POLYMER SERVICES & INNOVATIONS PRINCIPALS

Prior to forming PS&I, John Phillips, Doug Caster and Ernest McClellan were Principals of Plast-O-Meric Inc and its associated companies until their sale in 1998. Plast-O-Meric Inc. created the industry benchmarks for quality, problem-solving, customer service, integrity and partnerships in vinyl plastisols and vinyl molding powders, vinyl coating powders, screen printing inks and urethane systems. Ladd Horvath brings experience in manufacturing, selling, and technical service for Geon PVC dispersion resins, as well as how they compare to competitive products being used. Rick Theissen brings technology in both plastisols and organosols, as well as other polymers, such as acrylics and urethanes to PS&I.

DOUG J. CASTER
B.S. Chemistry and Business - University of Toledo
Over 30 years of vinyl formulating, manufacturing and processing experience
Instrumental in the growth of Plast-O-Meric's Ohio Operations; rising to the role of Vice-President
Manager of PolyOne Plastisol Business Unit
Member of the Society of Plastics Engineers
Past Chairman of the Vinyl Formulators Division of SPI

LADD HORVATH
B.S. Chemistry - University of Akron
Over 34 years with BF Goodrich, The Geon Company and PolyOne Corporation
Experience in polymer research and development, including synthetic rubber, Plastisol grade PVC resins, new product development, sales and customer/technical service, formulation and application development
Contributor to The Handbook of PVC Formulating, with a chapter on Rheology Control Agents for Plastisols and Organosols
Thorough knowledge of FDA and Automotive specifications for Vinyl Plastisols used in these applications

ERNEST E. McCLELLAN
B.S. Chemical Engineering - Purdue University
M.S. Chemistry - University of Akron
Over 50 years in compounding and processing of vinyl and other polymers
Founded Plast-O-Meric in 1968
Past Chairman and Honorary Member of the Vinyl Formulators Division of SPI
Member of the Society of Plastics Engineers
Member of the Association of Rotational Molders Hall of Fame and recipient of their Distinguished Service Award
Editor and contributing author for SPI Vinyl Formulators Division PVC Plastisol 101 Training Seminars

JOHN A. PHILLIPS
B.S. Chemistry- St. Norbert College
Over 35 years of experience in vinyl and related polymer development and processing
Ten years as President of Plast-O-Meric Inc.
Former General Manager of PolyOne Formulators Group
Member of the Society of Plastics Engineers

RICHARD F. THEISSEN
B.S. Chemistry – University of Minnesota (Minneapolis)
Over 34 years with 3M Company – Appointed to Division Scientist (Decorative Products Division, Automotive Design Systems Division, and Commercial Graphics Division)
Over 34 years experience in vinyl formulating, manufacturing and processing for plastisol and organosol technology
Additional experience in formulating, manufacturing and processing of urethane and acrylic resin systems
Past Chairperson of Polymer, Modifier and Additives Division (PM&AD) of the Society of Plastics Engineers