Created with Fabric.js 5.2.4
Shop UK

Visit UK

Our Story

About Us

Welcome to Industrial Strength, LLC. , home of the SharpAss Needle and Naked Natural Alternative.

We are proudly celebrating 30 years in an industry we love! A heartfelt thank you for your unwavering support throughout the years—we couldn’t have done it without you!

Industrial Strength LLC is owned and operated by Maria J Pinto for over 30 years. Proudly it is the world’s leading US manufacturer and worldwide distributor of body piercing needles. This passion and innovation was passed down from her grandfather John J Gowacki who developed and held 5 US patents for hypodermic needles and grinding machines 68 years ago.

The success and mission of Industrial Strength LLC is the dedication to quality, reliability and communication with professional body piercers for their knowledge to continually develop innovative products and procedures to help the industry grow. Our vertically manufactured products use only the highest quality materials, precision and advanced technology to ensure we sell only the best.

The evolutions of 78 years combined experience and excellence

Hypodermic needle and syringes since 1972

1972

John J. Glowacki, a true pioneer in medical innovation, founded Glowacki Medical in Branford, CT, where he dedicated his career to revolutionizing hypodermic needle manufacturing. With a focus on precision engineering, he designed advanced machinery and perfected needle geometry, setting new standards in the industry. His legacy of innovation lives on through his granddaughter, Maria J. Pinto, founder of Industrial Strength LLC, who continues to push boundaries in her own right.

1973

John J. Glowacki revolutionized the field of hypodermic needle grinding with five groundbreaking patents, each showcasing innovative methods and precision-engineered needles.

1976

Glowacki Medical evolved into Lifeline Products Inc., rising to global prominence as one of the most respected manufacturers of hypodermic needles. Renowned for its unmatched precision and groundbreaking innovation, it set the gold standard in the medical industry.

1977

From the late 1970s until her passing in 2020, Carol Pinto—John J. Glowacki's daughter and Maria J. Pinto's mother—was the financial powerhouse behind Glowacki Medical and Lifeline Products Inc. As Vice President, Carol brought exceptional business expertise and a keen eye for detail to the company, managing the financial operations that kept it thriving. Her skill and unwavering dedication drove the business's growth and stability, solidifying its reputation as a global leader in hypodermic needle manufacturing.

1983

After John J. Glowacki’s passing in 1983, his daughter Carol J. Pinto (Glowacki) stepped up as president of Lifeline Products, steering the company to new heights. Under her leadership, the business flourished, continuing its legacy of innovation and precision in hypodermic needle manufacturing. Maria J. Pinto began working alongside her mother as a teenager and returned to the company after college. Following in her grandfather’s footsteps, Maria immersed herself in the industry, assisting medical suppliers with design innovations while helping her mother manage and operate the business. Together, they upheld the family’s tradition of excellence and dedication to advancing medical technology.

1995 - 1996

As a passionate body modification enthusiast, Maria J. Pinto recognized a critical need for a piercing needle designed to exit tissue cleanly, without causing unnecessary tearing. Driven by this vision, she founded Industrial Strength in 1995, introducing the SharpASS Needle to the industry. In 1996, Industrial Strength officially became an LLC, solidifying its reputation and marking its place as a pioneering force in the piercing world.

2005

Naked Natural Alternative was founded by Maria J Pinto in 2005 to fill a gap in the tattoo and piercing industry for an all-natural aftercare brand. Driven by the belief that healthy, nourished skin is essential for optimal healing, Maria developed formulations using only the purest natural ingredients, free from synthetic dyes, latex, parabens, and other harmful chemicals. Her focus was on harnessing the power of nature to support and enhance the body’s natural healing process.

2006-2016

Maria J Pinto took on the role of Vice President at Lifeline Products Inc., where she successfully managed operations while simultaneously leading Industrial Strength LLC. For over a decade, she balanced the demands of both companies. However, as Industrial Strength LLC experienced explosive growth, Maria recognized the need to shift her focus entirely to its continued success, dedicating herself fully to driving the company’s expansion and innovation.

2012

In 2012, Maria J Pinto secured a grant and loan through HEDCO and the State of Connecticut to expand her operations and build her own machinery. At the time, she was utilizing all the grinding machines at her family’s business and needed to scale up to meet growing demand. With these funds, she transformed her grandfather’s patented machinery into fully automated systems, significantly boosting production capacity. Over the past 13 years, Maria has continued to innovate, develop, and design advanced machinery equipped with cutting-edge technology—honoring her grandfather’s legacy while pushing the boundaries of modern manufacturing.

2020

In 2020, Maria J Pinto was honored with the prestigious SBA Manufacturer of the Year award, a testament to her exceptional leadership and innovation. In addition, she received a Certificate of Special Recognition from the State of Connecticut, further solidifying her impact and contributions to the industry.

2022

In 2022, Industrial Strength LLC USA took a bold step to offer competitive shipping rates across the UK, Ireland, and Scotland by expanding "over the pond" with a new UK distribution center. The location will be expertly managed by Maria’s sister, Nicole J. Pinto, bringing local expertise and a seamless experience to European customers.

2023

In summer 2023, Maria J. Pinto and her team gave Naked Natural Alternative Skincare a sleek new look, keeping the same trusted formulas customers love. For nearly two decades, Naked’s small-batch, all-natural products have delivered real results for tattoos, piercings, and bare skin. Free from harmful chemicals and never tested on animals, Naked is all about clean, effective skincare made from real good sh*t!

2022-2025

In 2022, Maria J Pinto founded the non-profit House of Nipple, inspired by her close friend Mary Randles, a resilient breast cancer survivor. Officially launched in 2024 for artist applications, the organization provides free 3D Nipple and Areola Tattoos to survivors, supporting their healing and empowerment. Building on her connections in the tattoo and body piercing industries, Maria collaborated with remarkable artists and industry colleagues to create the HON "Nipple Army." Through these collaborations, a powerful community of artists and industry leaders has emerged, united in their commitment to making HON’s mission a reality. HON’s official debut is set for the summer of 2025.

2024-2025

In 2024, Maria J Pinto designed the Patent Pending "Star Grind and Heel Bypass Needle", which was developed, rigorously tested, and a Utility patent was filed. This groundbreaking needle features a unique “Star Grind," creating the sharpest angles for a smooth transition, and a strategically placed bend that allows it to be held straight while bypassing the heel without any tissue contact or need for alignment adjustments. This innovation eliminates needle drift and removes the reliance on bevel theory, setting a new standard in the piercing industry. The new “Star Grind" will launch in the summer of 2025, available in both the patent-pending Heel Bypass Needle and straight needle versions.

2025

Industrial Strength LLC is celebrating 30 years of providing the body piercing community with the best needles on the planet! A heartfelt thank you for your unwavering support throughout the years—we couldn’t have done it without you!

How can we help?

We’re always here to answer your questions about ourselves or the website.  

Search Product

Created with Fabric.js 5.2.4
Facebook Instagram Store

Copyright © Industrial Strength Needles 2025 | Website Design by MackMedia

Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions of Use | Terms and Conditions of Sale

Search Products