Our Story

How did we end up here?

It’s a story 30 years in the making—one that combines an unwavering dedication to learning, continuous research, and the acquisition of top-tier equipment. So much has happened, yet it all began on a quiet horse farm near Fort Wayne, Indiana, where a family’s passion for innovative design and a knack for business sparked a journey into manufacturing.

Driven by a desire to create and an entrepreneurial spirit, they saw an opportunity in a conversation with a friend from a local theater. At the time, the world of custom gobo manufacturing was limited and expensive, with few companies offering the high-quality service customers deserved. This was where they saw their chance. Through persistence and a commitment to quality, Apollo Custom was born, offering custom gobos to a growing network of authorized dealers.

As the company expanded, so did its ambitions. A team of talented graphic artists was brought in to design standard gobo patterns under the K-MAX brand, which eventually evolved into Apollo Design Technology. With advanced equipment and a focus on innovation, they added glass gobos to their offerings, pushing the boundaries of resolution and design. The acquisition of laser technology marked a significant leap, allowing Apollo to move away from chemical etching and embrace a cleaner, more precise alternative.

Meanwhile, the digital landscape was evolving. To keep pace, Apollo built an in-house digital team, which soon led to the creation of Blue Pony Digital. Starting with web marketing, Blue Pony quickly grew into a standalone business, offering interactive experiences and mobile app development. At trade shows and beyond, Blue Pony’s creative impact became unmistakable.

Apollo’s commitment to innovation didn’t stop at gobos and digital experiences. As demand grew for advanced lighting products, the company’s engineering and product design teams expanded, eventually giving rise to Avid Labs—a specialized arm providing high-profile engineering services and building an impressive patent portfolio. From a well-equipped machine shop to a thriving engineering division, Apollo’s capabilities continued to grow.

This spirit of innovation led to Apollo DesignScapes, a collection of over 400 fluorescent light insert designs created to help solve issues caused by harsh lighting. When the world paused during the COVID-19 pandemic, Apollo seized the moment to bring another idea to life: the Apollo Popper, a unique stovetop popcorn popper born from a successful Kickstarter campaign and fueled by months of prototyping and testing.

In a world filled with top-end precision lasers, skilled technicians, and decades of experience, Apollo has evolved well beyond its original mission. Today, Apollo MFG offers not only custom gobos but also precision laser services—including laser marking, laser engraving, and laser cutting—bringing unparalleled detail and quality to each product.

With this continuous growth and a new chapter ahead, we’re proud to introduce Apollo MFG Shop, our direct-to-consumer channel. Through Apollo MFG Shop, we bring innovative, customizable products straight to you, offering items crafted with precision and care. From personalized laser-cut pieces to one-of-a-kind engraved designs, we’re here to help you find products that are both functional and beautifully crafted.

So, what do you do with a room full of innovators, designers, laser technicians, and high-end equipment? You create. And you make it accessible to everyone. Welcome to Apollo MFG Shop—where every product tells part of our story.