H2I Group
H2I Group is a 100-year-old, ESOP-owned specialty subcontractor providing design-assist, supply, and installation services across athletic, laboratory, technical education, architectural woodwork, flooring, locker, and seating categories, serving K-12, higher education, healthcare, science & technology, sports, and government markets nationwide through 18 offices and cooperative purchasing contracts.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1924
- HeadquartersMinneapolis, United States
- Headcount251–500
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What H2I Group does
H2I Group, Inc. is a Minneapolis-headquartered specialty subcontractor founded in 1924 (originally as The Industrial Supply Company) and rebranded to H2I Group in 2019 following a corporate restructure and multiple acquisitions. The company is 100% employee-owned through an ESOP established in 1977 and operates 18 office locations across the United States with more than 400 employees. Its core offering is design-assist, supply, and installation services across eight solution categories: Athletic, Laboratory, Technical Education, Architectural Woodwork, Flooring, Lockers & Storage, Seating & Furniture, and Service & Support. Underlying technical capability centers on Virtual Design Coordination (VDC) and Building Information Modeling (BIM) used to convey design intent, coordinate lab and athletic equipment layouts, and resolve design gaps before fabrication.
H2I serves K-12 Education, Higher Education, Science & Technology, Healthcare, Sports & Entertainment, Parks & Recreation, and Government markets, primarily through enterprise field sales supplemented by cooperative purchasing contracts (Sourcewell, OMNIA Partners, TIPS, PEPPM, COSTARS) and direct university contracts. The customer base includes named logos such as Stanford, Duke, Penn State, UNC Chapel Hill, Mayo Clinic, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Amgen, Gilead Sciences, Kite Pharma, and Johnson & Johnson. Manufacturer partners include Stratasys, Bambu Lab, Roland DGA, Universal Laser Systems, Porter Athletic, Irwin Seating, Robbins Flooring, and multiple laboratory equipment OEMs (Labconco, Hamilton Laboratory, Bedcolab, Durcon, Air Master Systems). Recent product additions (2024-2025) span Stratasys ToughONE PolyJet material, Roland VersaSTUDIO BN2-30/BD-12, Universal Laser VLS3.60ES, and the Infento Riders robotics platform.
Revenue mechanics are project-based and quote-driven, combining professional services (estimating, project management, installation, service & maintenance) with hardware sales of specialty equipment and turnkey materials. Pricing is not publicly disclosed for most lines, though Stratasys 3D printer bundles run on multi-year contracts (e.g., F170 3-year at $26,662, 5-year at $32,967.72) including material credits and service coverage. Growth has been delivered through five acquisitions since 2019 (Dow Diversified, Paton Group, NexLab Design, RPE Laser, Knight Athletics) and ongoing catalog expansion, with sustained workplace recognition including USA Today Top Workplace and Star Tribune Top Workplaces.
H2I Group firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- H2I Group
- Legal name
- H2I Group, Inc.
- Website
- https://h2igroup.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1924
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 251–500 employees
- Short description
- H2I Group is a 100-year-old, ESOP-owned specialty subcontractor providing design-assist, supply, and installation services across athletic, laboratory, technical education, architectural woodwork, flooring, locker, and seating categories, serving K-12, higher education, healthcare, science & technology, sports, and government markets nationwide through 18 offices and cooperative purchasing contracts.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
H2I Group industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Specialty Subcontractor Services for Institutional Facilities
- NAICS
- Flooring Contractors (23833), Other Building Material Dealers (44418), Showcase, Partition, Shelving, and Locker Manufacturing (337215)
- SIC
- Laboratory Apparatus & Furniture (3821), Partitions, Shelvg, Lockers, & Office & Store Fixtures (2540), Miscellaneous Furniture & Fixtures (2590)
- akta.pro primary industry
- HVAC & Refrigeration Contracting (IMAFALAB)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Laundry Room, Mudroom & Entryway Storage Systems (Non-Construction) (HSAFAHAE)
Keywords
Where H2I Group is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Minneapolis
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices17 records
Markets served
H2I Group business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Specialty Subcontractor Services: Full-service specialty subcontractor providing custom solutions and products for exceptional spaces. Services include project planning, engineering & design assist, purchasing, product selection, vendor relationships, and full-service project teams handling estimating, scheduling, project management, installation and service & maintenance.
- Athletic Products and Equipment: Sale and installation of athletic equipment including basketball backstops, gym divider curtains, gym control systems, gym flooring, volleyball systems, scoreboards, shot clocks, wall padding, bleachers, and athletic lockers.
- Laboratory Solutions: Laboratory design, supply and installation of laboratory casework, furniture, fume hoods, biosafety cabinets, and laboratory equipment for research, healthcare, and educational facilities.
- Technical Education Products: Technical education products including 3D printers, laser engravers, CNC machines, robotics, and related equipment with installation and maintenance services.
- Lockers and Storage Solutions: Supply and installation of lockers and storage solutions for schools, athletic facilities, and commercial applications.
- Seating and Furniture: Auditorium seating, bleachers, cafeteria seating, lab seating, and furniture solutions for educational and commercial facilities.
- Flooring Solutions: Gym flooring, indoor/outdoor track surfaces, fitness room floors, and related flooring installation and refinishing services.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Hybrid | Multi-year contract | Multi-year 3D printing bundles with material credits and service coverage |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels7 records
Marketing channels4 records
H2I Group product offering
Product offeringCore offering
H2I Group is a specialty subcontractor that designs, supplies, and installs custom physical solutions and products for institutional and commercial facilities across eight categories: athletic solutions, laboratory solutions, technical education, architectural woodwork, flooring, lockers & storage, seating & furniture, and ongoing service & support. The company bundles project planning, design assist (including VDC/BIM), product selection, installation, and post-installation maintenance into single-source contracts for architects, general contractors, and end-users in education, healthcare, government, and sports markets. Revenue is generated through product sales of installed equipment plus service fees for design, installation, and ongoing maintenance work.
Product overview
H2I Group is a specialty subcontractor providing custom physical solutions and products for exceptional spaces across multiple categories. The company operates eight core service divisions: Athletic Solutions (gym equipment, bleachers, scoreboards, synthetic turf), Laboratory Solutions (casework, fume hoods, lab benches), Technical Education (3D printers, CNC machines, laser engravers, robotics), Architectural Woodwork (custom millwork, wood casework), Flooring (gym floors, track surfaces), Lockers & Storage (athletic, school, and specialty lockers), Seating & Furniture (auditorium seating, bleachers), and Service & Support (maintenance, repairs, installation). The company distributes products from manufacturer partners including Stratasys, Bambu Lab, Roland DGA, and Universal Laser Systems, and facilitates procurement through cooperative purchasing contracts with Sourcewell, TIPS, OMNIA Partners, and PEPPM. No unified software platform exists; offerings are distinct product categories supported by installation and maintenance services.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Athletic Solutions Total athletic facility solutions including gymnasium equipment, stadium installations, synthetic turf, bleachers, scoreboards, athletic flooring, and athletic facility construction and remodeling services for K-12 schools, colleges, community centers, and pro-sport arenas.
- Laboratory Solutions Laboratory design, supply, and installation services including casework, fume hoods, biosafety cabinets, laboratory countertops, bench systems, and specialized equipment for research, pharmaceutical, educational, and healthcare laboratories.
- Technical Education Solutions Education technology products and solutions including 3D printers, laser engravers, CNC machines, robotics, vacuum forming machines, and curriculum resources for technical and STEM education in K-12 and higher education.
- Architectural Woodwork Custom architectural woodworking including headwalls, wood casework, wall paneling, standing and running trim, custom wood grilles, wood trellis, nurse stations, column wraps, ornamental metals, and solid surfaces for commercial facilities.
- Flooring Solutions Sports and commercial flooring including gym floor installation, refinishing, repair, indoor and outdoor track surfaces, dance flooring, stage flooring, and fitness room floors with Maple Flooring Manufacturers Association certification.
- Lockers & Storage Locker and storage solutions including athletic lockers, school lockers, corridor lockers, smart lockers, evidence lockers, industrial shelving, high-density modular storage, and healthcare storage systems.
- Seating & Furniture Specialty seating and furniture for auditoriums, gyms, cafeterias, media centers, and labs including auditorium seating, tip n' roll bleachers, telescopic bleachers, cafeteria seating, task seating, library furniture, and technical workstations.
- Service & Support Maintenance, repair, installation, and inspection services for athletic equipment and technical education products including basketball backstops, bleachers, gym control systems, scoreboards, flooring repair, 3D printers, laser engravers, and CNC machines.
- Stratasys ToughONE PolyJet Material New PolyJet material combining FDM strength with PolyJet precision for engineering, CTE, and design programs; produces durable functional parts for hands-on testing and is offered by H2I Group as part of Stratasys 3D printer packages for education customers.
- Roland VersaSTUDIO BN2-30 and BD-12 Roland VersaSTUDIO BN2-30 printer/cutter and BD-12 UV flatbed printer providing professional production quality in education spaces with faster output and greater reliability; distributed through H2I Group for technical education customers.
- Universal Laser Systems VLS3.60ES Universal Laser Systems VLS3.60ES laser system with advanced safety features (E-Stop, redundant interlocks, over-temperature alarms, Fire Suppression option), Laser System Manager software, and Camera Vision System; distributed through H2I Group for technical education and CTE programs.
- Infento Riders Robotics and Coding Platform Infento Riders Robotics and Coding Platform with curriculum, modular STEM building kits, and the Riders League global competition; provides hands-on engineering, coding fundamentals, and structured design challenges for K-12 and higher education students, distributed through H2I Group.
- Cooperative Purchasing Contracts Nationally leveraged competitively bid contracts through Sourcewell, TIPS, OMNIA Partners, PEPPM, and state-specific programs enabling education, government, and non-profit agencies to purchase products efficiently.
Quantifiable outcome
- 50,000+ completed projects across different markets
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use H2I Group
Customer profileNamed customers26 records
Segments7 records
Ideal customer profiles6 records
H2I Group technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature1 record
H2I Group partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
26 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- SourcewellcoreH2I Group partners with Sourcewell to offer education, government, and non-profit agencies nationally leveraged, competitively bid contracts through cooperative purchasing. Sourcewell's analysts streamline procurement by developing RFPs and IFBs meeting or exceeding local requirements. H2I Group holds Contract #010725-H2I for STEM Education Solutions and Equipment and Contract #031622-H2I for Artificial Turf, Track Surfacing, And Associated Equipment.
- OMNIA PartnerscoreH2I Group is authorized to sell through OMNIA Partners Irwin Seating Company contract (Furniture, Installation and Related Services, Contract Number: R191805). OMNIA Partners ensures industry best practices through thorough RFP competitive solicitation by public agencies.
- TIPS - The Interlocal Purchasing SystemcoreTIPS is a national purchasing cooperative available for use by public and private schools, colleges, universities, cities, counties, non-profits, and government entities. H2I Group offers complete laboratory solutions and athletic equipment through Contracts #26010401, #26010402 (Trades, Labor, and Materials) and #260203 (Sports, Activity Equipment, and Related Services).
- PEPPMcorePEPPM is a technology purchasing cooperative with more than two million products under contract. Paton Group (an H2I Group Company) maintains a supplier profile on PEPPM. H2I Group/Paton Group is authorized to sell through partner contracts including Greene Manufacturing, zSpace, Forest Scientific, Diversified Woodcrafts, Inc, and Universal Laser Systems.
- COSTARScoreCOSTARS is the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Cooperative Purchasing Program serving over 9,000 members spending over $1 billion per year. H2I Group owns a contract through this cooperative for Pennsylvania Local Public Procurement Units.
- University of Wisconsin-MadisonminorContract #23-5846 for Laboratory Furniture offers users a variety of manufacturers from which they can purchase laboratory furniture through the university's cooperative purchasing program.
- University of MinnesotaminorThe University of Minnesota has a contract with H2I Group for casegoods, freestanding furniture, seating, fume hoods, and accessories under contract number U42.2023.JST.7.01, valid through December 31, 2025.
- Palmer HamiltonminorHistorical partner since 1959 when the manufacturing part of Haldeman-Homme was sold to Palmer Hamilton. They remain a trusted partner for supplying high-quality cafeteria and bench tables for schools, libraries, medical facilities, and hospitality industry.
- Porter Athletic / Gill AthleticscorePartner manufacturer through Sourcewell and TIPS cooperative purchasing contracts for athletic equipment including basketball backstops, volleyball systems, gym divider curtains, wall pads, and synthetic floor systems.
- Robbins FlooringminorPartner manufacturer through Sourcewell contract for artificial turf, track surfacing, and associated equipment.
- DraperminorPartner manufacturer through Sourcewell and TIPS cooperative purchasing contracts for sporting goods, exercise equipment, and shade structures.
- Irwin Seating CompanycorePartner through OMNIA Partners contract (R191805) for furniture, installation and related services including auditorium seating and bleachers.
- DebourghminorPartner manufacturer through Sourcewell contract for locker and storage solutions.
- Air Master SystemsminorLaboratory equipment manufacturer partner through TIPS contracts for steel and wood casework, fume hoods, biosafety cabinets, and laboratory countertops.
- LabconcominorLaboratory equipment manufacturer partner through TIPS contracts for fume hoods and biosafety cabinets.
- Hamilton Laboratory SolutionsminorLaboratory solutions manufacturer partner through TIPS contracts.
- Karan & AssociatesminorLaboratory design and equipment partner through TIPS contracts.
- BedcolabminorLaboratory casework manufacturer partner through TIPS contracts.
- CiF Lab SolutionsminorLaboratory solutions manufacturer partner through TIPS contracts.
- DurconminorLaboratory countertop manufacturer partner through TIPS contracts.
- Greene ManufacturingminorManufacturer partner through PEPPM for technology products.
- zSpaceminorAugmented reality and educational technology partner through PEPPM.
- Forest ScientificminorTechnology products partner through PEPPM.
- Diversified Woodcrafts, IncminorWood products manufacturer partner through PEPPM for educational furniture.
- Universal Laser SystemsminorLaser engraver manufacturer partner through PEPPM for technical education solutions.
- WB ManufacturingminorFurnishing and furniture manufacturer through TIPS Contract #210305 for educational and commercial settings.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights5 records
H2I Group competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- VWR / Avantor: VWR (now part of Avantor) is a global distributor of laboratory supplies, equipment, and furniture to research, healthcare, and education customers, directly competing with H2I's laboratory solutions line including casework and fume hoods.
- Fisher Scientific / Thermo Fisher Scientific: Fisher Scientific, part of Thermo Fisher, is the dominant lab supplies and equipment distributor serving higher education, pharma, and healthcare research customers, a broader incumbent in the same lab procurement space where H2I competes.
Direct peers
- Krueger International (KI): KI is a major designer and manufacturer of institutional furniture serving K-12, higher education, and healthcare markets with similar product lines including classroom, cafeteria, and auditorium seating, overlapping with H2I's seating and furniture solutions.
- Demco: Demco distributes library, classroom, and activity furnishings and supplies to schools and libraries, with overlapping institutional buyer relationships and parallel participation in educational cooperative purchasing programs.
- School Specialty: School Specialty is a leading direct distributor of educational supplies, furnishings, and equipment to K-12 schools, overlapping closely with H2I's K-12 athletic, seating, and locker offerings and competing for similar cooperative contracts.
- Hertz Furniture: Hertz Furniture is a specialty distributor of institutional furniture and equipment for schools, universities, and government agencies, competing head-to-head on cooperative contracts for casegoods, seating, and learning space fit-outs.
- Virco: Virco is a long-standing manufacturer and distributor of educational furniture, including classroom and cafeteria seating, tables, and storage, competing for similar K-12 and higher education specification opportunities as H2I.
- Sico America: Sico America manufactures and distributes mobile and institutional furniture including cafeteria, auditorium, and stage seating, targeting the same education, government, and community facility buyers as H2I's seating and furniture line.
Emerging players
- Labconco: Labconco manufactures fume hoods, biosafety cabinets, and laboratory equipment sold through distribution partners including H2I itself; it represents the manufacturing side of the same lab solutions channel where H2I competes as a project-level design-assist subcontractor.
- Dick Blick Holdings: Dick Blick is a leading art and educational supplies distributor to schools and universities with cooperative contract participation; partial overlap with H2I's technical education solutions that serve similar CTE and STEM buyers.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks7 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
H2I Group social profiles
Digital presenceH2I Group financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
H2I Group leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles12 records
H2I Group subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries6 records
H2I Group funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
H2I Group M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A5 records
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about H2I Group
What does H2I Group do?
H2I Group is a specialty subcontractor that designs, supplies, and installs custom physical solutions and products for institutional and commercial facilities across eight categories: athletic solutions, laboratory solutions, technical education, architectural woodwork, flooring, lockers & storage, seating & furniture, and ongoing service & support. The company bundles project planning, design assist (including VDC/BIM), product selection, installation, and post-installation maintenance into single-source contracts for architects, general contractors, and end-users in education, healthcare, government, and sports markets. Revenue is generated through product sales of installed equipment plus service fees for design, installation, and ongoing maintenance work.
Is H2I Group a public or private company?
H2I Group is a private company. It is classified as management employee owned and is currently operating.
When was H2I Group founded?
H2I Group was founded in 1924. It employs 251 to 500 people.
Where is H2I Group based?
H2I Group is headquartered in Minneapolis, United States, in the North America region.
How does H2I Group make money?
Seven revenue lines are on record. Specialty Subcontractor Services are the primary driver. The others are athletic Products and Equipment, laboratory Solutions, technical Education Products, lockers and Storage Solutions, seating and Furniture and flooring Solutions.
Who are H2I Group's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are VWR / Avantor and Fisher Scientific / Thermo Fisher Scientific. Direct peers are Krueger International (KI), Demco, School Specialty, Hertz Furniture, Virco and Sico America. Emerging players are Labconco and Dick Blick Holdings.
Does H2I Group have an API?
No public API is recorded for H2I Group.
What industry is H2I Group in?
H2I Group's product category is Specialty Subcontractor Services for Institutional Facilities. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAFALAB, HVAC & Refrigeration Contracting, with a secondary code of HSAFAHAE, Laundry Room, Mudroom & Entryway Storage Systems (Non-Construction). Its NAICS code is 23833 and its SIC code is 3821.