Copps Industries of Mequon has joined with an Italian firm, Italgrip, to test a new product, also called Italgrip, to safeguard Wisconsin roadways in winter.
Italgrip, an anti-skid surface epoxy, has been used for more than 10 years in Europe on such highly traveled roads as the autobahn and autostrata.
Four years ago, as part of a national highway safety effort, Wisconsin was chosen as a test site for the epoxy. A one-half mile patch on Highway 16 on the overpass near Capitol Drive in Pewaukee, as well as four locations in LaCrosse County, were selected for a five year test.
Italgrip is also being tested in Indiana, New Jersey and Virginia. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation reports that additional sites will be tested this winter in Pewaukee, and in Marquette County near Portage.
Italgrip is produced stateside at the Copps Industries plant in Mequon, notes Copps Industries vice president Greg Palmer. “The concrete roadway surface is repaired and cleaned and then the Italgrip epoxy is sprayed and aggregate applied to make the surface much like sandpaper. The formula itself was developed only after extensive testing. First, an epoxy is applied, then a metal aggregate is spread over it; the spaces between the particles allow water to drain away and limit ice build-up. Past products haven’t lasted very long; this is the first product to maintain its integrity and anti-skid surface for more than four years,” said Palmer.
Copps Industries manufactures a variety of epoxy compound products. The company has created more than 1,500 different formulations — or products — all manufactured at its 25,000 square foot plant at 10600 N. Industrial Dr. in Mequon, staffed by 43 employees, five of which are professionally degreed chemists. The company has earned the ISO 9001:1994 re-certification for both its manufacturing and installation processing and is in line for ISO 9001:2000 certification.
Founded in 1979 by Patrick Copps, a degreed chemist, Copps Industries serves more than a dozen markets around the world including chemical processing, power generation, tool and die, pulp and paper, the food and beverage industries, commercial construction, and newest to the Copps market reach — state and federal highway systems.
Copps is divided into three divisions Mining Products, Electrical Insulation Compounds and Construction Adhesives. Its newest product line, an outgrowth of the Construction Adhesives division, is Industrial Concrete Flooring.
The company recently completed work for the Wisconsin Air National Guard 128th Air Refueling Wing. “Copps re-coated the floors in two of our hangers, one is 40,000 square feet and the other is 18,000 square feet. They installed some custom-designed OSHA permanent striping as well. We are so pleased with the results and the durability of the epoxy, we have recently contracted with them to do even more work,” said Robert Lynch, building and grounds superintendent for the 128th Air Refueling Wing.
Jan. 10, 2003 Small Business Times, Milwaukee
