New North American thermoplastic distributor opens shop

A new thermoplastic distribution group has opened its doors in North America, and appointed a Canadian partner.

Headquartered in Clarkston, Mich., General Polymer Thermoplastic Materials LLC opened its doors in October 2016 in response to what it calls “market demands from both prime thermoplastic suppliers and small-to-medium sized users for improved supply, access, and support for engineering resin distribution.”

The firm is headed by industry veterans Gregory Boston and Michael Kirtley. Boston is a former executive with General Polymers-Ashland Distribution, EMS-Grivory, and Asahi Kasei; and Kirtley is president of Spartan Polymers and formerly of Channel Prime Alliance, Ostermann, and Delta Polymers.

“The creation of ‘supersized distributors’ through the consolidation of smaller distribution entities into larger multinational organizations has provided a space for a new entry in national distribution,” Boston said. “We are honouring the lessons that Michael Kirtley and I learned during the early days of authorized resin distribution where relationships with resin producers and a focus on small to medium sized processors were important in the industry.”

The initial plan was to start with commercial coverage in the Midwest U.S., Kirtley said, but the new firm is already expanding into other areas of the U.S. and Canada. “We planned our launch of General Polymers with a focus on the Detroit metro area, but were quickly presented opportunities to support experienced professionals in other regions of North America, and we now have over one-third of North America covered, from Ontario west to Illinois and Kansas, and south to Georgia,” Kirtley said.

Simcoe Plastics Ltd., of Shanty Bay, Ont., is General Polymers’ partner handling sales in Canada. The firm is headed by Kurt Stahle. “Having worked with Kurt and his organization in the past, Simcoe Plastics was a natural fit for a cooperative expansion in Canada,” Boston said.