NEx: An ACI Center of Excellence for Nonmetallic Building Materials announced GatorBar, also known as Neuvokas Corporation, as the newest Bronze Supporting Member. The organizations will work together to help drive NEx’s mission to collaborate globally on the use of nonmetallic building materials driving research, education, awareness and adoption. As a new member, GatorBar will join NEx sustaining members Aramco and the American Concrete Institute, as well as a growing team of supporting members, in achieving NEx’s mission.

GatorBar is an industry-changing, glass fiber reinforced composite rebar that is 100 percent made in the USA using 100 percent USA-made materials. GatorBar operates out of Ahmeek, Michigan, in the Upper Peninsula. The company was founded in 2013 when founders Erik Kilunen and Ken Keranen realized that Fiber Reinforced Polymer rebar could compete with steel and increase manufacturing speed significantly.

“NEx partners with leading organizations focused on accelerating the technological advancement and use of nonmetallic construction materials and products,” said Matt Kero, Vice President of Engineering at GatorBar. “Its goal is to better address emerging standards and usage while decreasing environmental and energy concerns incumbent with traditional construction materials. Composite rebar is maturing within the construction segment, and we are proud to be a part of an industry body devoted to furthering understanding and acceptance of this emerging technology.”

NEx looks to draw additional partners from leading government agencies, technical societies, standard bodies and manufacturers. To learn more about how NEx is advancing nonmetallics and to get involved, visit nonmetallic.org.