DePaul Industries incorporated in 1971 and opened its doors in 1972 as a job shop. Over the years, DePaul Industries has engaged in a number of entrepreneurial efforts—including building lawn furniture, producing fresh-squeezed orange juice, and cleaning bus shelters.
DePaul Industries now devotes its focus to three core areas: Food & Consumer Goods Packaging, Staffing Services, and Security Services. All businesses are supported by certified training programs that prepare workers for the ever-changing needs and expectations of their respective industries. Over the past five years, DePaul has employed over 5,000 individuals and paid over $43 million in wages.
Early 1970s
The State of Oregon approaches the Society of St. Vincent de Paul to form a vocational training and employment program for people with developmental disabilities, resulting in the formation of a new and entirely separate 501(c)(3) in 1971 to carry out the task.
Within the first five years, at least 40 individuals with disabilities are in training and working each day on contract production tasks.
Late 1970s
The growth of DePaul Industries surpasses even the most optimistic of forecasts, as the budget nears $1.7 million.
Approximately one third of the revenue is derived from the manufacturing business, with the rest provided by government grants.
Early 1980s
The Board begins exploring alternative revenue options, as social service funding begins to dry up.
The Board recruits a business-oriented MBA graduate as its executive director, who begins to promote the idea of a “double bottom line”—using business to drive social good.
Late 1980s
DePaul Industries shifts from a sheltered workshop model to an affirmative business model in order to provide real jobs, competitive wages and career tracks for people with disabilities. Implicit in this idea is the belief that if the business isn’t viable, it won’t survive.
Early 1990s
Freightliner Corporation becomes DePaul Industries’ largest manufacturing customer.
Additional businesses and jobs are created, including producing fresh-squeezed orange juice, building lawn furniture, and bus shelter cleaning.
DePaul Industries begins a temporary staffing services agency, creating viable part-time job opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
Henry J. Casey donates $2.4 million dollars to DePaul Industries, which provided significant financial security and support for the creation and development of its Food & Consumer Goods Packaging division.
Late 1990s
Security Services begins, and has an immediate positive impact on business.
DePaul Industries wins the distinguished Portland Chamber of Commerce “Top Ten Growth Award”.
DePaul Industries invests $1.5 million in RCH Tech Institute in Washington state.
Early 2000s
DePaul Industries streamlines to three core businesses: Security Services, Staffing Services, and Food & Consumer Goods Packaging.
DePaul Industries’ Board of Directors approves a new, aggressive business plan that focuses on strengthening the organization’s financial condition and creating new work opportunities for people with disabilities.
Late 2000s
The Food & Consumer Goods Packaging Division expands to a 100,000 square foot plant on Hayden Island.
Staffing Services and Security Services aggressively expand and broaden geographic coverage.
The “Heart of the Workforce” (HOW) training program is developed, answering the demand for trained workers in the food processing industry.
Present Day
Recognition builds—including winning NWFPA Food Processor of the Year and the Oregon Ethics in Business award, being named one of Portland Business Journal’s Most Admired Companies and #1 Top Staffing Firm; and being named one of Oregon Business Magazine’s Best Companies.
International invitations are accepted to present DePaul’s unique social entrepreneurial model in England, Spain, and Hungary.
By its 40th anniversary in 2011, DePaul Industries has to date trained or employed in excess of 15,000 people with disabilities, and paid wages and benefits of more than $150 million.
Corporate Information
Depaul Industries
Focus on your best. Outsource the rest.
DePaul Industries is the Northwest's most comprehensive outsourcing specialist. From staffing to security, to food and consumer goods packaging, we tailor a seamless solution to fit the unique needs of your operation. You save time, money and, most importantly, your ability to focus on your strengths.
Our Values
We value our customers as well as our employees, as both are essential to our success. We know that our customers and employees depend on us to be a strong, stable, reliable organization. DePaul Industries strives to be a 'best in class' employer.
Our Mission
DePaul Industries' mission is to help people with disabilities to have the opportunity to work. We employ people with all kinds of disabilities, including injury- and illness-related disabilities. We hope to make the world a better place by helping people with disabilities overcome barriers to employment.
We will always focus on providing best-in-class value to our customers. We consider our mission to be our hidden strength.
