How Highland Vans Transformed the Custom Van Industry with Precision Design and Strong Partnerships
Written by Amanda Murphy, Marketing Manager
Published June 2025
In 2020, three brothers – Szymon, Marcin, and Karol – combined their passion for industrial design and precision manufacturing to launch Highland Vans, a business dedicated to custom van interiors. What started in a small Chicago garage has since grown into a company renowned for pushing the boundaries of van design with innovative materials and meticulous attention to detail.
A Game-Changing Partnership with Aetna
In the early days, while business was gaining momentum, an unexpected visit from an Aetna representative would change the trajectory of Highland Vans. What began as an inquiry about their projects quickly evolved into a key partnership. Aetna began supplying nearly all of Highland Vans’ materials, from plywood and laminate to cabinetry, hardware, solid surface and Wetwall panels. But the partnership went beyond just supplying products.
Aetna’s sales representative became a vital asset, always going above and beyond to ensure the Highland Vans team had what they needed, when they needed it. Whether it was sourcing the perfect materials for a customer’s interior vision or ensuring fast turnaround times, Aetna’s support proved invaluable.
The Foundation of Quality and Efficiency
Thanks to Aetna’s reliable supply chain, Highland Vans was able to streamline their operations. Having a single trusted partner for all their materials simplified their processes, ensuring that every build maintained the high-quality standards that the company became known for. This focus on consistency, durability, and aesthetic appeal became a hallmark of their premium van interiors.
Szymon Glu, co-owner of Highland Vans, emphasizes the importance of quality: “Consistency and quality are everything in this industry. By working with Aetna, we’ve been able to improve efficiency, streamline our manufacturing, and elevate the quality of our builds. The extensive product selection and reliable supply chain allowed us to confidently take on custom projects.”
Adaptability: The Secret to Success
Highland Vans’ success is also rooted in their adaptability. With each new van project comes a set of unique challenges – from design adjustments to solving unforeseen problems during the build process. The brothers have learned that staying flexible and solution-oriented is crucial for overcoming these hurdles.
“Adaptability is key,” says Szymon. “No two vans are the same. Every project has its own challenges. Whether it’s fine-tuning designs, improving workflow, or solving unexpected issues, staying adaptable has been crucial to our growth.”
This ability to adjust and innovate has been central to Highland Vans’ ability to deliver exceptional custom builds for their customers. Working with the right people – their team, customers, and partners like Aetna – has been essential to building the successful brand they have today.
From Humble Beginnings to Industry Leaders
From their humble beginnings in a small garage, Highland Vans has evolved into a leader in the custom van industry. Their commitment to craftsmanship, design, and quality has set them apart. But they’re quick to acknowledge that their success wouldn’t have been possible without the help of partners like Aetna, who have supported them from the start.
As Highland Vans continues to innovate, they remain focused on delivering products that blend exceptional quality, aesthetic appeal, and functionality. Their story proves that success is built not only on great design but also on strong partnerships and reliable products.
With the right people by their side, Highland Vans is poised to continue leading the way in the custom van market – delivering unique, high-quality interiors that enhance the adventures of their customers.
Click Here to view the Wilsonart case study.
