Since 1928, employee-owners at Van Meter Inc. have enabled the company – and our customers – to accomplish extraordinary things. We’re proud to be part of a legacy where unparalleled customer service, superior products and solutions, employee ownership and involvement in the community matter most.In May 1928, just before the start of the Great Depression, The Van Meter Company was founded by R.L. Van Meter and R.W. (Pete) Lemley. They began in a 3,200-square-foot building located at 6th St. and 4th Ave. in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Even then, Van Meter was setting the standard for innovation – it was the first building west of the Mississippi to have fluorescent lighting. Van Meter and Lemley were the only employees and their motto was “Service is our first thought.”