ABOUT BALES

Our Commitment to Excellence

Since 1978, Bales Metal Surface Solutions has been a trusted leader in metal finishing, delivering innovative solutions in surface finishing, electroless nickel, and chrome plating. Founded by brothers Steve and Mike Bales, our mission has always been simple: solve our customers’ challenges with precision and care while fostering a workplace where our team thrives.

Today Bales is led by Steve’s daughters, Stacey Bales and Sara Mortensen. As we continue to build on our legacy of quality, integrity, and innovation, our skilled team of surface finishing experts remains dedicated to providing tailored solutions that exceed expectations, ensuring every project meets our customers’ highest standards.

As an integral commitment to our team, processes, and customers, we’ve adopted the Entrepreneurial Operating System® (EOS®). This framework enhances collaboration, empowers our team to contribute ideas, and drives continuous improvement—allowing us to deliver even greater value to our customers.

“At Bales, our success is rooted in our people,” says Stacey Bales, President. “By investing in our team and refining our approach, we ensure every customer receives exceptional quality and service.”

“We’re passionate about helping our customers and employees succeed,” adds Sara Mortensen, Co-Owner and Head of Sales and Marketing. “Our focus on innovation and teamwork allows us to push boundaries while staying true to the values that have defined us for over 40 years.”

With an unwavering dedication to excellence, Bales Metal Surface Solutions is proud to lead the industry, delivering unmatched results and building lasting partnerships.

OUR TEAM

Second generation, women-owned business delivering expert finishing since 1978.

OUR CULTURE

Proud to be a U.S. Manufacturer at Bales

BALES HISTORY

1978

Founding of Bales Mold Service

Steve and Mike Bales founded Bales Mold Service in a 1,000 square-foot space in Lombard, IL. We initially offered diamond polishing services.

1985

Relocation to Downers Grove

Bales built and moved to a 15,000 square-foot facility in Downers Grove, IL. The relocation allowed us to add electroless nickel and chrome plating services.

1992

NICKLON™ Coating Debut

Bales recognized the need for new coatings to improve mold release and lubricity, and introduced a nickel coating called NICKLON™.

1998

ISO Certification

Bales obtained ISO 9001 certification for quality management, demonstrating our commitment to a strong customer focus and continual improvement.

2001

Diamond Chrome Debut

Bales introduced a proprietary Diamond Chrome coating for applications requiring extreme hardness.

2003

NIBORE™ Coating Debut

Bales developed NIBORE™, which combines electroless nickel and boron nitride particles for superior lubricity and hardness.

2004

Launch of Stainless Steel Passivation

Bales added stainless steel passivation to our service offerings.

2009

Second-Generation Leadership

Following the retirement of Mike Bales and the sudden passing of Steve Bales in November 2009, a new generation of the Bales family assumed leadership of the company. Stacey Bales became president, while Sara Mortensen became vice president.

2010

Moldmaker of the Year Award

Steve Bales was honored posthumously with the Moldmaker of the Year award, presented by the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE).

2011

Woman-Owned Certification

Bales achieved recognition as a Certified Women’s Business Enterprise by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council, the gold standard for women-owned business certification.

2013

Sustainability Award

The Village of Downers Grove presented Bales with the inaugural Green Business Award. The award recognizes local businesses that have made substantial efforts to become environmentally sustainable.

2015

New Company Brand Launch

Reflecting a bold vision for the future, Bales launched a rebranding effort and unveiled a new logo and website.

2015

Moldmaker of the Year Award

In 2015, Harry Raimondi earned the Moldmaker of the Year award from the Society of Plastic Engineers.

2016

First “Best Place to Work“ Award

Bales earned the Best Place to Work award presented by Plastics News.

2016

DIAMOND E.N.™ DEBUT

The nano-sized diamond particles in Diamond E.N.™ offer extreme abrasion resistance—and give Chrome some tough competition.

2016

Industry Young Leader Award

Bales’ President Stacey Bales won the inaugural Young Leader Award presented by the Technology and Manufacturing Association. The award recognizes outstanding young leaders in the industry.

2018

Retirement of Harry Raimondi

Harry retired as Bales’ Technical Services Manager after over two decades with the company and 50 years in the industry.

2018

Stacey Bales Honored with the NASF Award of Merit

This prestigious award acknowledges the leadership of peers who have dedicated a great deal of their time to ensure a strong association and vibrant industry. The Award of Merit honors members who show exemplary service and achievement on both the local and national levels.

2020