Placentia, Calif. — George Kipe, founder and long-time owner of Kipe Molds Inc. in California, passed away Feb. 4. He was 79.
Kipe opened Kipe Molds in 1970, the company said, originally manufacturing tooling for the rubber industry. The company specialized in complex applications including liquid silicones and mask molds for the medical industry, but became known for its injection molding, liquid silicone rubber and cold runner systems around the world.
"Throughout the history of the company, George has been intimately involved with material suppliers and machine manufacturers to help shape the silicone industry into what it is today," the company said in a statement. "George also participated in numerous speaking and teaching engagements around the country where he shared his knowledge."
Kipe began his time in the rubber industry while he was in high school, starting out at California-based Fullerton Rubber before putting in 50 years at his own tooling company. Still, the Kipe Molds founder stopped by for frequent visits after retiring from the company in 2020, officials said.
"One thing I enjoy is to make something productive and make it in such a way so whoever runs the tooling can make money from it," Kipe told Rubber News in 2015. "What's good with liquid silicone is you can get the silicone in and make a product in a very short period of time."
Throughout his life, Kipe provided constant innovation for the rubber and silicone industries. The company produced the first valve gate controller technology for cold runner systems in the early 2000s, and developed a patent for micro-injection units of silicone parts.
Kipe is survived by his wife, two sons, and four grandchildren. George's son Brint took over the business when he retired from the day-to-day operations in 2020.
"George Kipe's legacy in the silicone molding industry is marked by his dedication to innovation and excellence," the company said, "establishing Kipe Molds as a leader in the field."