Associate News

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Liquid Plastics has grand opening

Middletown, Conn.-based Liquid Plastics Inc. recently celebrated the grand opening of its 27,000-square-foot (2508-m²) manufacturing headquarters in Middletown. The facility produces protective coatings for roofs, walls and floors, as well as distributes them throughout North America and South America. Liquid Plastics is the sister company of Liquid Plastics Ltd., Preston, England, and the facility was dedicated by Prince Andrew, Duke of York.

Employees and their family members were able to meet Prince Andrew, Duke of York (left), during Middletown, Conn.-based Liquid Plastics Inc.'s manufacturing headquarters' dedication.

W.P. Hickman works to increase productivity

Asheville, N.C.-based W.P. Hickman Co. has partnered with the Industrial Extension Service (IES) of North Carolina State University, Raleigh, to implement the Lean production system throughout its operations. Lean, which is based on Toyota Motor Co.'s Toyota Production System, is designed to help companies improve productivity and lead times and reduce costs.

All W.P. Hickman's employees have participated in training sessions to learn Lean waste-elimination concepts and have begun applying what they learned to the company's projects. During the next year, IES will continue working with W.P. Hickman to improve workflow.

CertainTeed customizes marketing tools

Valley Forge, Pa.-based CertainTeed Corp.'s Building Solutions Division and Portsmouth, N.H.-based The Cyr Group have launched Marketzone,™ an online service that allows contractors to customize their marketing tools with CertainTeed products.

After accessing the Marketzone Web site, www.marketzone.com, a contractor follows prompts to specify his trade and choose a type of marketing tool to customize, such as direct-mail pieces, job-site signs, company brochures and others. The Web site also allows contractors to include company information and logos on marketing materials.

Paragon Roofing Technology expands

Paragon Roofing Technology, Shelby Township, Mich., has merged with R.L. Seiler & Associates LLC, Doylestown, Ohio. According to Paragon Roofing Technology representatives, R.L. Seiler will remain in Doylestown and operate under the Paragon Roofing Technology name. Larry Villers, R.L. Seiler's president, has been appointed Paragon Roofing Technology's director of technical development.

Carlisle names top contractors

Carlisle, Pa.-based Carlisle Syntec Inc. honored 131 of its authorized applicators with Excellence in Single-ply (ESP) recognition at its fifth annual ESP Quality Recognition Program. Contractors must excel in sales volume, technical performance and knowledge of single-ply roof systems to be recognized. About 50 of the recognized companies have received recognition for five consecutive years.

Roofmaster Products expands business

In celebration of its 50th anniversary, Los Angeles-based Roofmaster Products Co. opened new sales and shipping facilities in Atlanta and Buffalo, N.Y.

"We plan to service roofing dealers and contractors with one- or two-day shipping from these locations and build on the relationships we've developed over the [past] 50 years," says Jimmy Yundt, Roofmaster Products' president.

Up the Ladder

Siplast/Icopal has appointed Eric McKenzie district manager for south and west Florida.

Metal-Era Inc. has named Brian Henry Midwest regional sales manager, Rick Ross Southwest regional sales manager and Jason Mooney Southeast regional sales manager.

INSPEC Inc. has hired David Velcheck as director of marketing and Robert A. South as a Roof Design Department project manager.

Stephanie Javorski has been appointed customer service manager for Koppers Industries Inc.

Stevens Roofing Systems has named Roger W. Gunter materials manager for its Carolina manufacturing facility, Chris Godbold Southern regional sales manager, and Tim Carlson district sales manager for New Jersey and New York.