Raising the Roof: Siplast opens storm testing facility in South Arkansas -

By JOEL PHELPS | arkadelphian.com

What does a small town like Gum Springs, Arkansas, have in common with New York City? In a way, they’re both under the same roof.

Prominent skyscrapers that carve out the Manhattan skyline — Empire State Building, One World Trade Center and the Chrysler Building — are protected from above by roofing materials manufactured in the Clark County Industrial Park in Gum Springs.

Siplast, a Standard Industries company, in partnership with the Arkadelphia Regional Economic Development Alliance and Area Chamber of Commerce, held a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the completed construction of its RISE Storm Testing Facility on Thursday, July 18, 2024.

Located in Gum Springs, the new, 12,500-square foot facility focuses on testing Siplast’s premium roofing and waterproofing products against storm conditions and features state-of-the-art capabilities and equipment, including an advanced wind pressure testing unit with a 10,000- lb. hoist and a 2”/4” high-velocity hail cannon. The $2 million expansion is located in what once housed a portion of Petit Jean Poultry.

Addressing Clark County Judge Troy Tucker, a Siplast engineer explains the company’s new wind uplift resistance testing. The equipment features a 10,000-pound hoist for manipulating full roof assemblies as well as wind-condition simulations over 100 mph. | *Joel Phelps photo/arkadelphian.com*

The celebratory event began with remarks by Kirk Goodrum, Siplast vice president and general manager; Clark County Judge Troy Tucker; Arkadelphia City Manager Gary Brinkley; and Shelley Short, President and CEO, Arkadelphia Regional Economic Development Alliance.

About 40 visitors were on hand as Siplast officials demonstrated the testing apparatuses. The star of the show was the high-velocity, air-pressurized cannon capable of launching 2- or 4-inch ice molds replicating hail stones at roofing material. Watch the video below to see the cannon in action.

In this video, a pressurized cannon hurls a 4-inch ice mold, replicating a hail stone, at high velocity toward a sample of metal roof.

“This RISE Testing Facility will help Siplast accelerate product testing, provide assurance to contractors, architects, specifiers, and building owners, and help us continue to be an innovative partner committed to delivering high-quality products to our clients every step of the way,” said Goodrum.

Testing began at the facility in March.

The new facility complements the existing RISE Center at the Arkadelphia plant, which opened in 2021 with lab equipment designed for a variety of testing and product development. The RISE centers allows professionals in the fields of chemistry, physics and engineering collaborate as they work toward advancements in the roofing industry.

**Surrounded by Siplast employees and local business professionals, Kirk Goodrum cuts the ribbon celebrating the opening of the RISE Storm Testing Facility in Gum Springs, Arkansas.** | *Joel Phelps photo/arkadelphian.com*

“For over 45 years, Siplast has been an integral member of the Clark County manufacturing and business community,” said Short. “Through local employment, they’ve made an incredible impact on our economy while also supporting the community through outreach efforts and partnership. We can all be proud of Siplast and Clark County’s influence and the significant role this new facility will play on roofing and waterproofing projects in communities around the globe.”

The same roofing material on places like One World Trade Center will soon be installed on the Clark County Court Complex, as Judge Tucker said Siplast materials will be used for upcoming roof repairs on the local facility.

Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, Siplast has been a manufacturer in Clark County for 45 years. It currently employs about 170 people in Clark County.