In the 1970's Al Bost and Bob Chilton revolutionized the vinyl graphics industry with the development of Thermal Die Cutting (TDC) - kiss cutting vinyl using heat and pressure from hydraulic presses that they designed and manufactured. TDC eventually replaced the steel-rule and hand cutting of individual letters and shapes from vinyl.

In September of 1977, Al and Laura Bost founded Universal Products, Inc. with the initial mission to provide vinyl graphics and striping to a network of installers for the automotive aftermarket. As the business grew, a new 5000 square foot office and manufacturing facility was constructed in Goddard, Kansas. By 1978, UPI employed 15 people designing, manufacturing, and marketing their own line of vinyl graphics and striping.

In 1984 UPI had expanded to a staff of 50 people. Recognizing the need to diversify our market, UPI developed the Custom Division to accomodate the RV and Marine industries. With the aid of technology and innovation, UPI was soon producing high quality custom graphics, warning labels, paint masks, fleet graphics, and much more for customers around the globe.

In January of 1993, UPI added it's first flexographic roll label press leading to the biggest facility expansion in 2000. We now reside in a 165,000 square foot facility including a warehouse, and an ever-expanding product line featuring domed soft badging, chrome badging, and even more innovations currently in development. For over 46 years Universal Products, Inc. has been perfecting the art of product image and visual branding to help customers gain recognition and identity.