The Brief Tortoise Story
Tortoise Industries
Incorporated was founded in 1981 by aerospace engineer & Program Manager Howard Shatkin. In
the early years, Tortoise focused primarily on job shop fabrication of
tubular steel for the furniture industry. In 1987, Tortoise acquired a
small job shop powder coating company and began to offer complete metal fabrication
and powder coating services to its customers. As the company grew so did
its need for space and additional personnel. In 1995, Tortoise purchased
a state of the art 500 foot automated powder coating system and moved its
powder coating and metal fabrication facilities into one 21,000 sq.ft. building in
the Los Angeles / Glendale area. In addition, Steven Shatkin, an R&D
organic chemist, and Richard Marty, an established sales leader, joined
the growing company and currently serve as Vice President and Sales and
Marketing Director, respectively.
Since 1981, Tortoise has provided its customers with uncompromised
service, quality, and turn around times in an industry that demands high
performance. Tortoise recognizes that the future success of its company
not only depends on service and quality, but also its key employees as
well as the company’s ability to grow into new technology. Of the 50 plus
workers Tortoise employs, many have over five years with the company and
several have 10 or more. With second generation management firmly in
place Tortoise is securely positioned to expand and take advantage of the
new and exciting Ultraviolet (UV) light curing Wood Coating Technology.
Using UV light as the curing medium, Tortoise will soon enter the wood
coating market and be able to provide a superior alternative to current
wood coating methods that will be very effective in saving our customers
time and money.
Tortoise is proud to serve
the Los Angeles area and contribute to the growth of the local economy.
With our 100% commitment to quality and service, and our ability to do the
impossible (sometimes!), Tortoise Industries is the right choice for all
of your metal fabrication, sheet metal, sandblasting, powder coating, and soon
wood coating needs!
