When Armorgard 505 began to emerge as the industry standard for precasters more than two decades ago, we found ourselves in an unexpected position: we had a breakthrough product that was rapidly gaining traction…and we weren’t sure how to support the national demand.
The industry was talking. Manufacturers were sharing results. Everyone wanted “the durable epoxy you can get 100+ pours from.”
Copps Industries had engineered a winning product in Armorgard 505, but now we needed someone who could get it into the hands of precasters everywhere. That’s where Fister, Inc. came in.
Why Fister? Industry Knowledge & A Trusted Reputation
Fister, Inc. isn’t just a distributor. They’re a trusted member of the precast community.
With a focus on specialty products and a reputation for technical understanding, Fister already knew precast inside and out. Beyond selling product, they were known for helping manufacturers improve their production quality and efficiency—which aligns perfectly with how Copps does business.
“A partnership lasting more than 25 years doesn’t happen by accident,” said Greg Palmer, President of Copps Industries. “It happens when two organizations share the same philosophy: prioritize the customer, lead with expertise, and do the right thing for the industry. That’s why we really value our relationship with Fister.”
A Partnership Built on Collaboration
Just as 505 was co-engineered with precasters, the next step of its evolution required a partner who could support customers in a similar way. Fister became the exclusive reseller of Armorgard 505 because they were uniquely positioned to help precast manufacturers:
- Troubleshoot form performance
- Understand coating selection
- Scale production with confidence
- Access the product quickly and consistently
“Working with Fister makes our job easy because they understand what 505 does and why it matters,” said Jeff Oleson, Copps Director of Business Development. “When a precaster calls with a question, they don’t just quote a product; they help solve a problem. That’s the same mindset we have at Copps, and it’s why our partnership continues to work.”
We’ve never viewed this partnership as just a handoff to a distributor. Instead, it’s a continuation of the philosophy that created 505 in the first place: expertise, collaboration, and innovation.
The Value of Partnership
In an industry where products evolve, companies consolidate, and coatings are constantly re-evaluated, the longevity of the Copps-Fister relationship is significant. Our partnership endures because we both:
- Commit to engineering solutions, not just selling products.
- Serve the industry with a focus on quality.
- Believe in expertise-driven support.
Together, Copps and Fister have supported Armorgard 505 through industry changes, product refinements, new chemistries, and expanded applications (including 505 Low Temp).
About Fister, Inc.
Fister is a leading supplier of specialty chemicals and accessories to the precast industry, stocking trusted products nationwide. They’re the distributors of multiple Copps products and other form coatings, including:
- Armorgard 505 and 505 Low Temp
- Armorgard Steel Coat
- Armor Plate 541
- K-100 Form Repair
- High-performance silicone caulks
- Form accessories, rebar supports, chamfers, and more
Learn more at fisterinc.com.
Copps Industries & Fister, Inc.: Committed to Top-Quality & Technical Support
Copps formulates the product, and Fister connects with the people who need it. Together, we’re supporting precasters with expertise and technical guidance. In an industry where Armorgard 505 has become standard, we’re proud to honor the partnership that helped make it happen.
Want to collaborate with a company that believes in technical integrity, solution-driven engineering, and long-term partnerships? We’re always exploring relationships that help move the industry forward. Reach out to us to start a conversation today.