Founded in 1996, Alpine Plastics, Inc., is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. Alpine Plastics is the brainchild of Phil Barker and Charlie Emig, who began the company as Charlie was looking to put a new porch rail on his home. Charlie was searching for an alternative to his wood front porch which had been hit for years by his sprinklers and was now rotting. After much research Charlie decided that vinyl was the way to go, as it was so low maintenance. At the time, there were no vinyl balusters on the market, vinyl railings were only made with straight pickets. Charlie and Phil decided to start a company to produce decorative vinyl balusters, and Alpine Plastics was born.
Original Alpine Plastics balusters were manufactured in Springfield Massachusetts, available in a 32” and 39” colonial style. They were blow molded. Soon a tapered colonial was added to the mix.
Seeking to provide more accessories to the fence, deck, and rail industries, Alpine branched out into lights and caps, reselling the products made by Stallion Fence Accessories, and LMT-Mercer Group.
Enjoying the aesthetic appeal of the wrought iron belly baluster, Charlie sought to mimic the design in vinyl. Hoping to find a more economical solution than the blow molding process, he did much experimentation with the belly baluster process. At one point, he even warmed the product in a large tub on his stove, and bent the balusters by hand. After much research, he discovered the perfect way to produce a belly baluster, needless to say, it did not involve his stove.
Alpine Plastics continued to grow in market share and profits under the direction of Charlie Emig, until 2002. In an effort to increase profits, Mike Thompson, was brought in to streamline the business. Determining that their main focus should be on balusters and that production could be managed much more efficiently closer to the corporate headquarters, in late 2002, all production was moved to Orem, Utah, where 1 ½ x 1 ½ Colonials, and Belly Balusters were produced. The production process was changed from blow molding to thermal molding, making it much easier to both produce products, and add more styles to the line.
Sales doubled in 2003 with the re-introduction of the newly designed tapered baluster, and several other proprietary molds. In late 2003, Mike handed the reigns over to Ron Zarbock, who ran the company until fall of 2005.
Great changes and additions were seen in 2004. The 1 ¼ Colonial Baluster, and 1 ¼ Composite Colonial Baluster was added to the stellar Colonial line. Noticing the need for original baluster designs in the industry, in conjunction with Michael Rosian, of Chicago Illinois, Alpine Plastics introduced a new line of specialty balusters, which included the Fluted, Tear Drop, and Jewel balusters. The Gingerbread, or shorty baluster was also introduced. These saw very strong sales as customers reveled in the variety now available. Also introduced in 2004 were the original High Hat Lights, and Aluminum Brackets, designed by Michael Rosian. In the fall of 2004, Alpine Plastics moved part of their production to Youngstown, Ohio, where it was closer to many of their customers, cutting down on shipping times.
Continuing to roll with the demands in the industry, Alpine introduced their 5 x 5 Colonial Porch Posts in 2005, which proved to be an immediate success. Also introduced in 2005 were the French, Classic and Traditional Balusters, all 1 ½ x 1 ½. In late 2005, Phil Barker, one of the founders of Alpine Plastics, took over the day-to-day operations.
2006 has seen several additions to Alpine Plastics incredible lineup of balusters. An 1 3/8 Colonial Baluster is now available. In tandem with Sash, UK of the United Kingdom, Alpine Plastics has introduced foiled balusters. This creative new style is available in Cherrywood, Green, and Rosewood, and comes in several different styles, the Colonial, French, Traditional, and Classic.
In a further effort to increase profits and satisfy customer demand, just after Fence Tech Alpine Plastics moved all of its remaining Utah productions to Denver, Colorado. Alpine Plastics continues to offer over 10 different styles of balusters, and the 5 x 5 porch post, all of which are available in a variety of colors and lengths.
Looking over the past decade, Phil Barker, has said of Alpine Plastics, “It’s been an interesting ten years. We’ve learned a lot about the fence, deck and railing industry and continue to anticipate the needs and demands of our customers.” Alpine Plastics anticipates another ten years of phenomenal growth and profits, and looks forward to what the future holds.
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