Celebrating 75 Years: Chemprene’s Legacy of American Pride and Innovation
As we proudly kick off our 75th anniversary celebrations, join us in exploring the rich history of Chemprene, a proud American company that has built its foundation right here in America.
Our story began in the 1950s with innovators Tom Martini, Dan Donovan, and Bill Shephard. They launched Chemical Rubber Products on South Avenue in Beacon, specializing in coated fabrics for government applications and setting a high bar for excellence and rapid growth.
Our journey through the decades has been marked by significant milestones and expansions. The 1960s saw us venturing into diaphragm manufacturing in 1961 and entering the belting market in 1962 with the introduction of advanced belt curing machinery in additional leased spaces on Academy Street.
A pivotal moment in our history came in 1964 when Chemprene was acquired by the Richardson Company, prompting a rebranding to Chemprene, Inc., and fostering substantial growth. The foundation of our current facility at 483 Fishkill Avenue was laid in July 1972, embodying our commitment to maintaining our operations within the same community—a reflection of our dedication to our skilled and loyal workforce.
The acquisition by the New York-based Witco Corporation in 1982 introduced new resources and opportunities, which were further embraced during the management buyout in 1993 by a team of local managers and investors, underscoring our deep roots and vision.
Entering the new millennium, Chemprene became a part of Gamma Holding in 1997, fortifying our mission to lead in manufacturing conveyor belts, industrial diaphragms, and coated fabrics. This period also highlighted our unique market differentiator: our capability to produce our own rubber, positioning us distinctly in the industry. With the creation of ZipLink, we have certainly empowered our customers providing them with a new technology that enhances belt strength and longevity.
Today, our facilities extend over 220,000 square feet, featuring state-of-the-art administrative, manufacturing and laboratory spaces used for our own rubber production, which allows us to maintain full control in every step of the process, making sure our products are made with the highest quality standards. Our products are integral to key sectors such as automotive, aerospace, electronics, food, and distribution services.
As part of the AMMEGA Americas $100M investment, we are reinforcing our infrastructure and capabilities, ensuring that we continue to innovate and excel in creating high-quality, American-made products. This investment not only celebrates our rich history but also commits us even more with our “Built American Proud (BAP)” policy, making sure we are ready to continue serving our customers and setting the stage for future advancements. To learn more about BAP, please visit us at: https://www.ammega.com/americas/builtamericanproud-com
Join us as we celebrate 75 years of achievements, embracing our Built American Proud spirit and stepping forward into a future filled with potential. Here’s to continuing the Chemprene legacy of excellence and innovation in American manufacturing!