Growth Seen for Cast Polymers
Atlanta About 1,200 manufacturers of cast polymer products and
other professionals, many with direct ties to the kitchen and bath
market, attended the recent Polycon 2001 trade show, conducted here
by the International Cast Polymer Association (ICPA). The keynote
speaker at the trade show/educational conference was renowned
interior designer Michael Payne, the host of House & Garden
TV’s Designing for the Sexes, who said that the cast polymer
industry is poised for significant growth over the next decade.
“You can create product in any shape imaginable and in any color
or finish imaginable,” he said. “I cannot think of another material
that is as versatile.”
Cast polymer products include cultured marble, onyx, solid
surface materials and other products with a broad range of
applicability in kitchens and baths.
Payne especially noted the ability of national and regional
manufacturers to create non-stone looks with the material,
including solid colors and patterns, or custom fillers such as torn
paper, metal filings, glass or fiber optics.
The ICPA also elected its 2001 slate of officers at the
convention. The trade association’s new president is Jack Hedrick,
Tri-State Marble, Springdale, AR; president-elect is Todd Werstler,
Tower Industries, Massillon, OH. Incoming v.p. is Steve Embler,
Glenmar Manufacturing, Exton, PA and secretary/treasurer is Debbie
Cannon, CoMar Products, Cayce, SC.
The ICPA’s immediate past president is Royce Newsom, Venetian of
Lubbock, Lubbock, TX, and the supplier member of the Executive
Committee is Jeff Dommeyer, AOC, Collierville, TN.
The Polycon 2002 trade show is scheduled to be held from
February 13-16, 2002 at the Disney Coronado Springs Resort in
Orlando, FL.