Founded in 1966 INPS (International Name Plate Supplies Ltd.) is one of Canada’s largest graphics manufacturers. INPS remains a family-owned business owned by Pamela Humann and her son David. Daughter Michelle (Humann) De Ruiter is the Marketing Director at INPS, spearheading all marketing efforts for the company. Part of the International Name Plate Group, INPS is located in Canada in London, ON and Milton, ON, in the US in Longview, TX and in Mexico.
INPS is a highly versatile, diverse manufacturer and provider of custom branding. design and graphic solutions for a wide range of market sectors including commercial, corporate, education, finance, government. healthcare, recreational and retail. As a supplier to large industry players as well as small niche businesses, INPS can provide full-scale component acquisitions and design services.
The City of Toronto, a WBE Corporate Member since 2014 actively seeks and awards contracts to diverse suppliers through their Social Procurement Program established in 2016. The program aims to create jobs and drive inclusive economic growth in the city. The program embeds supply chain diversity and workforce development initiatives in the City’s procurement processes. International Name Plate Supplies is no stranger to working with the City. But as Michelle De Ruiter explains, you have to do your homework and show up, especially at events such as WBE Canada’s “Meet the Buyer” and corporate Vendor Tradeshows. The City’s Ariba Supplier Portal is the gateway to registering as a diverse supplier, searching for opportunities and completing RFQs. When working with government organizations such as the City of Toronto, understanding the exact requirements of the project and submitting a bid that matches the expectations “apples to apples” is vital as you are competing against scores of other bidders.
INPS has secured several key projects at the City of Toronto over the past few years including public plaques and signage, the Union Station Wayfinding Program and a significant mural installation at Ethennonnhawahstihnen’ (pronounced Etta-nonna wasti-nuh) – a new multi-use Community Recreation Centre in North York featuring an Aquatic Centre and Child Care Centre. The City of Toronto partnered with INPS for the vinyl fabrication and installation for a custom mural created by award-winning Anishinaabe illustrator and visual artist, Bridget George.
INPS has been a certified WBE since 2022 which has been integral in doing business with corporations and governments requiring at least one diverse supplier in each bid request. But the key is making sure you sign up for all the sourcing portals you can and even more importantly, going in daily to see what opportunities are posted. Doing the homework and being proactive is key to leveraging your certification and winning contracts.
Another foundational element to INPS’ success is Marketing. Michelle De Ruiter as Head of Marketing, shares the importance of consistency in your capabilities messaging. As a diverse supplier, targeted networking allows for limitless opportunities with varied audiences giving greater visibility to showcase your capabilities. Being clear, concise and consistent in communicating your capabilities allows you to readily express your solution to a potential need.
Visibility, stepping out of standard comfort zones, proactively sourcing opportunities through supplier portals are all key to leveraging your WBE Canada Certification. The team at International Name Plate Supplies Inc. is proof of how best to grow as a diverse supplier within the highly competitive world of corporate and government procurement.
Learn more about International Name Plate Supplies Ltd: https:/inps.net
Need to know more about WBE Canada Corporate Membership? Contact partner@wbecanada.ca
For more information on WBE Canada Certification contact certification@wbecanada.ca
