Robert D. Sweet, Jr. 1937-2018
In memorium of Bob Sweet, founder of Creative Pultrusions Inc.
.png;width=70;height=70;mode=crop;format=webp)
Robert D. Sweet, Jr., founder of Creative Pultrusions (Pleasantville, PA, US), passed away on Friday, Sept. 21, 2018, at age 81.
Sweet started the fiberglass-reinforced plastics manufacturer in 1973 on the prospect of a $250,000 order from General Motors. Working with a converted tow truck and five employees, he delivered the prototype a month early. In 2008, when Sweet retired and sold the company to Hill & Smith Holdings (Solihull, UK), Creative Pultrusions employed nearly 300 people making $40 million of products a year from its 100,000 ft2 factory.
Sweet was inducted into the Composites Institute (now the American Composites Manufacturers Association) Hall of Fame in 1995 and having received a Brandt Goldsworthy Pultruder of the Year award in 2007. He was a widely respected entrepreneur in the composites industry and will be greatly missed.
Related Content
-
Materials & Processes: Fabrication methods
There are numerous methods for fabricating composite components. Selection of a method for a particular part, therefore, will depend on the materials, the part design and end-use or application. Here's a guide to selection.
-
Composite resins price change report
CW’s running summary of resin price change announcements from major material suppliers that serve the composites manufacturing industry.
-
Materials & Processes: Tooling for composites
Composite parts are formed in molds, also known as tools. Tools can be made from virtually any material. The material type, shape and complexity depend upon the part and length of production run. Here's a short summary of the issues involved in electing and making tools.
