ACP International
ACP International is a Texas-based manufacturer of utility identification, cable/pipe marking, and safety signage products serving utilities, construction firms, municipalities, and government agencies. It operates heritage brands SA-SO and Stonehouse Signs and is 100% employee-owned through a Texas-first Employee Ownership Trust.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1986
- HeadquartersArlington, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What ACP International does
ACP International, Inc. is a Texas-based manufacturer of utility identification, cable marking, and safety signage products, founded in Arlington in 1986 as American Communication Products. The company designs and assembles above-ground markers, underground warning tape, electronic detectable markers, fiber optic splice sleeves, safety vests, traffic cones, roll-up signs, and custom signs at its 72,000 square foot headquarters facility. It serves utility companies (telecommunications, cable TV, gas, electric, water, sewer), construction and excavation firms, municipalities, and government agencies with products that support APWA color-coding standards, OSHA/ANSI compliance, and damage-prevention workflows for buried infrastructure.
The product portfolio is anchored by several proprietary lines: PolyDomes (UV-stabilized domed markers with a 10-year outdoor life), Crystal Cap polyurethane domed markers, Snap-Loc and Slot-Loc 360 tool-free mounting systems, Hang Around and Wrap Around coiled cable markers, Bracketless Aerial Markers (patent pending), and electronic detection products including the Marker-Mate Locator, Omni Marker II, and Spike Markers. Rain or Shine pens are produced exclusively for ACP by the Sharpie manufacturer. The portfolio spans brands ACP International, SA-SO Signs & Safety (since 1948), Stonehouse Signs (since 1863), Capital StreetScapes, Concrete Graphics, and VIP, reflecting an active program of acquisitions that integrated eight companies between 2002 and 2022.
ACP earns revenue primarily through one-time hardware sales of catalog items, custom sign manufacturing on polyethylene, aluminum, and Lexan substrates (typically 10 working days), and credit-terms billing (Net 30 with 1.5% monthly interest for late payments). Distribution runs through an inside sales team (phone and email, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT), an online catalog and quote-request workflow, an authorized distributor (ComptelG) for Mexico and Central America, and the BuyBoard purchasing cooperative for U.S. government buyers. Pricing is quote-based and not publicly disclosed. Since 2022, the company has operated as a 100% Employee Ownership Trust (the first in Texas), is debt-free, and holds BABA compliance for federally funded infrastructure projects.
ACP International firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- ACP International
- Legal name
- ACP International, Inc.
- Website
- https://acpinternational.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1986
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- ACP International is a Texas-based manufacturer of utility identification, cable/pipe marking, and safety signage products serving utilities, construction firms, municipalities, and government agencies. It operates heritage brands SA-SO and Stonehouse Signs and is 100% employee-owned through a Texas-first Employee Ownership Trust.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Where ACP International is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Arlington
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
ACP International business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Signs and Markers Products: Manufactured and distributed utility identification products including signs, markers, line markers, underground warning tape, and safety products. Core revenue stream with products sold to utilities, municipalities, and contractors.
- Custom Sign Manufacturing: Custom sign production on various substrates including polyethylene, aluminum, and Lexan. Custom orders typically take 10 working days plus shipping. 20% restocking fee on returns.
- Credit Terms and Payment Services: Net 30 standard credit terms for approved customers. Interest at 1.5% per month for payments later than 30 days. Accepts checks, major credit cards, and I.M.P.A.C. cards for government customers.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Annual | Standard credit terms for established accounts |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Prepayment option for new customers |
Go-to-market motion4 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels5 records
ACP International product offering
Product offeringCore offering
ACP International manufactures and distributes utility identification, cable and pipe marking, underground warning, and safety signage products from its 72,000 sq ft facility in Arlington, Texas. The portfolio includes PolyDomes and test stations, fiberglass line markers, cable and pipe markers, electronic detectable markers and locators, underground warning tape, flags and paint, street and ground markers, safety vests, cones, roll-up signs, tags, decals, and fiber optic splice sleeves sold to utility companies, construction firms, municipalities, and government agencies.
Product overview
ACP International is a manufacturer of utility identification and safety marking products based in Arlington, Texas. The company operates two divisions: ACP International and SA-SO Signs & Safety. The product portfolio spans multiple categories including PolyDomes and Test Stations for pipeline and cable testing, Flexible Fiberglass Line Markers, Cable & Pipe Markers (Wrap Around, Hang Around, Strand Cable, SlipLoc, TANA Wire), Street & Ground Markers (Storm Drain, Crystal Cap, Handhole, Flush Mount, Whiskers), Underground Warning Tape, Flags & Paint, Electronic Detectable Markers (Marker Balls, Marker Spikes, Locator), Safety Products (Stonehouse Safety Tags, Safety Vests, Safety Cones, Roll-up Signs, Traffic Control Paddles), Signs/Posts/Hardware, Tags (Cable, Coverall, Blank ID, Ground Wire, Color Tie, Identity Pole, Valve/Car Seal), Decals/Letters/Numbers, and Fiber Optic Splice Sleeves. Products serve utility companies, telecommunications providers, construction firms, municipalities, and government agencies for underground utility location, safety compliance, and property identification.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- SA-SO Signs & Safety: Provider of signs and safety products to schools and small towns across America, with a history dating back to 1948.
- Stonehouse Signs
- Capital StreetScapes
- Concrete Graphics
- VIP
Products and services
- PolyDomes Domed markers providing 360-degree visibility to identify pipelines, fiber optic cables, and underground utilities; made from UV-treated high-density polyethylene with a 10-year outdoor life guarantee.
- Pop-Up PolyDome Markers Impact-resistant domed utility markers that maintain 360-degree visibility even when driven over by vehicles or cattle.
- PolyDome Test Stations Test stations for cable locating, testing, and cathodic protection, available in standard or custom colors and terminal configurations.
- At Grade Test Station Ground-level test stations designed to blend with surroundings while offering 11-hole terminal board functionality for cable testing and data collection.
- Flexible Fiberglass Line Markers UV-stabilized fiberglass composite markers for marking fiber optic cables, gas pipelines, petroleum pipelines, electric lines, water lines, sewer lines, and other buried utility lines.
- Wrap Around Markers Permanently coiled maintenance-free markers for identifying ownership of pipes, cables, inner duct, or tubing, readable from all directions.
- Hang Around Markers UV-stabilized markers with thermoformed permanent coil technology and an additional hanging flap for better visibility of cables and fiber optic lines.
- Strand Cable Markers Cable markers that attach to strand or cable ranging from 0.25 to 0.50 inches, attachable from ground level using a strand marker attachment tool.
- SlipLoc Markers Thermoplastic elastomer markers for tagging and labeling cables on premises, closing and locking without disconnecting cables or wires.
- TANA Wire Markers Aerial wire markers that meet FAA specifications for airports and helicopter approach areas to keep wires visible to pilots.
- Stonehouse Safety Tags OSHA and ANSI compliant safety tags for lockout/tagout, inspection, fire extinguisher, electrical, barricade, scaffold, cylinder, and biohazard applications.
- Safety Vests ANSI Class 2 safety vests with triple trim striping, radio pocket, pencil pocket, and zipper closure, available in lime mesh and orange polyester.
- Safety Cones 100% PVC injection-molded traffic cones with cleated bases and two reflective bands in 28-inch and 36-inch sizes.
- Roll-up Signs Tear-resistant roll-up signs with injection-molded corner pockets for construction areas, available in 36-inch and 48-inch sizes.
- Ultra-Light Traffic Control Paddles Impact-resistant honeycomb polypropylene traffic paddles weighing less than one pound with fully-reflective sign face, available in STOP/STOP or STOP/SLOW.
- Marker Balls (Omni Marker II) Self-leveling electronic marker balls for locating buried non-conductive cables, pipes, and ducts up to 5 feet deep.
- Marker Spikes Electronic spike markers for locating shallow buried objects up to 3.3 feet deep, including distribution ducts, cable TV drops, and fiber drops.
- Marker-Mate Locator Electronic marker locator detecting markers up to five feet deep, with simultaneous detection of all marker types, adjustable sensitivity, digital signal processor, and weather-resistant design.
- Underground Warning Tape Warning tape for underground utilities serving as the last line of defense to prevent digging accidents, available in detectable (foil) and non-detectable versions.
- Storm Drain Sidewalk & Curb Markers Crystal Cap polyurethane domed markers for identifying storm drains and educating the public on keeping water sources clean; 10-year warranty.
- Crystal Cap Sidewalk & Curb Markers Polyurethane domed markers with printed vinyl and protective dome coating for marking utility lines; 10-year warranty and Sikaflex adhesive application.
- Flush Mounted Ground Markers Lexan plate markers that withstand foot, vehicle, and mower traffic; reverse-printed for durability and high visibility.
- Marking Whiskers Spring-back markers that return to position if stepped on or driven over; available in 6-inch or 9-inch lengths for marking buried cables.
- Handhole Marker Polyethylene markers for identifying underground vaults, pull boxes, or splice boxes with engraved text for long-lasting visible identification.
- Marking Flags Color-coded vinyl flags for marking buried cables and lines, available in 18, 21, 24, 30, and 36-inch steel or plastic wire staffs.
- Marking Paint Water-based marking paint for identifying underground utilities, sold in 17-ounce cans with a 3-year shelf life.
- Rain or Shine Pens All-weather pens custom-made exclusively for ACP by the makers of Sharpie, with industrial-grade ink for long-lasting readability on plastic, aluminum, and decals.
- Cable Tags Durable tags for labeling and identifying bundles of cables and wires, available in standard or custom color combinations with included cable ties.
- Coverall Tags Self-laminating cable ID tags designed to be written on and sealed by a lamination flap for long-lasting hand-written messages; BABA compliant.
- Utility Signs Multi-color signs on various substrates for route marking, utility identification, line ownership, and OSHA safety compliance.
- Aerial Markers Patent-pending Bracketless Aerial Markers for pipeline and cable route identification from the air, available in 2, 3, or 4 digit numbers with pre-punched square posts.
- Large Format Signs Oversized signs for facility, terminal, station, or river crossing identification, composed of modular tiled panels or single panels up to 4 feet by 10 feet.
- Security Signs Durable aluminum or polystyrene security signs with reflective or non-reflective material and UV-stabilized inks.
- Property Signs Property identification signs including Snap-Loc and Slot-Loc 360 signs for fences and barbed wire, featuring theft- and tamper-resistant designs.
- Sign Posts Steel posts including galvanized U-Channel, coated U-Channel, and square posts for mounting signs with pre-punched mounting holes.
- Letter & Number Kits Engineer grade reflective decal kits for creating visible letters and numbers in 5 standard sizes with multiple color options.
- Custom Decals Custom-printed decals for route marking, utility identification, safety compliance, and updating existing signage, available in reflective and non-reflective materials.
- Fiber Optic Splice Sleeves Made-in-USA fiber splice protection sleeves compatible with most fiber splice sleeve ovens; manufactured and distributed worldwide since company inception.
Quantifiable outcome
- Underground Warning Tape prevents costly digging accidents
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use ACP International
Customer profileNamed customers6 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
ACP International technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature12 records
ACP International partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Ten partnerships are on record, tiered regional, core and minor.
- ComptelGregionalComptelG, represented by Aurelio, serves as the authorized distributor for ACP International products in Mexico and Central America. Handles sales inquiries and order processing for the region.
- Stonehouse Signs (Acquired 2020)coreAcquired Stonehouse Signs in 2020, a company operating since 1863. Stonehouse was a founding member of the National Safety Council in 1912 and pioneered industrial accident prevention signs. Now integrated under ACP family of brands.
- SA-SO Signs & Safety (Acquired 2009)coreAcquired SA-SO in 2009, a provider of signs and safety products to schools and small towns. SA-SO legacy began in 1948 with mail-order operations nationwide. Now operates as a division of ACP International.
- Capital StreetScapes (Acquired 2022)coreAcquired Capital StreetScapes of Austin, Texas in early 2022. Capital manufactures decorative signposts and frame systems with classic look for upscale developments, historical districts, and campuses.
- VIP (Acquired 2002)minorAcquired VIP, a tag and label manufacturer in Houston, Texas in 2002.
- Porter Graphics (Acquired 2003)minorAcquired parts of Porter Graphics of New Braunfels in 2003.
- Concrete Graphics (Developed 2006)minorDeveloped Concrete Graphics as a revolutionary pavement marking product in 2006.
- ECOP Products (Acquired 2014)minorAcquired ECOP Products in 2014, a maker of unique cable marking products.
- Englander Security Sign Division (Acquired 2015)minorPurchased the security sign division of Englander company in 2015.
- BuyBoard Purchasing CooperativeregionalACP International is a BuyBoard Vendor with Contract No. 803-26, enabling simplified procurement for government entities and schools.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
ACP International competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Brady Corporation: Brady Corporation is a global manufacturer of identification solutions including signs, labels, tags, and safety products for utility, industrial, and facility applications. Brady (including its Accuform Signs subsidiary) directly overlaps with ACP's core signs, tags, and safety product lines.
- Panduit: Panduit is a major manufacturer of network infrastructure and cable identification products, including cable markers, labels, and physical identification solutions. It directly competes with ACP's Hang Around, Wrap Around, Strand Cable, and SlipLoc cable/pipe marker lines.
- HellermannTyton: HellermannTyton (a part of Aptiv) manufactures cable management, identification, and marking products for telecom and utility infrastructure. It directly overlaps with ACP's cable/pipe markers, splice sleeves, and underground warning tape offerings.
- Radiodetection: Radiodetection (a SPX Technologies brand) manufactures underground utility locators and electronic marker-locating equipment. It directly competes with ACP's Marker-Mate Locator and electronic Marker Balls/Marker Spikes product lines.
- Tempo Communications: Tempo Communications manufactures cable and fiber test, locate, and identification equipment for telecom and cable TV providers. Its marker locator and cable identification products compete directly with ACP's Marker-Mate and Hang Around/Strain cable marker lines.
- Accuform Signs: Accuform Signs (a Brady subsidiary) manufactures OSHA/ANSI safety signs, tags, labels, and facility identification products. It directly competes with ACP's Stonehouse Safety Tags, safety vests, cones, and roll-up signs portfolio.
- Saf-T-Gard International: Saf-T-Gard distributes safety, signs, and personal protective equipment to industrial and utility customers, including private-label and specialty sign offerings. It competes with ACP in the safety and traffic control product segment.
- National Marker Company: National Marker Company manufactures custom and stock signs, labels, tags, and identification products for industrial, safety, and facility applications. It directly competes with ACP's custom signs, tags, and decals categories.
Broad incumbents
- 3M: 3M's Safety and Industrial business includes a broad portfolio of signs, markers, labels, and identification products across utility, construction, and industrial end markets. It is a much larger incumbent that overlaps with ACP across multiple product categories but does not specialize in underground utility markers.
- Klein Tools: Klein Tools is a broad-line manufacturer of hand tools, test and measurement equipment, and safety/identification products serving electricians, utility, and telecom trades. Its locator and marking accessories partially overlap with ACP's electronic marker locator and utility identification portfolio.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
ACP International social profiles
Digital presenceACP International compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance4 records
ACP International financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
ACP International leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
ACP International subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries7 records
ACP International funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
ACP International M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about ACP International
What does ACP International do?
ACP International manufactures and distributes utility identification, cable and pipe marking, underground warning, and safety signage products from its 72,000 sq ft facility in Arlington, Texas. The portfolio includes PolyDomes and test stations, fiberglass line markers, cable and pipe markers, electronic detectable markers and locators, underground warning tape, flags and paint, street and ground markers, safety vests, cones, roll-up signs, tags, decals, and fiber optic splice sleeves sold to utility companies, construction firms, municipalities, and government agencies.
Is ACP International a public or private company?
ACP International is a private company. It is classified as management employee owned and is currently operating.
When was ACP International founded?
ACP International was founded in 1986. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is ACP International based?
ACP International is headquartered in Arlington, United States, in the North America region.
How does ACP International make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Signs and Markers Products are the primary driver. The others are custom Sign Manufacturing and credit Terms and Payment Services.
Who are ACP International's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Brady Corporation, Panduit, HellermannTyton, Radiodetection, Tempo Communications, Accuform Signs, Saf-T-Gard International and National Marker Company. Broad incumbents are 3M and Klein Tools.
Does ACP International have an API?
No public API is recorded for ACP International.