JER signs supply agreement with Que. tile manufacturer

B.C.-based biocomposite manufacturer JER Envirotech International Corp. has agreed to a multi-year supply agreement to supply thermoplastic biocomposite sheeting products to Cowansville, Que.-based JJ Barker Company.

The sheeting products will be utilized in JJ Barker’s line of moisture resistant decorative tile and wall covering products. JER is a manufacturer of thermoplastic biocomposite compounds and sheeting, with a patented technology that utilizes waste or by-product materials like wood fibre and rice hulls to produce environmentally-friendly products.

The supply agreement covers the supply of up to 40,000 sheets anually of 3 mm and 4 mm thick JERTech Biocomposite Sheeting, ranging in size from 4 ft by 8 ft, to 4 ft by 5 ft. The new agreement is the result of an extensive development effort by the two companies, which included nearly two years of testing and trials.

By using JERtech sheeting, JJ Barker will be able to offer their customers a non-toxic, moisture resistant high strength, dimensionally stable, and eco-friendly option, according to JER.

JER also noted that it has begun increasing production capabilities and staffing to meet JJ Barker’s purchase requirements by the start of the second calendar quarter in 2009.

“The supply agreement we have established with JJ Barker for the JERtech Sheeting product line is the culmination of intense efforts by JER Envirotech’s Research and Development team and the extraordinary cooperation and assistance of JJ Barker management and production teams,” said JER president and CEO Edward Trueman.

JJ Barker Company is a family owned business founded in 1898, and the company has been manufacturing decorative and practical wall panels for high humidity areas such as kitchens and bathrooms since the 1940s.

“JER Envirotech’s commitment to the co-development of a durable product for our challenging high humidity applications concluded with the introduction of an environmentally friendly, moisture resistant decorative panel system that meets our stringent requirements and those of our customers and prospects,” explained JJ Barker president Gordon Wood.

He also noted that the company was looking forward to introducing the bio-based sheeting into its line of decorative moisture resistant panels.