A new venture
In 1985 the Zimmermans set out on their biggest financial investment to that point. Nelson, a self-described "innovator" took on the task of researching alternatives to the wet paint process they were using for their line of cattle equipment. His research soon led him to a relatively new dry-painting process known as powder coating. In the spring of 1985, before they had given the new venture an official name, the Zimmermans and Ames Construction began building a structure to house the operation in the elevated northeast corner of the compound. Except for the actual spraying equipment and pumps - which were purchased - the powder coating line was designed and built in-house. Keystone Koating, as it was officially named, went on-line in the summer of 1986.
