Author Archives: Michelle Allshouse

News

IP Corporation Appoints Kevin Casey as Vice President of Sales

Posted on by Michelle Allshouse
03
Apr

(St. Paul, MN – April 3, 2025) Alex Wallenfelsz, Executive Vice President of IP Corporation, is pleased to announce that Kevin Casey has joined the company as Vice President of Sales. Kevin will be responsible for leading the commercial team for all IP Corporation’s manufacturing companies, including Interplastic, HK Research, and Molding Products.

Alex Wallenfelsz commented, “Kevin brings a wealth of knowledge in the composites industry, having held leadership positions at Premix, Sika, Mar-Bal, EMS-EFTEC and most recently, Jaeger-Unitek Sealing Solutions. His extensive experience in leading sales teams and expanding new technologies will create a focused “One-Team” customer philosophy as we accelerate the launch of our integrated Interplastic and HK Research team”.

According to Kevin Casey, “IP Corporation and HK Research have pioneered, industry leading polyester resins, vinyl ester resins, gel coats, molding and bonding compounds, putties and colorants. The integration of HK Research, combined with IP Corporation’s full range of products, provides our customers with innovative, customer-specific technologies. We are excited to multiply this market focus in delivering best-in-class customer support with a full range of products and services”.

Company officials added that the creation of the Vice President of Sales position further demonstrates IP Corporation’s commitment to create market leading technologies and service to valued customers, while fostering collaboration and innovation within our organization.

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Interplastic and HK Research Announce Strategic Integration

Posted on by Michelle Allshouse

(St. Paul, MN – January 20, 2025) IP Corporation is excited to announce the integration of Interplastic and HK Research, two industry leaders in the composites market. Interplastic and HK Research joined together in 2019, making them the largest gel coat manufacturer in the United States. After collaborating successfully for several years, we have now made the decision to integrate our sales teams. This strategic integration aims to leverage the unique strengths of both companies to create a more powerful and differentiated entity in the market, ultimately benefiting our customers by providing a more comprehensive range of products and services.

By combining Interplastic’s expertise in polyester resins, vinyl ester resins, gel coats, bonding compounds, putties and colorants with HK Research’s advanced gel coat performance and production capabilities, we offer a vertically integrated range of products and services that provide significant value to our customers.

A key aspect of this integration is joining the sales models of both companies. HK Research has successfully operated with a model utilizing technical sales representatives, while Interplastic has operated with a more traditional sales representative model. By retaining and leveraging both approaches, we will solidify our role in the market as technically proficient, focused on understanding and meeting customer needs, and cultivating strong customer relationships. We will remain market leaders providing exceptional solutions.

As we move forward with this integration, we will ensure that all team members are well-equipped to represent and provide the full range of Interplastic and HK Research offerings to our customers, including gel coats, resins, and bonding compounds.

We are dedicated to ensuring a seamless integration and maintaining the high standards of quality and service that our customers have come to expect from us. We look forward to continuing to serve the industry with excellence and integrity.

News

Team Building at the Bass Master Classic

Posted on by Michelle Allshouse

(Hickory, NC – March 22nd, 2024)

Team Building at the Bass Master Classic: A Unique Blend of Industry Engagement and Employee Appreciation

In an era when employee engagement and workplace satisfaction are more crucial than ever, innovative companies are finding unique ways to blend industry involvement with team-building activities. HK Research is one such company, leading in the gel coat manufacturing sector, and has taken this concept to new heights, proving that learning and team bonding can extend far beyond the confines of the office.

Last year, the company orchestrated an unforgettable field trip for its Hickory, NC, team to a prominent boat show. This event allowed the team to admire the exquisite boats made with their products and interact with industry experts, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for their work. The success and positive feedback from this trip have paved the way for another exciting adventure in 2024.

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News

Celebrating Excellence: Earning the Malibu Supplier of the Year Award

Posted on by Michelle Allshouse

(Hickory, NC – November 14th, 2023)

In a world where excellence is pursued but seldom reached, HK Research’s relentless drive and strategic planning have propelled them into the spotlight, culminating in the prestigious Malibu Supplier of the Year award. This recognition is a testament to the company’s quality products and service and a reflection of its innovative vision and hard work.

Malibu Boats, the largest towboat builder globally, is renowned for its uncompromising quality and innovation. It accounts for one-third of new towboat builds worldwide. Winning the Supplier of the Year Award from such a titan in the marine industry is no small feat. It signifies trust, consistency, and excellence that few can claim to achieve.

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News

Chris Burris Joins HK as Technical Service Representative

Posted on by Michelle Allshouse

(Hickory, NC – December 14th, 2022) HK Research is pleased to announce Chris Burris has joined HK Research as Technical Service Representative.

Chris brings a variety of experience to HK which includes production work in lamination, gel coat, gel coat repair, and pultrusion. He has 19 years of experience in the boating industry, earning the role of supervisor over gel coat and lamination 5 years ago.

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