UNIONTOWN, Ohio—Sometimes, something good can spring from adversity.
That certainly is what Erick Sharp is counting on with the creation of Ace Products & Consulting L.L.C.
When compounding giant Hexpol A.B. acquired Portage Precision Polymers Inc.'s rubber and silicone mixing operations from then-owner and President Doug Hartley in late 2014, several key PPP employees knew they would not be—and ultimately weren't—retained.
Sharp, the former PPP director of operations, was one of them. But he also knew he had several options. Topping his list was creating a consulting and material supply company to service the rubber, silicone and manufacturing industries, which is what he did.
He put plans in motion in January and had his new business operational shortly thereafter.
Sharp did it while closing down PPP's compounding facility in Ravenna, Ohio, for Hartley. The plant was not included in the sale, and mixing at the site was shifted to other Hexpol facilities.
“All operations at the Ravenna facility concluded on Feb. 13,” he said.