Jump to content

Durcon

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Erinrmcc (talk | contribs) at 22:34, 6 February 2014 (Acquisitions). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

Durcon Incorporated, a Wilsonart LLC company[1], is a global company headquartered in Taylor, TX that manufactures chemical resistant epoxy resin countertops and sinks for use in laboratories, classrooms and other research environments.[2]

Durcon Facilities

Durcon’s manufacturing facility is 120,000 square feet located in Taylor, TX. Durcon has sales and fabrication facilities in Canada, Poland, Malaysia and China to serve markets in Europe and Russia, the Middle East and Southeast Asia.[3]

Manufacturing

Durcon Epoxy Resin worksurfaces are thermosets cured through three stages. By combining two reactive materials – monolithic epoxy resin and the curing agent – with a catalyst and heat, the resin and curing agent react to result in the branching of chains. As curing continues, molecular weight accelerates causing viscosity to increase. Eventually, the material changes from a viscous liquid to a solid gel. The material is then placed into a curing oven to increase durability and solidity. The final stage of curing results in completion of the cross-linking process at which the average molecule weight diverges to infinity. Thermosets like epoxy resin possess good dimensional stability, thermal stability and chemical resistance.[4]

Growth

In 2011, Durcon moved all its U.S. operations to Taylor, resulting in an expansion of its facilities and 65 new jobs. “We went from learning there was a chance that we could lose 200 jobs to having a net gain of 65 jobs,” Jason Ford, CEO of the Taylor Economic Development Corp said. “We are incredibly excited to work with Durcon as it grows here.”[5]

In 2013, as part of a company-wide effort to support its global business goals, Durcon recruits approximately 80 new production, technical and managerial personnel. Taylor Economic Development Corp President, CEO, Sean Stockard states, “Durcon jobs are the exact types of jobs that are good for the Taylor community and we at the TEDC are pleased to be able to assist Durcon as they continue to grow in Taylor.”[6]

To date, Durcon has invested more than $7.5 million in its Taylor facility. Durcon has increased its employees from 220 to 430, while still actively recruiting.[7]

Acquisitions

  • 2003 – Laboratory Tops acquires The Durcon Company and retains the Durcon name[8]
  • 2013 – Wilsonart LLC acquires Durcon Incorporated from Private Equity firm Quad-C Management[1]

Awards

  • 2013 Economic Engine Award presented by Taylor Economic Development Corporation[9]
  • 2013 Employer Award of Excellence presented by the Texas Workforce Commission and Local Workforce Development Board[9]
  • Durcon named finalist for the 2013 Texas Workforce Solutions Employer of the Year[9]
  • 2013 Medium Business Export Award presented by The Austin Chamber of Commerce[9]

Charity Contributions

Durcon partners with Scott & White Healthcare Foundation to initiate Durcon Dolls for Children program at Scott & White Hospital in Taylor, TX on September 13, 2013. Durcon presented Scott & White with a $750 check to initiate the program, which provides children with hand-sewn dolls and markers for comfort and therapeutic value. Nurses and physicians use the doll to communicate with the children by asking them to point to the area on their dolls where they feel pain.[10]

In 2013, Durcon made a monetary donation to WWII Veterans Honor Flight to Washington. The donation enabled Honor Flight Austin’s mission to transport WWI or terminally ill veterans to Washington D.C., allowing them to visit the memorials dedicated to honor their service and sacrifices.[10]

Durcon provides volunteers to Shepherd’s Heart Pantry and holds annual food drives that collect over 2,000lbs of canned and packaged goods.[10]

References

  1. ^ a b "Wilsonart LLC Completes Purchase of Durcon Incorporated". PR Newswire. 8 Nov 2013. Retrieved January 30, 2014.
  2. ^ "Durcon, Inc.: Products Made in the USA". Taylor Daily Press. 4 June 2013. Retrieved January 29, 2014.
  3. ^ Buchholz, Jan (1 April 2013). "Durcon ramping up staff at Taylor facility". Austin Business Journal. Retrieved January 29, 2014.
  4. ^ Prime, Bruce. "An Introduction to Thermosets" (PDF). Prime Thermosets. Retrieved January 29, 2014.
  5. ^ Hawkins, Lori (10 August 2011). "Durcon consolidating U.S. operations in Taylor, adding 65 new jobs". Statesman.com. Retrieved January 29, 2014.
  6. ^ "Taylor company opening new positions to aid business growth". Lexington Leader. 11 April 2013. Retrieved January 29, 2014.
  7. ^ Givens, Lisa. "TWC Names ExxonMobil Employer of the Year at Texas Workforce Conference" (PDF). Texas Workforce. Retrieved January 29, 2014.
  8. ^ "Stonebridge Partners Sells Alpha Packaging and Durcon Laboratory Tops, Inc". Stonebridge Partners. Retrieved January 30, 2014.
  9. ^ a b c d Hennington, Jason (15 Dec 2013). "Economic Engine". Taylor Daily Press. Retrieved January 30, 2014.
  10. ^ a b c "Durcon Dolls for Children". Scott & White Healthcare Foundation. Retrieved January 30, 2014.