News about Miles Fiberglass and Composites

Miles Celebrates 50 Years of Business

On August 1st, 2013 Miles Fiberglass will celebrate 50 years in business. Lowell Miles started the business with a $1,000 loan from his Aunt and tore down his father’s barn to build his modest size shop. Fifty years later Miles Fiberglass & Composites has two locations with a total of 75,000 square feet of manufacturing space and 60 employees. We are proud to be a family business that has survived 50 years of business. “It hasn’t always been easy,” states Lowell. “We have had our ups and downs but we are proud to have survived all the recessions and are still here today.” The Company has just completed its most successful year after surviving its’ three worst years. “We plan on celebrating every other month with our employees by hosting fun eventsCompany President. “We owe our success to our employees and our customers."

Lori Takes The Reins As The New President of ACMA

Miles Fiberglass President, Lori Miles-Luchak is the new President of the American Composites Manufacturers Association. The ACMA is an international association, headquartered in Washington DC. It represents over 600 companies and over 30,000 composite jobs. Their mission is to provide education to its members regarding new processes, materials and employee training. It also provides representation to the legislature and regulators in DC. ACMA is dedicated to growing the composite industry therefore growing its member businesses. Lori has been a board member for the past six years and has served on the executive board for the past two years. On July 1st Lori's Presidential term began and will last two years. Lori is honored to serve the industry as President and looks forward to term. A few of her goals are to reach out to the Academic world and get them involved in ACMA and partner with other like associations collaborating in ways that will enhance both organizations.

Merilee Hinkle To Serve On The North Clackamas County Chamber of Commerce

Merilee Hinkle starts her second year as board member of the North Clackamas County Chamber of Commerce. She is the chair of the manufacturing committee. The Chamber has served business in the Clackamas County area for over 50 years. Their goal is to create a thriving economy, and endorse candidates that are business friendly. Merilee has been serving on the manufacturing sub-committee since its inception. She enjoys learning and sharing with other manufacturers in the local vicinity. Her term ends June 1, 2012 unless she signs on for another three year term.

Miles Fiberglass Diversifies

As of five years ago Miles Fiberglass had more than 75% of its business in the RV industry. Since then MFC has made a concerted effort to diversity its product lines. "We have branched out and now have entered four other markets", President Lori Luchak stated. "It hasn't been easy but we knew we were vulnerable having all our eggs in one basket". Since then MFC has entered into the Wind Turbine market making parts for small wind turbines as well as some small parts for large wind turbine manufacturers. They started a Wind Service Technician division in 2007 and now have technicians who travel the country climbing wind turbines for repair and inspection. Another new market they have entered is the transportation market with component parts for the Portland Streetcar, Specialty Vehicles- people transporters, and electric car bodies. The tank and railcar liner department round out their diversification and are both contributing to the bottom line.