About Us
Our Story: From Founder-Led Start-Up to National Leader
From a single shop in Wichita, Kansas, to a nationwide leader in industrial finishing equipment, Spray Equipment & Service Center (Spray) has grown by combining five family-founded companies with decades of expertise. Today, we provide unmatched solutions in liquid and powder finishing, lubrication, automation, and dispensing—backed by over 75 years of experience.
1949 – DCJ Founded
Dudley Jackson started Dudley C. Jackson (DCJ) in Chicago, selling lubrication equipment and becoming Graco’s longest-tenured distributor. In 1958, DCJ relocated to Birmingham, Alabama, where the business grew significantly before being acquired by Timberline Holdings in 2013. Though not yet part of Spray, DCJ’s legacy would later play a key role in shaping the company’s future.
1970 – Al Hammar Founded Spray Equipment & Service Center
Al Hammar founded Spray in Wichita, Kansas, focusing on industrial and aerospace paint spray equipment. This marked the true start of today’s Spray Equipment & Service Center.
1986 – Expansion & Multi-Location Model
After rebuilding the company, Al secured an SBA loan and acquired distributors in Springfield, Missouri, and Omaha, Nebraska—laying the groundwork for Spray’s multi-location growth.
Early 1990s – Engineering Innovation
Spray embraced new technologies such as two-component mixing, electrostatic spray, and engineered finishing systems, establishing itself as a trusted provider of turnkey finishing solutions.
1997 – Growth and a New Generation of Leadership
As Spray continued expanding across the Midwest, a generational leadership transition began. In 1997, Al passed the presidential reins to his son, Mark Hammar, who continued driving the company’s growth and reputation for technical expertise, customer service, and engineered system design.
2000 – Investing in Facilities and Technical Capability
In 2000, Spray completed construction of SprayLab, an in-house testing and demonstration facility at its Wichita headquarters—offering customers hands-on evaluation of new spray technologies.
2016 – Automation Expertise Added
Spray acquired Finishline Technologies (FLT), founded by John Cord in Indiana, adding automated liquid finishing expertise.
2019 – Major Merger Under Timberline
Spray merged with DCJ under Timberline Holdings, uniting decades of lubrication and finishing expertise to create a leader in finishing and lubrication solutions.
2021 – Dispensing Leadership Acquired
Spray acquired Paint Related Products (PRP), founded by Bruce Byers in 1995, strengthening adhesive and sealant dispensing expertise and making automotive Spray’s largest customer segment.
2023 – A New Chapter of Leadership
Spray entered a new era under a new leadership team, marking the next evolution in the company’s growth. This transition brought a renewed focus on strategic alignment, operational excellence, and strengthening customer partnerships.
2024 – Powder Coating Leadership Expanded
Spray acquired Springer Industrial Equipment, founded by Dave and Sheryl Springer in 1986, extending powder finishing capabilities across the Southwest, Mountain West, and northern Mexico.
Looking Ahead
Today, Spray Equipment & Service Center unites the strengths of five founder-led companies, delivering unmatched expertise and service to customers across North America. The next chapter of the Spray story is still being written.