This year, The Electrocoat Association recognizes Larry Hibbitts, Senior Engineer of Production Engineering in Paint at Toyota Motors North America, for his presentation “Zirconium Conversion Coating Technology and Real-World OEM Experience and Benefits”.

Larry, alongside David George, Surface Treatment Technical Manager at Henkel Corporation, curated this presentation where they compared and contrasted zirconium conversion coating technology and zinc phosphate technology when used in metal pretreatment systems. During the presentation, Larry provided real-world data on Toyota’s experience and benefits of zirconium technology, highlighting operational and process savings as well as sustainability gains.

Hubbard-Hall Inc., a leading provider of specialty chemicals for industrial manufacturing processes, announces the acquisition of Prosys Finishing Technology. With this strategic move, Hubbard-Hall expands its product portfolio and welcomes Randy DiSano, former owner of Prosys, to its team as Senior Product Manager under Jeff Davis, SVP—Business Development & Distribution. This acquisition not only enhances Hubbard-Hall's product offerings but also strengthens its commitment to full-line customer support, particularly in the Northeast plating market.

As part of the acquisition, Hubbard-Hall becomes a distributor of Pavco, a leading supplier of plating specialties. This partnership further solidifies Hubbard-Hall's position in the market and underscores its commitment to providing customers with high-quality products and unparalleled technical support.

Molly Kellogg, CEO of Hubbard-Hall, commented, "This is a game changer for us. Randy is the ultimate customer guy – knowledgeable, hardworking, and always in the customer's corner. And adding Pavco to our lineup is a big win. They are known for innovative plating chemistry and back it up with top-of-the-line tech service."

DiSano stated, "While it was a difficult decision to sell Prosys after 25 years, my brother and I recognized the need for additional resources to continue growing. Hubbard-Hall's strong reputation and commitment to innovation make them the perfect partner to carry forward our legacy. I am excited to join the Hubbard-Hall team and continue serving our customers with the same dedication and expertise."

Additionally, Hubbard-Hall will consolidate the distribution of MetalChem EN products in the Northeast, streamlining operations and enhancing customer service. The acquisition also grants Hubbard-Hall the rights to Prosys's proprietary formulas for cleaning and finishing.

As most business start-ups experience, it started out rough. The hours were long, the space
was small, and the means were few, but together, Fred and Sylvia were going to make it work. Inevitably, 1989 would turn out to be a landmark year for them. AR Iron began as a small fabrication shop building gates, fences, security doors and entryways, first serving residential customers, and then moving into commercial projects.

Las Vegas was booming. Homes were going up everywhere, and it made sense to partner
with well-known home builders across the valley. This work would open doors to even
bigger commercial projects including multi-family apartments, schools, storage facilities,
casinos, and restaurants. After a few years, Fred’s dream for AR Iron had touched
numerous projects all over the valley. He had also spread his passion to his son, Tony
Sclafani, who would join the business in 1997.

The 2007 recession would force AR Iron to diversify, and a powder coat division was added
to accompany the iron. Powder coating would provide a quicker, environmentally friendly
way to deliver iron products in any number of colors, textures, and finishes. AR Iron added
two different lines – an automated conveyor, with a line-parts opening of 2’ x 8’ x 20’, 8-
automated and 2-manual Parker Ionic spray guns, 5-stage pre-treatment system, gel oven
and a dry off oven measuring 28’x26’x30’, and a Parker Ionic batch system measuring
12’x12’x35’. To accompany the quality of coating AR Iron wanted to achieve for batching, a
reverse osmosis rinse, degreaser and iron phosphate sealer station was added along with a
media blast booth for blasting capabilities.

Recently, in 2023, AR Iron received its AAMA 2604 and AAMA 2605 certifications becoming
one of the only companies in the western US to pass the rigorous testing set forth by the
American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) to offer compliant powder
coatings to architects, contractors and building owners.

Today, AR Iron is still operating under the same family-owned, God blessed, value-system
Fred Sclafani set forth to establish in 1989. Not only did his dream provide for his
immediate family, but through Fred’s efforts he was able to employ a valuable team of
employees, provide opportunities to help serve people in the community, and offer
numerous customers beautiful, custom, powder coated ornamental iron work. It is with
great appreciation to everyone who has played a part in AR Iron that we celebrate 35 years
of business, and it is with thankful, grateful hearts we also thank the two people who
started it all – Fred & Sylvia Sclafani.

ABOUT AR IRON
AR Iron is a family business that has grown from a small ornamental iron shop to a worldclass
iron, powder coating and media blasting company for Henderson and Las Vegas. As we
keep moving forward, we love to take our customers and their favorite metal products with
us. With years of experience in the industry, we guarantee quality in all our services. You can
trust us for metal fabrication, installation, and powder coating. To find out more about our
services, visit our website at arironllc.com or give us a call at 702-565-7161.
Since 1989, our founders, Fred & Sylvia Sclafani, have devoted their energy and passion to
continuously evolving the way we coat our customers’ metal products.

Videos can be rented for a 30-day period on an individual basis or on our package collection basis.  There are currently three packages available, containing multiple videos at a larger discount than individual viewing. 

 Current collections include:

• Building Blocks of Powder Coating
• Español Educación
• Finishing Essentials
• Efficient Curing with Infrared

We also have a series of FREE videos available from our Corporate Members.  Check out some of the latest technologies and products videos containing valuable information for all finishers.

To access the videos, visit www.ccaiweb.com, click on EDUCATION, then click on CCAI TV.  Access individual videos are free for CCAI members; $49 for non-members.  Become a CCAI member today and save on your video training!  Visit ww.ccaiweb.com and click on the JOIN NOW button on the middle of the home page.  CCAI individual memberships are just $95 per year and includes a membership to the chapter of your choice.

All CCAI videos (with the exception of the Corporate Member videos) are copyrighted by The Chemical Coaters Association International and may not be copied, saved nor reproduced without written permission of CCAI.