Stanley Pauley, the longtime CEO of Carpenter Holdings Inc., died Nov. 20. He was 93.
Pauley joined the company in 1954 and was a hands-on owner until a few weeks ago, when he stepped down from his role as CEO. He was hired by E. Rhodes Carpenter in 1954 and moved the company into polyurethane chemistry in the early 1960s.
Carpenter and Union Carbide worked together to produce a one-shot technique to mold urethane foam that is still widely used. As well as increasing the amount of foam produced, he decided that Carpenter should make its own polyether polyols. The company is a major supplier in the U.S.
The company started expanding under Pauley's guidance, initially in the U.S., but later into Europe. He took control of the company in the 1980s and was well known for his close interest in the business.
Today Carpenter has 17 foam production plants and 25 other locations. It employs more than 4,200. In addition to PU foam, it also makes underlay, tire fill, polyester fiber and expanded polystyrene.
"It was his vision that Carpenter should remain an independent, privately held company because it was the best way to ensure clear decision-making and strategic focus," said Brad Beauchamp, CEO of Carpenter. "We are fortunate that he had the foresight to structure the company in a way that will help keep that a reality."