08/06/2026
We would like to reflect on the recent passing of one of our founders, John Vander Ploeg.
John was a chemical salesman who had a desire to learn more of the process and business of plating. In 1991 he partnered with Herman Siegel and Richard Hakeem to create what is now Controlled Plating Technologies.
John’s passion and experience in the plating industry gave CPT the foundation necessary to eventually become one of Products Finishing magazine’s Top Shops platers. Steve Slot is now the owner of CPT and remembers the guidance and mentorship that John kindly provided as they worked together for several years before John passed the torch. CPT excels in the plating industry because of John’s hard work and dedication and Steve will forever be grateful for that. Today future generations are joining the plating world and building on the foundation that John and his partners started here at CPT. We fondly remember John not only for the person he was but for all his hard work and dedication. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family as they grieve his loss.
