Revchem Composites

REVCHEM COMPOSITES 1000 South Linwood Avenue, Santa Ana, CA 92705 Phone: 714-480-1370 l Fax: 714-558-1990 Polyurethane Specialist Custom formulated systems We produce: l Flexible foams l Rigid foams l Cast elastomers l Spray elastomers GS Manufacturing is a leading producer of composite fabrication equipment. Our complete line of composite processing equipment includes choppers, gelcoaters, rtm, granite spray systems and much more. We are the pioneers of highflow structural adhesive and putty dispensing systems for the composite industry. Family owned and operated since 1971, we have developed a solution based strategy for our clients that is unparalleled. Proudly serving these industries: Wind Power, Marine, Rail, Automotive, Tub & Shower, Swimming Pools, Jacuzzis, Storage Tank, Architectural, Recreational Products and more! The Pioneer of High Flow Structural Adhesive Dispensing Systems The X-GUN® is the only gun you need! The versatile design of the X-GUN® can be used for all applications allowing the user to stock common parts. low emission gelcoat | resin transfer | infusion | robotics | epoxies | and more! FEATURING OUR NEWEST PRODUCT: www.gsmfg.com 985 W. 18th Street, Costa Mesa, CA 92627 Phone: 949-642-1500 • Fax: 949-631-6770 the fact that it’s a partnership. That’s at the core of our thinking.We send out a Top 10 Vendor Partner awards recognition system at the end of every year and let them know how they did, their fill rates, their on-time performance, and we get great feedback. “We have alliances with several associations: ACMA (American Composites Manufacturers Asso- ciation; SAMPE (Society for the Advancement of Material and Process Engineering) AMMA (Amer- ican Marine Manufacturers Association); SEMA (Specialty Equipment Marketing Association). And we attend a lot of annual trade shows including: CAMEX, SAMPE, SEMA in Las Vegas, and an event specifically targeted at the surfboard market called ‘The Board Room’, which is held every May at the Del Mar Fairgrounds near San Diego.” BVM: Do you have any expansions, technology upgrades, or green initiatives in the works? Pendleton: “Last year, we replaced the old, non-robust ‘Genesis’ business software that had been in-house since 1991 with an ERP system called SYSPRO. Like any large-scale software implementation, there’s some risk, but it went live pretty seamlessly.We’re up and running 100 percent and continuing to refine and learn how to best utilize it. “We’re working with AOC and Interplastic, two large resin manufacturers, and talking a lot about environmentally-friendly resins. That’s pushing the technology– it’s moving slowly, but in the sights. A more environmentally-conscious ap- proach is using epoxies that don’t emit VOCs into the atmosphere. About 25 percent of surfboard manufacturers are using epoxy in boards rath- er than just plain fiberglass or polyester resin. PREFERRED VENDORS n Eteco, Inc. www.etecoinc.com n GS Manufacturing www.gsmfg.com There’s also a move to recycling of composite materials, including grinding them up for use as other materials. There was a big effort by the Surf Rider Foundation in southern California last year to collect old surfboards and recycle them. “Carbon fiber is growing very rapidly in popular- ity and use. It’s become one of those things that offers far superior reinforcement over traditional fiberglass.We’ve been seeing more and more use of carbon fiber in the automotive sector over the last 10 to 15 years and that sector will definitely continue to grow.” BVM: What are Revchem’s objectives for the future? Pendleton: “We have a very specific vision and growth plan in front of us.We’re hoping to double the size of the business within the next five years. Our ownership is very supportive, with family members actively working within the company. Growth comes in Revchem from three areas: We can take market share from our competitors; we can add new products to our offering; or we can grow our footprint by adding distribution centers and geographic coverage. Frankly, we’re working on all three of those all the time.”