The History of Chemist's Photochemical Etching Business

In 1976, Richard Beaupre left his chemical research job to start a new company called ChemArt. Mr. Beaupre had long spent time and talent developing an aqueous based photo-resist. Taking the intimate knowledge of that application, Dick pursued the dream of owning his own business. Starting with jewelry findings, and later applying the technology to industrial parts, he soon applied this process to decorative ornaments and bookmarks, building his business customer by customer over the next 30 years.

Since those early years of a one-man operation, ChemArt has blossomed into the premiere photochemical etcher in the US. Business has grown to its current size with focus on 3 avenues of development – decorative business, industrial, and retail (AKA the Baldwin license contract.) A fully vertical operation, ChemArt touches all aspects of development from design, tooling, etching, plating, screening, finishing, assembly, packaging, and distribution.

By developing its core competencies – photo chemical etching and design – ChemArt was awarded the prestigious ISO9000 accreditation in 1995. Today, ChemArt is an ISO9001:2000 company with processes and protocols in place that make it one of the most reliable and nimble companies in the industry.

Always the behind the scenes entity, ChemArt has many well respected clients, among them are the White House Historical Association, State of Texas Capital Restoration, Main Street USA (National Trust for Historic Preservation), the Danbury Mint, the Clinton Library, Federal and State Government Offices & Depts, as well as the Baldwin license, and the distribution rights for the White House Historical Association ornament collection.

The management team headed by Dave Marquis is dedicated long-term employees, fully engaged in the business everyday. As leaders inside ChemArt, each manager works toward a common goal. The collective talents range from operations expertise to design/graphics; from finance to silk-screening; and from sales to systems expertise.

The retail segment brings many challenges and opportunities to the company. The visibility of ChemArt in the market place will be greatly enhanced by the exposure of the ChemArt through the Baldwin license and the distribution of the White House Historical Association ornament collection. Conversely, the retail challenge will provide a platform for ever growing ChemArt business in its core segments of fundraising and philanthropic affinities.

Looking to the future, ChemArt is well positioned. The ability to bring new and innovative products to market including additional product types and media are part of that vision. Growth over the next 3 years is expected at double digit rates, with a goal of doubling the business over the next 5 years.