Gordon Brown
Bakelite Company Sales - Founder of SPI
Inducted 1973
Gordon Brown (1896 – 1974) was an early plastics industry leader who had a successful career as the general sales manager of the Bakelite Company in the early 1900s. He could see that the plastics industry was growing rapidly and saw the need to create an industry-wide trade organization. He conceived the idea of a “plastics society.” He proceeded with the organization of a trade group that later became known as the Society of the Plastics Industry (SPI – now PLASTICS) in 1937. The organization was founded with the goal of responsible development of the plastics industry. Brown’s early vision and leadership were instrumental in establishing one of the largest and most active trade organizations in the U.S.
Since its founding, SPI has been one of the most important factors in the success of the plastics industry. Brown served in various capacities in society, including as director and president. The Society of the Plastics Industry, Inc. was founded as a professional society representing individuals from every plastics industry sector. SPI eventually became known as the Plastics Industry Trade Association before changing its name to the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS). PLASTICS members represent the entire plastics industry supply chain in the U.S., including processors, machinery and equipment manufacturers, raw materials suppliers, recyclers, and brand owners.
https://www.plasticsindustry.org/
Areas of Expertise:
Management