Our History

1919 – Founded

Frederick E. Stockwell establishes the company as a distributor of belting, hose, and rubber products.

Late 1940s–1950s – Entry into Advanced Materials

Under Elbridge F. Stockwell:

• Adoption of closed-cell neoprene sponge (Rubatex®)
• Introduction of silicone rubber sheet materials
• Entry into aerospace, aircraft, color TV, and business machine markets

Strategic Shift: From commodity rubber distribution to performance materials.

1968 – Space Program Era

Under Elbridge F. Stockwell, Jr.:

• Silicone components used in space applications
• Decision to pivot from distribution to OEM-focused gasket and molded component manufacturing

Defining Move: Investment in die cutting and rubber molding capabilities.

1980–1981 – Manufacturing Expansion

Under William B. Stockwell:

• Relocation to 4749 Tolbut Street (Philadelphia)
• Investment in custom molding and fabrication equipment
• Focus on aerospace and defense electronics
• Development of conductive elastomers and thermally conductive silicones

Strategic Focus: High-performance elastomers and EMI protection.

Early–Mid 1990s – High-Tech Commercial Markets

• Expanded materials portfolio:
  • PORON® urethanes
  • BISCO® silicone foams
  • NORSEAL® silicone sponge
  • Conductive silicones for EMI shielding
• Core competence solidified: fabrication and molding of silicone-based elastomers

1996–1997 – Capacity & LSR Expansion

• Acquisition of adjacent facility
• Launch of Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR) injection molding
• Increased production scalability and rapid tooling capability

2001–2003 – Rapid Prototyping Leadership

• Investment in Flow waterjet systems (four by 2009)
• Enabled same-day prototype shipment capability
• Waterjet became core for fast-turn and precision production

Business Model Evolution: Rapid Response manufacturing.

2003–2016 – Quality System Advancements

• Transition: ISO 9002 → ISO 9001:2000 → ISO 9001:2008 → ISO 9001:2015
• Process discipline strengthened to support aerospace and high-tech OEMs

2005–2012 – Precision & Product Expansion

• Cryogenic de-flashing for LSR precision
• Expansion into thermal management & EMI shielding
• UV-cured spliced silicone foam gaskets
• Launch of adhesive-backed silicone gasket tape
• Investment in flash cutting systems

2017 – ESOP & Facility Expansion

• Transition to Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) (30%)
• Groundbreaking for expanded facility
• Inventory capacity increased to support silicone supply stability

2019 – 100-Year Anniversary

Centennial celebration marking four generations of family leadership.

2020 – COVID-19 Response

• Designated essential business
• Rapid pivot to fabricate ventilator silicone manifold gaskets
• Industry collaboration under emergency production conditions

2021 – Leadership Transition

• Tom Rimel named President (first non-family president)
• Bill Stockwell becomes CTO
• Employee ownership expanded to 45%
• Navigated severe global silicone supply shortages

2021–2024 – Growth & Investment

• Eight major equipment investments
• Expansion in molding, waterjet, flash cutting
• +30 technical associates added
• Engineering team expanded to 13 members

October 2024 – 100% Employee Owned

• Company becomes fully employee-owned
• Bill Stockwell continues as Chairman & CTO

2025 – Strategic Positioning

• Positioned to support reshoring to North America
• Continued investment in Rapid Response model
• Focus: high-performance silicone gasketing for advanced technology OEMs