John K. Merrell Honored with Induction into the ACMA Hall of Fame
August 7, 2026
Noblesville, IN: (November 2021) IDI Composites International’s founder, John K. Merrell, was posthumously honored with the American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA) Hall of Fame Award. The award recognizes a member who has attained distinction among his or her peers through their involvement and accomplishments in the composites industry and its associations.
“We’re honored to see our founder’s legacy commemorated in such a meaningful way,” states Tom Merrell, CEO of IDI Composites International. “He instilled the vision and principles we aim for everyday: commitment, creativity, and collaboration. Receiving recognition for his contributions to the industry from the ACMA means a great deal.”
Founded in 1966 by John K. Merrell, IDI Composites International has grown to be a leading global developer and manufacturer of thermoset molding compounds. As a material supplier, IDI collaborates with OEMs, Tier 1s, and molders to develop sheet molding compounds (SMC), bulk molding compounds (BMC), and structural thermoset composites (STC®) for the most demanding applications in the Transportation, Infrastructure, Construction, and Electrical markets.
IDI Composites International is headquartered in Noblesville, Indiana; in addition to its Indiana headquarters and manufacturing center, the group operates five wholly-owned manufacturing facilities in Puerto Rico, Mexico, France, the United Kingdom, and China. IDI’s sister organization, Norplex-Micarta, is the market-leading manufacturer of high performance thermoset composite materials based on impregnation and lamination technology. Norplex-Micarta has two manufacturing facilities in Iowa and China. It has just opened a third facility in Montana which will house Norplex Advanced Composites, a new venture aimed at expanding the company’s commitment to prepregs and advanced composite materials. Combined, the group has over 700 employees globally.
Throughout its 55-year history, IDI Composites International has remained family owned and operated. The collaborative spirit, creativity, and commitment to excellence which drove John K. Merrell to launch the company continues today as the foundation for the company’s continued success.
John Merrell passed away in June of 2015 after a 49-year career in the composites industry.
About IDI Composites International
Founded in 1966, IDI Composites International is the premier global formulator and manufacturer of thermoset molding composites and compounds for OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, and molders. With 58 years of industry experience, IDI provides both standardized and customized polyester/vinyl ester-based SMC and BMC.
IDI’s unwavering focus on market development, operational excellence, and the development of more sustainable composite materials has established its reputation as the trusted leader in the composites industry.