability,” he notes.
To attract and retain employees, Janco particularly emphasizes job stability. “Indiana is very manufacturing-oriented and business-friendly; we don’t have big swings in production. A lot of our business is in electrical distribution and fuse tube manufacturing, which aren’t very cyclical industries,” Giczewski explains.
“In my 16 years, we’ve never had to lay anyone off,” he says. “That’s a key selling point for us when attracting new team members,” as is the strong family culture Janco fosters with its employees, which enhances engagement and retention. “All employees, from the plant supervisor to the newly hired trainee, are treated the same in the Janco family.”
And Janco’s reach extends far beyond Indiana. “We ship worldwide—China, Australia, Europe, Mexico, Canada, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico.” Despite its global reach, the company remains firmly rooted in its commitment to customer satisfaction and quality. Janco is ISO 9001:2015 certified, ensuring that quality management systems are upheld to international standards.
“Electrical distribution customers don’t like to change suppliers unless necessary,” says Giczewski. “That’s why we focus on consistency. The majority of our business remains in the electrical sector, and we continue to refine our processes to ensure we meet our customers’ needs.”
With new investments in pultrusion capabilities and room for further expansion, Janco is positioned for a bright future. “We deliver a good quality product at a fair price, and we do it with consistency and reliability,” says Giczewski. “That’s what sets us apart.”
Janco Engineered Products exemplifies the balance of innovation and stability in the manufacturing sector. Its legacy of quality, a dedicated workforce, and a forward-thinking approach to expansion means the company is poised to continue meeting with success.
