Panel Solutions, Inc.

Panel Solutions was established in 1999 by Tom Zurek when he created a new way to service the mobile home industry. He borrowed a small space in a friend′s warehouse with one machine he designed himself, and one part-time employee. He has developed this company into a family ran operation with his wife as vice-president, son Victor as plant manager, his daughter Amanda as a border salesperson and his daughter-in-law Joanna as customer service. In 2004, the company built a 12, 000 sq. Ft. Manufacturing facility in Elkhart, In. And in 2006, added another 15, 000 sq. Ft. The company is quickly approaching $5 million in sales. Our success represents what is truly unique about Elkhart county manufacturing and how it supports the entrepreneurship of our citizens.

All of Panel′s product lines were created to address problems with in their industries. Problems are challenges that lead to opportunities. Panel Solutions was created by developing a better way to fix damaged drywall panels for the mobile home industry. Tom figured a way to laminate a heavy, damage resistant overlay to decorative vinyl′s and papers which could be applied to an existing panel with simple wallpaper glue. After introducing this product to all major manufactures such as Skyline, Fairmont Homes, Fleetwood Homes, etc. The concept was welcomed and utilized throughout the industry. The idea was unique and innovative and continues today as the only company of its kind.

Panel Solutions has experienced 40% year over year sales growth for the last four years. This has been due mainly to the start of a new subsidiary called Tape Technologies. Tape produces seam tape and borders for the RV industry. Again by observing the manufacturing process and by listening to the concerns of companies with whom he worked and to companies within the RV industry, Tom discovered there was a need to produce better adhesive based products. The industry complained about failure rates their tapes and self adhesive wall coverings were experiencing, Until that time, water based adhesives were the industry standard, but those products could not endure the extremes of cold and heat found in our climate. Tom researched different techniques and designed adhesives that work with recreational vehicles and mobile home wallpapers. He began to produce a superior product which he then introduced to both industries. As a result of a reputation of strong customer service, product knowledge, and innovation, these new ideas were welcomed. In 2007, the company introduced A/C duct work which includes elbows and tees, foil tape, underbelly tape, FSK tape, duct tape and double sided tape. Once again, Panel Solutions and Tape Technologies has become an industry leader.