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BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Mich. — The Crypton Companies and Nanotex, providers of performance fabrics in home furnishings, contract and apparel, recently announced two key staff changes that officials said would allow the company to continue its research and growth initiatives.
Michael Grigat has been hired as vice president of research and development. Previously, Grigat was the technical director at Rudolph Venture Chemical and was responsible for expansion of the company’s chemical product range in the United States, upgrading environmental and product safety procedures and the planning and coordination of a new plant site.
“I have dealt with the Crypton team from a supplier and technology development side since the early beginnings of the operation of the Kings Mountain plant,” Grigat said. “Everyone at Crypton was always easy to work with and the unique relationship allowed for implementation of innovative technologies where other companies mainly looked for cost cutting.”
Grigat’s responsibilities at Crypton and Nanotex include overseeing all aspects of chemistry development. He will work closely with suppliers to develop “best in class” performance, utilize his extensive industry knowledge to create new, cutting edge formulations that will provide the framework for both Crypton and Nanotex to bring leading performance properties to the industry.
Prior to his stint at Rudolf, Grigat held senior positions at several major chemical companies, including Clariant and Hoechst Celanese, where he led the research and product development of new fluorine-based protective agents, specialty polymers and textile specialty chemicals.
“Michael has extensive knowledge of surface protective polymers, and we look forward
to leveraging his know-how to constantly improve upon our existing technology, as well
as to creating new performance platforms to offer our customers the most advanced
products in the world,” said Craig Rubin, chairman of Crypton.
Crypton has also promoted Hardy Sullivan to vice president of market development.
In his new role, Sullivan will be responsible for identifying and developing new markets and applications for all Crypton technologies. In addition to his focus on market development, he will maintain responsibility for advancing Crypton’s sustainability efforts.
“Hardy’s new role is vital to Crypton and Nanotex as we expand globally. Having led the introductions of Wick+Block to the NFL and the award-winning Crypton Revl vinyl, he has a proven track record for expanding Crypton’s offerings,” Rubin said.
Grigat and Sullivan will be based in the company’s Kings Mountain, N.C., research and manufacturing facility.
