Stonhard Maple Shade Manufacturing Facility Earns RPM Global “Growth Award” at Value of 168 Awards

APRIL 30, 2026 — Stonhard is proud to announce that its Maple Shade, New Jersey manufacturing facility was awarded the Growth Award at RPM International Inc.’s Value of 168 Awards, presented during the Nov. 5 RPM Global Leadership Meeting. The award recognizes outstanding performance driven by the successful adoption of RPM’s MS-168 operating principles, with a focus on growth, continuous improvement, and employee engagement. The achievement was celebrated in April with a recognition event at the Maple Shade facility, bringing together team members and leadership to mark the milestone and reflect on the journey behind it.

MS-168 is RPM’s global framework for operational excellence, focused on continuous improvement, disciplined performance management, and employee engagement. It empowers teams to drive measurable gains in efficiency, quality, and customer responsiveness through structured processes and daily accountability.

“I firmly believe that great organizations aren't built on occasional big leaps forward. Those moments happen, but they're relatively rare. What truly sets great organizations apart is their relentless commitment to continuous improvement,” Stonhard President Tim McCulloch told attendees. “I can't think of anything more fitting to describe the ‘Stonhard Difference’ than what you as a team have accomplished and continue to accomplish here in this plant. It reflects a level of discipline, commitment, and pride in your work that truly stands out.”

Stonhard President Tim McCulloch addresses team members and leadership during the Maple Shade facility’s celebration of earning the RPM Global Growth Award.

The commemorative Growth Award plaque honoring the Maple Shade facility’s achievement and commitment to continuous improvement through RPM’s MS-168 principles.

Vice President of Operations Jeff Beam shares remarks during the recognition event, reflecting on the performance gains and transformation achieved at the Maple Shade plant.

Stonhard employees gather to celebrate the Maple Shade facility’s Growth Award.

Executive VP of Operations Mike Jewel highlighted the teamwork and accountability behind the site’s MS-168 success.

The recognition follows a multi-year transformation of Stonhard’s New Jersey operations. In 2019, the company launched a major capital project to consolidate two manufacturing sites into a single, modernized facility in Maple Shade. Completed in fall 2023, the project included the installation of a new tank farm, a comprehensive plant floor re-layout, and the relocation of thirteen major pieces of process equipment and associated packing lines.

While Stonhard began adopting MS-168 principles in 2018, the Maple Shade team accelerated its efforts in fiscal year 2024 with a renewed, plant-wide focus on engagement, accountability, and performance measurement. Clearly defined metrics were established across all production areas, supported by enhanced training and alignment initiatives for team members at every level.

The impact was transformational. By fully embracing MS-168 at all levels of the organization, the Maple Shade facility unlocked additional capacity, improved operational efficiency, and fostered a safer, more engaged work environment. Through multiple continuous improvement initiatives, including several Green Belt projects, the team reduced waste, increased flexibility, and improved responsiveness to customer demand.

As a result, the Maple Shade facility achieved:

A 60% reduction in made-to-order lead times, from 10 weeks to as little as 4 weeks.
A 50% increase in plant throughput, raising average monthly output from 1-1.5 million pounds.

These improvements significantly enhanced Stonhard’s ability to serve customers and support continued revenue growth. Operational gains also enabled a 22% reduction in overall inventory, lowering days of inventory on-hand by 14 days and contributing to a 248 basis point improvement in working capital company-wide.

Momentum continued into 2025 as Stonhard further expanded its MS-168 efforts. Enhancements included the addition of Tier 1 meetings within Quality Control and Maintenance, expanded visual factory displays across all packaging lines, and the launch of Tier 5 meetings to better connect plant performance with measurable financial outcomes.

Today, made-to-order lead times have been reduced to between three and four weeks, with an additional eight-day reduction in days of inventory on hand. The facility’s improved agility has enabled Stonhard to capture emergent sales opportunities, many with lead times of two weeks or less, all without disruption to shop floor operations.