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.
![](https://www.nimlok-chicago.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/history1n.webp)
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.
![](https://www.nimlok-chicago.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Simon-At-His-Desk-768x519.jpg)
Simon Perutz, son of Gerald, opens Nimlok USA in Chicago, Illinois. Simon focuses on further development of Neil’s products and growing the distributorship.
![](https://www.nimlok-chicago.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/history5.webp)
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.
![](https://www.nimlok-chicago.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/history12.webp)
Full ownership of the Nimlok brand is transferred from Neil Nimmo to the Perutz family.
![](https://www.nimlok-chicago.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/history8.webp)
Tim Perutz, Simon’s brother, is appointed head of Nimlok Limited in the United Kingdom.
![](https://www.nimlok-chicago.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Warehouse_Nimlok-Crates-1024x767.png)
Nimlok begins offering exhibit management services, including asset management.
![](https://www.nimlok-chicago.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Weichai-Lobby-Check-in.jpg)
Design and fabrication of corporate lobbies, conference rooms, showrooms, and sales centers.
![](https://www.nimlok-chicago.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Sonepar-Event-1-1024x768.jpg)
Begins offering event management services. First large scale, private event was a success!
![](https://www.nimlok-chicago.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/NC-Building-and-Sign-6-1024x771.jpg)
Moves to Des Plaines, IL with in-house custom fabrication including wood shop and spray booth.
![](https://www.nimlok-chicago.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Screenshot-2023-09-29-at-12.25.45-PM.png)
Andrew Perutz, son of Simon, is appointed President of Nimlok Chicago.
![](https://www.nimlok-chicago.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/CSG_COVID-Safety-2-scaled.jpg)
Nimlok Chicago manufactures and installs custom PPE solutions, including sneeze guards, and develops a virtual exhibit program!
![](https://www.nimlok-chicago.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Screenshot-2024-01-26-at-2.38.36 PM-945x1024.png)
A warehouse expansion increases Nimlok Chicago’s dedicated client storage space!
![](https://www.nimlok-chicago.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screenshot-2023-02-02-at-3.52.15-PM-1024x550.png)