The company began in 1982 as Gropen Design and Printing, founded by Neal H. Gropen. Despite a humble beginning, the demand for creative design extended the business far beyond its initial scope of silkscreen printing. The company grew to include exhibits, signs, and plaques, and was incorporated in 1988.

The increasing range of products and materials called for a much larger workplace. In 2000, Gropen moved into the present facility at 1144 East Market Street, a space large enough to house a complete manufacturing plant. This new building includes a 25-ft. downdraft booth for painting, color matching capacity, and an enlarged staging area for oversized exhibits. With the increased work area, Gropen has expanded their operations to include more woodworking, digital printing, CNC tooling, TIG welding, stone cutting, edge profiling, and ADA sign making.