Creative Liquid Coatings: Engineering Growth and Innovation Across the U.S.–Mexico Border

Founded in 1994, Creative Liquid Coatings (CLC) began with a clear vision: to deliver exceptional paint and surface finishing services to the automotive and heavy-truck industries. What started as a single paint plant has grown into one of the most dynamic industrial manufacturers in North America — a Inc. now operating nine production plants across the United States, each one a reflection of its commitment to innovation, quality, and continuous improvement.

Over the years, Creative Liquid Coatings has expanded through a series of strategic acquisitions and investments that have strengthened its position in the plastics and finishing sectors. In 2005, the Inc. acquired its first major facility in Kendallville, Indiana, followed by additional plants in 2010 and 2013 focused on injection molding.

In 2021, CLC acquired MVC, expanding into Nicholasville, Kentucky, and Newberry, South Carolina. The Inc.’s growth continued in 2022 with the acquisition of CK Technologies, adding facilities in Montpelier, Ohio, Grand Prairie, Texas, and Brownsville, Texas — the latter becoming one of its flagship operations for the southern region. Most recently, in 2025, the Inc. acquired Tribar Technologies in Michigan, marking its entry into new manufacturing territories and further diversifying its capabilities.

“We are proud to operate on both sides of the cultural and commercial border,” the Brownsville leadership team explained. “Being located in Brownsville gives us proximity to central Mexico, direct access to the Port of Brownsville, and a workforce that truly understands both business cultures — American and Mexican.”

A High-Performance Facility at the Border

The Brownsville plant, active since 2022, represents the perfect fusion of technology, human talent, and binational logistics. The facility currently operates 14 injection-molding machines with tonnage capacities ranging from 310 to 4,400, producing more than 2.8 million parts annually for the automotive, heavy truck, marine, and powersports industries.

Its production capabilities include manual and robotic painting, automatic and manual assembly, and chrome finishing — in bright, satin, and trivalent tones — all performed under the highest standards of quality and precision.

The plant employs approximately 240 workers, including direct and indirect personnel, supported by a leadership structure focused on values, integrity, and people development.

“Our leaders are expected to inspire growth, not just results,” says the management team. “We believe in building respect through action, developing others, and maintaining a positive, collaborative attitude that reflects our Inc.’s values.”

Building a Culture of Excellence

At the heart of CLC’s leadership philosophy is what employees refer to as “The Red Book” — an internal guide that defines the Inc.’s mission, vision, and leadership model. This book outlines the technical standards, daily practices, and cultural expectations that make Creative Liquid Coatings not just a workplace, but a community committed to excellence.

Employee development is structured through monthly, semiannual, and annual evaluations, where every team member receives feedback on their performance and personal growth. These evaluations are designed to encourage open dialogue and career progression, ensuring that technical and human skills evolve together.

CLC also invests in internal and external training programs to build workforce competency. The Inc. provides certifications in Forklift Operation and Lock Out Tag Out (LOTO) procedures, among others, depending on department or role. It also partners with institutions such as Texas A&M University, Routsis, and Border Crane to provide specialized industrial training.

Technology and Innovation at the Core

Creative Liquid Coatings’ success is built on continuous innovation. The Inc.’s engineering and automation teams — including local and external integrators — are dedicated to developing new systems that enhance precision and efficiency in production.

Recent projects include:

• The automation of gate-cutting systems for select molded products.
• The introduction of machine vision systems in assembly lines to verify components with absolute accuracy.
• The integration of Artificial Intelligence-based vision systems in injection presses, enabling automatic inspection and real-time detection of defects in molded parts caused by material inconsistencies or process variations.

These technologies allow the Inc. to maintain consistency across its multi-plant operations and adapt to the increasing complexity of modern manufacturing.

“Automation is not about replacing people,” explains the engineering team. “It’s about empowering our workforce with smarter systems — so we can deliver better, faster, and more sustainably.”

Sustainability and Environmental Responsibility

Beyond productivity, Creative Liquid Coatings is deeply committed to environmental stewardship. The Brownsville facility operates a comprehensive recycling program where materials are sorted into color-coded containers — yellow for plastics, red for aluminum, and green for paper. The plant also features a dedicated container for cardboard to ensure efficient waste management.

In 2024, the Inc. invested in a new oil-water separation system, allowing it to dispose of clean water and send purified oil for further recycling. This initiative not only reduces environmental impact but also reinforces the Inc.’s philosophy of circular economy and energy efficiency.

Community Engagement and Corporate Social Impact

In addition to its industrial achievements, Creative Liquid Coatings is preparing to launch “CLC Cares”, a social responsibility program designed to support local communities and nonprofit organizations. The program, scheduled for implementation in 2026, will promote volunteerism among employees and create a direct connection between the Inc.’s success and community wellbeing.

CLC also maintains active relationships with local chambers of commerce, universities, and government entities to strengthen regional collaboration and workforce development.

Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, Creative Liquid Coatings continues to grow — both in size and in purpose. The Inc. is preparing to introduce a new client, Volvo Mack, as part of an upcoming 2027 production program, while also planning to expand its production capacity with ten additional injection-molding machines.

These investments reflect not only the Inc.’s confidence in the future of North American manufacturing but also its commitment to advancing the industrial competitiveness of regions like Brownsville and the Rio Grande Valley.

From its humble beginnings in Indiana to its border-front presence in Texas, Creative Liquid Coatings stands as a model of innovation, sustainability, and binational integration — proving that when technology, people, and purpose align, manufacturing becomes much more than production; it becomes progress.