PRESS RELEASES
Superior and Artifex Help Build a Better Playground
August 26, 2024 – Superior Outdoor Products and Artifex Designs, two sister companies based in New Holland, PA, recently partnered with Good Samaritan Services’ Ephrata location to help update the site’s playground.
Superior, a vinyl fencing manufacturer, donated black vinyl picket fencing to replace a failing wooden fence, while Artifex, maker of poly furniture, donated 4 colorful Adirondack chairs where parents can relax as their children play. The fence was especially important for children’s safety, as the playground borders a busy road.
“Good Samaritan’s playground wasn’t the safe place that they envisioned for their youngest participants,” said Heather Bowman, Director of Marketing at both companies. “Our companies wanted to live into our core values and support this non-profit’s important work in the community by sharing our products and giving Good Sam program participants a wonderful space to enjoy the outdoors.”
Good Samaritan’s mission is to compassionately respond to homelessness and poverty through a unique and personalized approach to empower neighbors to move from housing crisis to stability. Good Sam serves over 600 men, women and children annually in Lancaster and Chester (PA) Counties.
Superior Outdoor Products Announces New Hire
May 8, 2024 – Superior Outdoor Products is pleased to announce the hiring of Brandon Ray as Senior Territory Manager based in Columbus, Ohio.
Ray has worked in building materials sales for more than 20 years and in the fencing industry for more than a decade. His territory for Superior includes the Midwest, although he’s serving as a fence leader for the organization.
“Brandon’s knowledge of the fencing market is invaluable to us as a manufacturer,” said Andrew Smucker, Superior’s Director of Sales. “He understands what our fence customers need and is helping the whole team deliver.”
Ray says that Superior’s culture and commitment to quality makes it the kind of company he was looking to join.
“Superior’s sales team and the company itself is the kind of place where I want to be,” Ray said. “They’re committed to innovation, American manufacturing, and serving their customers with integrity. I’m looking forward to growth for all of our fence customers.”
Superior Launches New Vinyl Railing Series
February 1, 2024 – Superior Outdoor Products announces the launch of the 100 Series railing, the latest in Superior’s line of high-quality vinyl railing products. Designed with the volume builder in mind, the 100 Series installs quickly and easily with a sleek aesthetic that homeowners will appreciate.
“For the customer who has normally gravitated toward pressure treated railing, the 100 Series offers an easy alternative,” said Kevin Mynaugh, Product Manager. “It has all the qualities that make it a step up from pressure treated—quick installation, low-maintenance materials, and a competitive price point.”
The 100 Series comes in white with the popular square “Model” baluster.
“Customers are demanding simplicity and they want to be able to install quickly with a small crew,” said Andrew Smucker, Director of Sales. “The 100 Series answers that market demand and provides a new and exciting option for builders who want to use affordable, high-quality vinyl that’s made in America.”
Superior extrudes its own vinyl railing, fencing, pergolas, porch posts, and accessories at its New Holland, Pennsylvania plant. They also fabricate aluminum fencing and distribute decking, trim, doors, and fasteners to LBM dealers throughout their operating region.
Superior Plastic Products Announces New Name and Strategic Changes
January 18, 2024 – Superior Plastic Products, Inc., a New Holland, PA based manufacturer of vinyl fencing and railing, has announced strategic changes for 2024. Effective January 1, the company has begun doing business under the name Superior Outdoor Products.
In addition to the PVC fencing and railing lines, Superior Outdoor Products will also offer aluminum fencing and low-maintenance decking and trim products. These include several product lines acquired from Leola, PA-based Cardinal Building Products.
“Our new name reflects both our continuing commitment to setting a standard for high-quality, low-maintenance building materials for outdoor spaces and our expanded portfolio of products,” said Javan Lapp, CEO. “Our vision is to provide excellent customer service and a consolidated product portfolio for builders and installers throughout our operating region.”
Superior Outdoor Products’ leadership team consists of long-time employees of the company, including Bob Dressler, Andrew Smucker, and Bob Barney. Bob Dressler, President, came on board in 2020, Andrew Smucker, Director of Sales, has been with the company since 2010 in sales roles of increasing responsibility, and Bob Barney, Plant Manager, has been a manager in the Superior manufacturing plant since 2017.
“Continuity and experience were important to us when selecting Superior Outdoor Products’ leadership team,” said Lapp. “Their company and market knowledge will allow us to develop and improve products to specifically meet the needs of Superior customers.”
Superior Outdoor Products will continue to manufacture vinyl fencing, railing, profiles, and accessories as well as distribute aluminum fencing, KOMA building and porch products, DuxxBak decking, Clubhouse decking, and FootingPad.
Superior and Key-Link Announce Three Internal Promotions
10/5/23 – Superior Plastic Products and Key-Link Fencing & Railing are pleased to announce three internal promotions: Ezekiel Harnish to Chief Operating Officer, Raj Pathak to Director of Engineering, and Dave Lechlitner to Director of Information Systems.
Ezekiel Harnish has served as the Vice President of Information Systems since 2019 and has been with Superior and Key-Link since 2014.
“Zeke has been an effective leader and an important part of growing and maturing our organizational culture and systems for many years,” said Javan Lapp, CEO. “He is a natural fit for this role focused on harmoniously integrating business functions, core process development, and strategy deployment across all entities.”
“Being a part of Superior and Key-Link’s growth for the past 9 years has been exciting, and I’m thrilled to be able to help that growth and development continue,” said Harnish. “My goal will be to bring departments together to develop and enhance processes that allow us to best serve our company and customers.”
Raj Pathak formerly served as Manufacturing Engineering Manager and in his new position will be responsible for all of the companies’ engineering teams. He has been with Superior and Key-Link since November 2021 and has fifteen years of manufacturing engineering experience.
Dave Lechlitner was Director of IS Applications for the companies and will now provide strategic oversight of the companies’ digital infrastructure. He has been with the company since January 2022 and brings more than three decades of information technology experience to the job.
“Raj and Dave are both highly respected leaders in critical departments who model alignment with our values of continuous improvement and service to others,” said Lapp. “We look forward to seeing them continue to lead and improve their teams into the future.”
Javan Lapp promoted to CEO
1/10/23 – Key-Link Fencing & Railing, Inc., and Superior Plastic Products, Inc., announced that Javan Lapp has been selected to serve as the next CEO. Reuben Lapp, the previous CEO and majority owner of the family-owned companies, announced the promotion of Javan Lapp, (not related to Reuben) previously the COO, on November 18, 2022.
Reuben Lapp will continue his active involvement in the companies as owner and Board Chairman. The second-generation owner has recently completed succession planning that provides a path to ownership for the third generation currently active in the business. “My vision is to create a legacy company and my desire is to prepare a path for the next generation of family ownership”, shared Reuben Lapp. “Javan has proven that he is the right leader to grow the business through this next phase. I have full confidence in Javan’s ability to serve our customers and strategically lead the organization.”
Javan Lapp has served as COO since 2016 and has been an active leader in the business since 2009. As COO, Javan has led organizational development initiatives to support the growth of the companies, with a strong attention to culture-building and operational excellence. “I am honored to be selected to serve the organization as CEO,” said Javan Lapp. “I am humbled by the trust placed in me by Reuben and the Lapp family, as well as the support of the Leadership Team. We have great team members who are ready for the challenge of growing together and building a bright future for our organization and our customers.”
Superior Promotes Smoyer to Vice President of Sales
10/5/20 – Superior Plastic Products and Key-Link Fencing & Railing announce the promotion of Tim Smoyer to Vice President of Sales. Prior to his promotion, Tim served as National Sales Director for the companies.
In his new role, Smoyer will continue to give leadership to the sales team, but will also oversee customer service and marketing.
“Tim has shown himself to be a strategic sales leader and effective team builder since he joined the company late last year,” says Javan Lapp, Chief Operating Officer. “We look forward to his continued leadership of the newly aligned sales and marketing functions.”
As Vice President of Sales, Tim will also be a member of the leadership team, working with the leaders of Superior’s other major business functions to steer the company forward.
“My immediate focus will be bringing value to our customers through service, business planning and marketing expertise,” Smoyer says. “I’m excited for the opportunity to strengthen profitability along with our business partners.”
Tim Smoyer came to Superior from Super Enterprises, a Marvin Window and Door distributor, and has had a 30-year career in the building materials industry.
Barney Promoted to Plant Manager
9/14/20 – Superior Plastic Products is pleased to announce the promotion of Bob Barney to Plant Manager.
“Bob has proven himself to be an effective leader and manager in his three years at Superior and we are happy to promote him to this role,” said Brian Duffie, Vice President of Operations.
“He’s already been instrumental to improving our processes and we know he’ll continue to strengthen our operations in his new role.”
Barney started at Superior as an assistant to the Operations Manager and has held several positions within the company. Before his most recent promotion to plant manager he was the Fabrication Manager. Now he is responsible for scheduling and production and oversees the management of Superior’s extrusion, fabrication, and fulfillment.
“Superior has been a wonderful place to grow and build my career,” Barney said. “I look forward to serving our customers in this new way by making sure Superior’s plant is running as smoothly and efficiently as possible.”
Superior and Key-Link Announce Hiring of New England Territory Manager
8/14/20 – Superior and Key-Link are pleased to announce the hire of Paul Johnson as territory manager for New York and New England. Johnson brings two decades of building materials sales experience to his new role, having successfully managed sales territories for Ply Gem and ABC Supply.
“Paul will be an immediate asset to our customers,” says Tim Smoyer, National Sales Director. “He knows the region and our products and has a deep commitment to customer service. We are ready for him to get started.”
Johnson will be based in Northbridge, Mass., near Worcester, giving him easy access to the customers in his region. He plans to visit existing accounts in the coming weeks to begin to build relationships across the territory. Benjamin Kauffman, the former territory manager, will be working with Johnson during the transition and then moving to a new sales role in the company.
“I am happy to have joined a company with such strong values and quality products,” says Johnson. “I look forward to working with distributors, dealers, and contractors to really grow the market for Superior and Key-Link in the Northeast.”
Superior Announces Hiring of New Territory Manager in Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana
3/18/20 – Superior Plastic Products and affiliated companies are happy to announce the hiring of Chris Donley as Territory Manager for Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana.
Donley comes to Superior and Key-Link with several years of experience selling decking and railing and several additional years in the building materials industry. He is based in the Cleveland, Ohio area.
“Chris is a great fit for this role and this company,” said Tim Smoyer, National Sales Manager. “He will Soon he’ll be a major asset in reaching out to our current customers and starting to build relationships with potential customers in his territory.”
“I’m looking forward to getting to know all of my accounts and learning how we can work together to grow our businesses,” Donley said. “I’m also excited to be able to educate dealers, distributors, and contractors in my region about Superior and Key-Link’s quality products.”
When not working, Donley stays busy planning an October 2020 wedding with his fiancée, spending time with his family, and enjoying outdoor activities near his home.
Announcing Key Promotions
1/27/20 – With the arrival of the new year comes new roles for Superior and Key-Link staff.
In the Superior and Key-Link engineering department, Alex Rodriguez, Jr. (left) has been promoted to Mechanical Engineering Manager, where he will be responsible for all mechanical development and support. Rodriguez has managed the tool and die shop for several years and has been overseeing the mechanical fabrication/construction team for several months. As manager, he will also have responsibility for Mechanical engineering (machine and tool design) and Electrical engineering (machine programming, automation, and controls).
Also in the Engineering Department, Mike Alexander (right) has been promoted to Product Engineering Manager. Alexander has been the product engineering team lead, but now, with his promotion to manager, Superior and Key-Link will have a department head overseeing the key work of product design, specification, and technical support.
“Both Alex and Mike have proven themselves by taking on increasing levels of responsibility and excelling in those roles,” said Javan Lapp, Chief Operating Officer. “Having these knowledgeable managers focused on mechanical engineering and product engineering will help Superior and Key-Link continue to serve our customers with well-designed and well-manufactured products.”
Bowman Hired as Marketing Manager
12/12/19 – Superior Plastic Products and its affiliated companies are pleased to announce the hiring of Heather Bowman as Marketing Manager.
Bowman has a 20-year career in marketing, with experience in branding both national accounts and local and regional businesses. In her role at Superior and companies, she’ll be overseeing the marketing department, developing marketing strategy, and collaborating with both the inside and outside sales teams to ensure an excellent customer experience.
“We look forward to having Heather lead our marketing strategy in 2020 and beyond,” says Javan Lapp, Chief Operating Officer. “Her experience will be invaluable as we continue to build our brands in the market.”
“I am looking forward to meeting Superior, Key-Link, and Cardinal customers and learning how our marketing team can partner with them,” says Bowman. “Our marketing strategy going forward will focus on a customer experience that drives the success of our dealers, distributors, and the contractors that use our products.”
Heather Bowman lives in Lititz, Pennsylvania with her husband and three children and is based in the companies’ New Holland offices. Outside of office, she enjoys bike rides on the Rails to Trail and adventures with her family.
Announcing Smoyer as National Sales Manager
11/4/19 – Superior Plastic Products and Key-Link Fencing & Railing are pleased to announce the hiring of Tim Smoyer as National Sales Manager. In his new role, Smoyer will be overseeing the outside sales team and coordinating sales and distribution strategy. He comes to Superior with 30 years of experience in both sales and the building materials industry.
“We are happy to have Tim joining our team in this key role.” said Javan Lapp, Chief Operating Officer. “Tim’s experience and industry background will be a great asset as we continue to pursue an aggressive sales growth strategy, improve our customer service, and deepen our partnership with our distributors and dealers.”
“I’m excited about joining this growing company and using my talents to contribute to that growth,” Smoyer said. “Together with the sales team, my main focus will be learning how to best serve Superior and Key-Link’s customers.”
Smoyer most recently worked as a Regional Sales Manager for Super Enterprises, a Marvin Window and Door distributor. His work history in the building materials industry includes time at Stock Building Supply, Pella Window and Door, Shelly Enterprises, and A.D. Moyer Lumber.
Tim Smoyer lives in Lancaster County with his wife Debi and they have five adult children and eight grandchildren. He will be based out of the company’s New Holland offices. In addition to his work, he enjoys his ministry as a vocational and lay pastor. Tim also competes as a powerlifter at both state and national levels.
Superior Plastic Products Announces Hiring of Chief Financial Officer
9/19/2019 – Superior Plastic Products and affiliate companies are pleased to announce Kristy Olshan as their new Chief Financial Officer. With over a decade of experience in financial leadership, and over fifteen years as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Olshan brings a strong track record of financial performance and a growth mindset.
Prior to her role with Superior Plastic Products, Olshan spent over 10 years as a senior finance executive in a Fortune 1000 company progressing through roles of increasing responsibility. Her most recent role prior to joining Superior was Finance Director for a division growing 30%+ a year annually.
Olshan is excited to help support Superior Plastic Products and affiliate companies through advancement in the marketplace. She plans to add value through prudent financial management while metering the rate and pace of investment to support the company’s growth and strategic objectives.
Olshan was born and raised in York, PA and currently resides in Conestoga, PA with her husband and two young children. Between her healthy work-life balance and enjoying her family, she finds time to work on her garden and 17-acre property.
“Kristy brings the kind of experience and energy that will help our companies grow and succeed. We are delighted to have her filling this key role and contributing to our leadership team,” said Javan Lapp, Chief Operating Officer.
Superior Plastic Products Announces Hiring of Customer Service Manager
8/13/2019 – Superior Plastic Products and its affiliated companies announce the hiring of Sally Christman as Customer Service Manager. Christman has an impressive 19 years of experience in customer training and sales.
“Sally has built a career in customer service and dealer relations in the building industry, and we are excited to welcome her to our team. I am confident that her experience and commitment to excellence will enable her to lead our customer service team in reaching new levels of customer satisfaction,” said Javan Lapp, Chief Operating Officer.
“I am looking forward to growing the team and serving our customers,” said Christman. Her positive attitude and strong leadership skills make her a great addition to the companies’ ongoing commitment to meeting the needs of their customers.
In addition to her work, Christman is married and enjoys spending time with her grandchildren.
Harnish Promoted to Vice President of Information Systems
9/17/18 – Superior Plastic Products and affiliated companies are pleased to announce the promotion of Ezekiel Harnish from Director of Information Technology to Vice President of Information Systems.
As the Vice President of Information Systems, Harnish will continue to provide leadership to the IT department, but also take a more strategic role in giving overall direction in the companies. Superior and affiliates see information technology and systems, and well as the supporting data, as key to their strategic growth, and thus it was important for the company to have someone in place to oversee the development of those systems.
Harnish was chosen for the role because of his experience and leadership skills.
“Zeke has proven himself to be an effective leader and team builder,” said Javan Lapp, Chief Operating Officer. “He is dedicated to our companies’ vision and a model of our culture, and he is the right person for this job at this time.”
McPeak to Take Over New Sales Territory for Superior Plastic Products
9/17/18 – Superior Plastic Products and Key-Link Fencing & Railing are pleased to announce that Sean McPeak will be taking on additional sales territory for both companies in central and western Pennsylvania. He is already a regional account manager in eastern PA and New Jersey and will continue to provide service to his customers in those regions.
McPeak began as an inside salesperson and was quickly promoted to outside sales, where he has spent the last three years working for both Superior and Key-Link, as well as for their affiliate company, Cardinal Building Products.
“Sean has a deep knowledge of our products and will be an excellent resource for all of his accounts,” said Amos Kauffman, Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “He also brings a high level of service and commitment to our customers.”
McPeak, who will start connecting with his new accounts in the weeks to come, says that he’s ready to take on new challenges. “I’m excited to meet new customers and get started.”
Magee Promoted to Territory Sales Manager in Southeast
5/14/18 – Superior Plastic Products and affiliated companies are pleased to announce the promotion of Chase Magee to Southeast Territory Sales Manager. Magee, who will be based near Tampa, Florida, will be focused on connecting with current customers in the region and reaching out to potential new ones.
“My goal is to build face-to-face relationships with dealers seeking high-quality outdoor products,” said Magee. “I’m interested in both growing the territory and strengthening relationships with the customers we already have.”
“The Southeast is a market we’re rapidly growing into, and it will be a huge benefit to our customers and to us to have someone on the ground,” said Amos Kauffman, Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “Chase will be able to connect with our dealers and give them the kind of service and attention that Superior and affiliates are known for.”
Magee, who is transitioning from purchasing into sales, will relocate to Florida in June.
Martin Hired as Human Resources Coordinator at Superior Plastic Products
5/2/18 – Superior Plastic Products has hired Sherrill Martin as Human Resources Coordinator for all its affiliated companies.
In her new role, Martin will handle new hire paperwork, administer benefits, manage employee files, and carry out other HR duties. She has several years of experience in human resources, and before joining Superior and affiliates, she worked as HR Director at another local company.
“Sherrill’s experience has allowed her to develop skills in all aspects of HR,” says our Chief Culture Officer. “She brings valuable resources for both the immediate needs of individual associates and the long-term culture of the companies.”
Martin’s interest in people, and her desire to help them succeed, make her a natural fit for the role.
“My goal is to be approachable and helpful to our employees,” Martin says, “while empowering them to reach their personal and professional goals.”
This coordinator role is a new one for Superior, but necessary for their ongoing growth. With more than 200 employees, the companies’ management team needed a skilled coordinator to handle oversight of human resource-related tasks.
“Sherrill is here to keep us moving forward as we continue to stabilize, grow, and improve.”
Smucker Named Outside Sales Representative for Delaware, Maryland, and Eastern Virginia
2/23/18 – Superior Plastic Products and affiliated companies are pleased to announce that Andrew Smucker has been named outside sales representative for their Zone 2 territory, which includes Maryland, Delaware, and northeastern and eastern Virginia. This is an expansion of Smucker’s territory and gives him additional sales responsibility.
Smucker started with the companies in 2010 as an inside sales representative at Cardinal Building Products. From there he moved to outside sales for Cardinal, and then Superior and Key-Link Fencing & Railing.
“Andrew has already proven himself to be an excellent sales representative for the company,” said Amos Kauffman, Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “We are happy to offer him this position because we know that he will provide our customers with the service and attention that our companies are known for.”
Smucker says he too is excited to begin working in his new role. “This is a new adventure,” he said, “I’m looking forward to building new relationships and getting to serve our customers in this region.”
Smucker is based in Lititz, Pennsylvania, where he lives with his wife and four children.
Superior Plastic Products Adds to Marketing Team
12/10/17 – Superior Plastic Products and their affiliated companies have added two new members to the marketing team. Ashley Alvarez and Melanie Hess recently joined the team as Digital Marketing Specialist and Content Marketing Specialist, respectively.
“With growing requirements for content and a digital presence, we needed to hire professionals who could take our companies’ online and print marketing efforts to the next level,” said Amos Kauffman, the Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “Ashley and Melanie are experienced marketers who will help us create engaging content to better serve our customers.”
Superior’s marketing team, under the direction of Kauffman, provides complete marketing services for Superior and its affiliated companies.
Superior Plastic Products Announces Staff Hiring and Promotion
12/5/17 – Superior Plastic Products and its affiliated companies are pleased to announce the promotion of Alex Rodriquez, Jr., to Machine Shop Manager. Rodriquez, who has been with the company since 2011, has developed a thorough knowledge of the machine shop’s equipment and processes and has shown leadership among machine shop associates.
“We are excited about the skills and work ethic that Alex brings to this position,” said our Chief Culture Officer. “We look forward to continuous improvements as Alex grows into his role as manager of the machine shop team.”
Additionally, the company has added a new member to the project engineering team with the hiring of David Kinsey. Kinsey, who graduated from Pennsylvania College of Technology in Williamsport, is experienced in drafting, product design, and data management.
David brings knowledge and abilities that will serve customers across all of our companies. We are very pleased to have him join the team.
Superior Plastic Products Now Offering 16’ x 16’ Vinyl Pergola with 4 Columns
12/1/17 – With backyard pergolas currently enjoying a surge in popularity, Superior Plastic Products has tapped into the growing market with their exclusive line of structurally-supported vinyl pergolas, all of which come in ready-to-assemble kits. One of Superior’s most uniquely engineered products is a 16’ x 16’ pergola that requires only four columns.
“The 16×16 pergola is a popular size, and we’ve found that customers want to limit the number of columns, since columns can block views or break up the space,” said Amos Kauffman, Superior’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “Offering this particular size and column combination fills an important market niche and lets our customers tailor their outdoor living space to their specifications.”
Unlike many vinyl pergolas on the market, Superior’s pergolas are structurally sound because the vinyl columns are supported from within by aluminum posts. These pergolas are engineered to stand up to wind and snow loads and last for decades.
Weaver Promoted to Vice President of Engineering
11/1/17 – Superior Plastic Products has promoted Elmer Weaver to the newly-created role of Vice President of Engineering. Formerly the company’s machine shop manager, Weaver started with Superior (then Quality Fence) in 1999.
The machine shop staff and responsibilities expanded under Weaver’s leadership as he and his team took on new challenges, including building the company’s innovative cable railing system from scratch.
“Elmer combines a wealth of institutional knowledge and experience with a relentless drive for innovation and improvement – a rare combination,” said Javan Lapp, the company’s Chief Operating Officer. “He is always pushing the company to explore ways to improve.”
As Vice President of Engineering, Weaver will have oversight of equipment planning, acquisition, and maintenance, as well as all research and development related to equipment or products. In addition to the managing the machine shop, he will be overseeing the maintenance department and product engineering.
