Susan Gibson has built a career helping to spread information and raise awareness of rotational molding.
This year, after years of reporting on rotomolding, she has been elected as one of two new members of the Association of Rotational Molders' Rotomolding Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony is on Sept. 26 at ARM's annual meeting and Rotoplas trade show.
ARM saw Gibson as an advocate and ambassador for the rotomolding sector through her efforts of industry coverage. She has been able to spread awareness to a more global audience with the production of the magazine RotoWorld.
"I am just absolutely humbled. I'm so grateful," Gibson said. "Since I'm not a rotomolder or a member of the association per se, it's a huge honor. I'm just grateful to be considered part of that group."
It all started when Gibson was approached by an ARM member after they saw her previous work in other industries. She suggested doing an industry-specific magazine.
The magazine started in 1991 and was originally called Rotation. In 2005, both parties decided not to renew the contract. Gibson then went on to start RotoWorld with her own publishing company.
RotoWorld is focused on rotational molding and plastic design, and it follows markets such as agriculture, automotive, electrical, construction, medical equipment and more. Articles can range from case studies to market updates, opinion pieces and process enhancements.
"We work in all parts of the world," Gibson said. "We work with all the regional associations around the world. We cover all of their events and talk to rotomolders and just cover the news."
When Gibson was originally approached to create a specialized magazine, she wasn't working within the sector, but she built up her knowledge over time. She attended Queen's University Belfast after being approached and did a short study about the rotomolding process under Roy Crawford, the head of the mechanical engineering department at the time.
Gibson's publishing company, JSJ Productions Inc. in Austin, Texas, and Monterey County, Calif., started in 1985 and is now owned in partnership with her daughter, Jennifer Gibson Hebert. The company focuses on trade publishing and serving specialized industries.
JSJ Productions also serves water treatment and bottled water markets.
"My business is engaged in all phases of organization management and support services," Gibson said. "That includes publishing and editing, political campaigns, advertising, government lobby services for organization clients and the magazine."
Gibson has seen rotomolding grow and expand, and she expects the process to continue to expand and develop new products.