IDI Composites International’s John K. Merrell is inducted into ACMA Hall Of Fame

IDI Composites International’s (Noblesville, Ind., U.S) founder, John K. Merrell, was posthumously honored with the American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA, Arlington, Va., U.S.) Hall of Fame Award. The award recognizes a member who has attained distinction among his/her peers through their involvement and accomplishments in the composites industry and its associations.

“We’re honored to see our founder’s legacy commemorated in such a meaningful way,” states Tom Merrell, CEO of IDI Composites International. “He instilled the vision and principles we aim for everyday: commitment, creativity and collaboration. Receiving recognition for his contributions to the industry from the ACMA means a great deal."

Founded in 1966 by John K. Merrell, IDI Composites International has grown into a global developer and manufacturer of thermoset molding compounds. As a material supplier, IDI collaborates with OEMs, Tier 1s and molders to develop sheet molding compounds (SMC), bulk molding compounds (BMC) and structural thermoset composites (STC) for the demanding applications in the transportation, infrastructure, construction and electrical markets.

The company is headquartered in Noblesville, Ind., U.S.; in addition to its Indiana headquarters and manufacturing center, the group operates five wholly owned manufacturing facilities in Puerto Rico, Mexico, France, the U.K. and China. IDI’s sister organization, Norplex-Micarta (Postville, Iowa, U.S.), is a manufacturer of high performance thermoset composite materials based on impregnation and lamination technology. Norplex-Micarta has two manufacturing facilities in Iowa and China. It has just opened a third facility in Manhattan, Mon., U.S., which will house Norplex Advanced Composites, a new venture aimed at expanding the company’s commitment to prepregs and advanced composite materials. Combined, the group has more than 700 employees globally.

Throughout its 55-year history, IDI Composites International has remained family owned and operated. The collaborative spirit, creativity and commitment to excellence which drove John K. Merrell to launch the company continues today as the foundation for the company’s continued success.

John Merrell passed away in June of 2015 after a 49-year career in the composites industry.