www.chemart.com

ChemArt
The Perfect Blend of Chemistry and Art

Richard E. Beaupre, founder and chief executive officer of ChemArt

Creating memories to last a lifetime defines the dream come true for Richard E. (Dick) Beaupre, founder and chief executive officer of ChemArt, the foremost leader in the design and manufacturing of photo-chemically etched decorative ornaments and collectibles. At ChemArt, a vision that evokes the spirit of the occasion evolves into a unique piece of art—A Keepsake Etched in Time.

A former research chemist, Dick’s expertise and talents led to his development of an aqueous based photo-resist that revolutionized the photo-chemical etching process. While his early applications focused on jewelry, Dick soon expanded the scope of his new technology to include industrial components and eventually, decorative ornaments and collectibles. A star was born, and over the course of thirty years, ChemArt has become the premier designer and manufacturer of photo-chemically etched decorative ornaments and collectibles in the United States.

Since its inception in 1976, ChemArt has grown from a one-man operation to a global, multi-million dollar success through its focus on three avenues of development—decorative business, industrial and retail. “I believe one of our secrets to success is that we are a niche business. We do what we do well and we focus on that,” stated Beaupre. “While many manufacturing companies have closed their doors, ChemArt has grown steadily throughout the years,” he continued. From design through distribution, ChemArt’s unique state-of the-art keepsake collectibles are manufactured at its fully integrated, 55,000 square foot facility in Lincoln, Rhode Island.

Dick understands fully that ChemArt’s strength comes from within, and he applauds his employees. “Our management team, led by Dave Marquis, is strong, and each member is fully dedicated,” stated Beaupre. With more than 80 full-time employees—a number that nearly doubles during the pre-holiday season—Dick attributes his success to their hard work and commitment. “Our employees are family and each appreciates the value of what they work to create each day,” he said. Dave added, “Each employee at ChemArt holds great respect for Dick. There’s strong loyalty among all of our people.”

ChemArt touches all aspects of development to produce quality, innovative pieces for multiple industries and organizations. The majority of ChemArt’s products are customized to satisfy the needs and wants of an individual organization. A critical aspect of ChemArt’s expertise lies in their ability to interpret a client’s vision and to recreate that vision into a tangible product.

The name ChemArt translates directly to quality and commitment. Throughout the years, ChemArt has served varying industries—medical, aerospace and engineering—as well as government agencies, nonprofit organizations, museums and retail shops. This is exemplified by the long-term relationships with many well known and highly respected clients, including Baldwin—as their exclusive production manufacturer for nine years, as well as their exclusive distribution licensee for the past two—the State of Texas Capitol Restoration Board, Main Street USA (National Trust for Historic Preservation), the Danbury Mint, the Clinton Library, and federal and state government offices and departments, which encompasses their most prestigious and largest customer, the White House Historical Association.

As the sole manufacturer of the official White House ornament since the White House Historical Association began the program in 1981, ChemArt earned the exclusive rights to market, sell and distribute for the association in 2007. “It’s the most popular ornament program in the world,” Beaupre stated. These world-renowned collectibles are known for their exquisite design and historical accuracy, and ChemArt has proudly been responsible for its design for all but five of the years since their production began. One million ornaments are sold annually, and all proceeds benefit the White House Historical Association.

ChemArt has been recognized for its excellence many times over the course of its history. In 2006, ChemArt was granted the prestigious John Hazen White Sr. Commitment to Manufacturing Award by the Rhode Island Manufacturers Association. The RIMA award, given each year since 2001, is presented to an organization that has demonstrated growth and has contributed significantly to Rhode Island and its economy. The criteria for determining each year’s winner include commitment to employees, commitment to suppliers, commitment to customers and commitment to community.

Made in America, the Travel Channel’s program starring John Ratzenberger, profiled ChemArt in the fall of 2005. Ratzenberger travels nationwide to recognize and honor the men and women who work with their hands and skillfully make products that are the backbone of the American economy. The episode aired in December of that year and allowed viewers a tour of the entire manufacturing process of the official White House ornament. A proud moment for ChemArt, “We are the first company in Rhode Island to be honored by Ratzenberger,” stated Beaupre. “We are among the very few today who can claim ‘Made in America’ from start to finish,” he continued.

ChemArt’s future is bright. Considerable growth is imminent, with the anticipated goal in sight of doubling in size within the next three to five years. “When I look forward,” stated Beaupre, “I see nothing but good times ahead.”