One-On-One Attention Helps International Marble Excel

The Challenge
International Marble Industries was experiencing air entrapment in the gel coats it used for its line of cultured marble products. Previous suppliers were unable to correct the problem. Air entrapment causes pitting and other cosmetic flaws in the finished surface.

The Answer
HK Research worked one-on-one with International Marble to develop a gel coat specific to its needs. With input from International Marble, the 1404 Series of Low-HAP NPG-ISO gel coats was born.

The Outcome
International Marble Industries no longer deals with air entrapment, and easily made the transition to HK’s low-HAP gel coats. Today, the two companies continue working together developing new products.

“We feel HK Research is the best at what they do, and that makes us even better at what we do. They have an excellent technical support team, and I appreciate the fact that Dick Higgins is only a phone call away.”

–– Nathan Rivera, Operations Manager, International Marble Industries

www.internationalmarbleindustries.com

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Better Quality + Increased Production = Lower Emissions

The Challenge
Jacobs Manufacturing was facing two major problems with its gel coats. First, the pump houses and other fiberglass enclosures the company produces were simply not holding up to the typical 100% sun exposure they experience. There was chalking and fading, in most cases, within six months. Second, the lack of a usable low-HAP gel coat was putting pressure to limit emissions on other areas of production.

The Answer
Jacobs began using HK Research’s LHA series of FRP gel coats and noticed the difference immediately. Poor quality, bulky “extender fillers” are the reason gel coats chalk or fade when exposed to the elements. HK Research does not use fillers, therefore delivering a higher quality gel coat. HK is the recognized leader in low-HAPs, offering high quality gel coats with fewer environmentally harmful emissions.

The Outcome
Since switching to HK gel coats there is no visible fading, the exterior retains its luster and chalking is no longer a problem in Jacobs Manufacturing’s products. Additionally, they have been able to increase production by using HK’s low-HAP gel coats.

“In 2002, our production was up 12% over the year before but we actually lowered our emissions. In the last 20 years we have seen tremendous strides in the quality of finishes that are available. Gel coats really hadn’t kept up until HK Research came along.”

–– Mike Jacobs, President of Jacobs Manufacturing

www.greencis.net/~jmc

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Donzi Marine Finds Gel Coat Answer

The Challenge
Gel coat inconsistencies were consuming valuable time during daily production meetings and creating production nightmares for Donzi Marine, a leading manufacturer of high-performance boats. Specifically it was gel coat color variations from one batch to the next, a common problem in boat manufacturing, that was creating headaches for Donzi.

The Answer
A switch to HK Research’s HydroShield® Lite gel coat solved the problem. HK Research holds the tightest color specs in the industry, thanks to a fully-automated plant and a unique method of making gel coats. That kind of barrel-to-barrel consistency means fewer, if any, finish repairs.

The Outcome
For Donzi, it means one less thing to worry about in production meetings.

“We used to spend a big portion of our daily production meeting wrestling with gel coat problems. Since we switched to HK Research gel coats, the topic rarely comes up.”

— Steve Simon, VP Operations, Donzi Marine

www.donzimarine.com

Editor’s Note: It is with great sadness that we learned of the untimely death of Steve Simon, Team Donzi’s Director of Racing. To view a tribute to his life and work, please click on the following link:
http://www.donzimarine.com/DonziWebsite/Site/simon/stevesimon.html

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Post-Cure Cracking Eliminated at Flats Cat Boats

The Challenge
The heat and humidity in Texas makes working with gel coats extra tough. Bill Allison of Flats Cat Boats knows the cost all too well. Once he had to rebuild eight boats at his own expense because of post-cure cracking.

The Answer
Several years ago HK Research formulated a custom-made solution that stands up to the difficult environment of Allison’s plant, and his personal expectations.

The Outcome
The change was immediate. The issues with volatility and cracking are long gone, and Allison wouldn’t consider any gel coat supplier other than HK.

“We only use the best products, and HK definitely has the best gel coats. And best of all, they stand behind their products 100%.”

— Bill Allison, Flat’s Cat Boats

www.flatscat.com

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Consistency a Must for Diversified Fiberglass Fabricators

The Challenge
As a manufacturer of automobile parts, Diversified Fiberglass Fabricators’ colors have to match vehicle paint jobs perfectly. As Bill Rhew’s business took off, he needed a gel coat provider that could keep up with his growing needs, while providing the kind of color consistency that his customers demand.

The Answer
Working together, Rhew and HK Research have developed a variety of different colored gel coats specially formulated for Diversified Fiberglass Fabricators. HK representatives visit the plant regularly and are available on the spot if there are any problems.

The Outcome
For more than 20 years, HK Research’s special formulation, consistency and superior customer service has helped Diversified Fiberglass Fabricators’ satisfy their demanding customers.

“They are some of the most knowledgeable people that I’ve ever dealt with, and I’ve dealt with a lot of them. HK makes some of the best gel coats I’ve ever used and that’s why I’ve been with them for so long.”

–Bill Rhew, President, Diversified Fiberglass Fabricators

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Superior Quality Worth It to Piedmont Well Covers

The Challenge
Pam Wainscott, owner of Piedmont Well Covers, was familiar with the problems that can arise with poor quality, cheap gel coats. Trash that clogged the spray guns, inconsistent color and other problems that cost time and money. That’s why her company has only dealt with one gel coat supplier during its 10-year history.

The Answer
Wainscott witnessed the quality of HK Research’s gel coats when working with another company and didn’t want to take a chance on using anything but the best. Spending a little more for quality gel coats makes a big difference, not just for Piedmont Well Covers but for the satisfaction of its customers too.

The Outcome
Because HK Research provides unmatched barrel-to-barrel consistency, Piedmont Well Covers never faces production obstacles or slow-downs due to the quality of its gel coats.

“We could go with a cheaper product, but we would not get the excellent service and superior quality that we get with HK. It’s just not worth it to use any other gel coat.”

–Pam Wainscott, Owner, Piedmont Well Covers

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