Marianne Van Dyke and her daughter-in-law, Jenny, don't mind looking back, but they say their focus is always forward.

Owner Marianne and manager Jenny recently celebrated the 15th anniversary of Van Dyke's Signmakers. They have been growing as fast as the industry itself during those years, keeping up with high-tech improvements.

"We've actually remodeled and expanded three times," said Marianne. "It's all been to keep up with our growth."

Located at 33885 Highway 99E in Tangent, Van Dyke's Signmakers originated as a simple vinyl lettering facility, offering 14 type styles out of a one-room site.

Today, there are more than 1,000 different styles, more than twice the space and a staff of six full-time employees, several part-time people and even an exchange student from Holland, who just completed a year-long internship.

"It's a great group. and everything is the latest in equipment," said Jenny. "The technology has boomed."

Van Dyke's is totally computerized, including digital printing capabilities, and produces signs for buildings, banners, dimensional lettering and even sandwich boards. The biggest sellers, however, are signs for business vehicles.

"Vans and trucks make up a big part of what we do. We've got a building that can accommodate semi-trucks," Jenny said.

Connected with George Van Dyke Trucking, the signmakers share facilities with the trucking firm.

Marianne said the company provides vehicle signage for both the Linn and Benton county sheriff's offices, Samaritan Health Services and Wah Chang, among others.

The design process begins on a computer - Van Dyke's has a graphic artist on staff - and flows through printing, laminating and finally on to a 54-inch plotter that cuts the signs into the proper shapes.

Location has helped Van Dyke's grow.

"We've got great exposure here," said Marianne. "We're located centrally between Corvallis, Albany and Lebanon."

Van Dyke's Signmakers can be reached by calling 928-7971 or by accessing its new website at www.signs@vandykesignmakers.com.