Solamatrix press release

capt bill (Bill Stewart, North American Sales and Operations Manager) has asked me to post this press release for him...

I was told by an industry insider that SolaMatrix got hit with a huge Million $ fine from the EPA because their equipment was in violation of EPA standards. Their defense was they were "grandfathered" in as SunGard. But the NEW owners are NOT grandfathered in. They are considered a NEW company thus in violation.

Nice spin on the story though, I give them that.

All,

First, Solamatrix has NOT been hit with any fines from the EPA and we are not in violation of any EPA standards. Since the information got out that Solamatrix was investing in a new incinerator this rumor was started. This investment addresses a number of things; first it saves Solamatrix a considerable amount of natural gas and increases our clean output. What we are emitting into the environment will be below EPA standards making us one of the “greenest” window film manufactures in the industry. This equipment will also make our laminating lines more efficient and produce cleaner and consistent window films.

So, whoever your “industry insider” is they are mistaken and miss informed.

Bill Stewart
North American Sales and Operations Manager


Bstewart@solamatrix.com
www.solamatrix.com

OWNED

Bill,

Are you suggesting this was done out of pure concern for the environment, and not because the system you guys had could no longer meet the required standards? It's not exactly an "insider" secret that the old system was rusted away, had leaks, and couldn't perform to standard. Film Technologies, now Solamatrix has a long history of EPA violations, Hazardous Waste Violations, and is involved in Superfund cleanups from improper disposal. Are you going to come out and lie and say this isn't so????

Spin it however you want Bill, but there are people who know the truth and will call you out when you misrepresent what is actually going on.

Please try to tell me I am mistaken and misinformed!

Thank you.

that just tell you your insiders are not very trust worthy..

do you have any proof of anything you say...let see it?

[/quote]
do you have any proof of anything you say...let see it?
[/quote]


Bill knows this is true. I will wait to see if he denies it before going any further. Proof can be gotten, as it is a matter of public record.

If you have something to say then say it. Nice first few post. Gee I wonder why this guys here

So throw it up before you call someone out. It may be true but FTI couldn't afford to buy more than a master roll not to mention new equipment. FTI is gone and now a new company owns it. So what is so misleading with a new owner replacing old equipment?

I stand by my source.

it is a very new company i cant see how the old company has anything more to do with this than them using the same site and equipment and some staff..

they are upgrading and for whatever reasoning its a positive sign which will help them produce high quality film which is what we as tinters want ! bitch and moan all you like at the end of the day it isn't going to help anyone.

well whatever they are doing, its great I can tell you from first hand experience that there film looks great the optical clarity is the best ive seen and they have improved the adhesive seems to stick faster.

i agree with you 100% justin.

I agree, and the few dealings Ive had with Capt Bill have been nothing but professional and courteous. In my opinion he is working extremely hard to turn the ship around and doing a good job of it. You little gossipers need to go read your national enquirer, thats all true in there too

i talked to gary the other day and sol came up ,gary is who came up with the f1 program ,but is know with huper
his word's are sol is a great film and capt bill is one of the most knowlagable people in the country .i wouldnt disrespect him with sillly rommer .
capt bill forgot more than 99% of the people on this site will ever know about film including me

I know from first hand that these people that spread rumors and outright lies are nothing less than character assassins and usually have a pretty transparent motive.

1st post was a dead giveaway.

How do you know that Gary C. came up with the F1 program?

Not assasinating anyone's character. I just repeated what I had been told.

You guys are all too quick to trust manufactures. NOT me I got too much riding on it.

that couldn't be farther from the truth. but capt bill is one of the few here who actually shows up to address issues and answer questions. many manufacturers don't have the balls to do thatt. they're probably scared they'd get raked over the coals. like what you're trying to do to bill.

but i like where he said:



like nobody else here has anything riding on it.

and in "just repeating" what you are told...do you check to see if what you are told has any truth to it...or are you just a parrot?

Yeah like no one else has a pot to p1ss in-give me a break!

You guys can believe what you want. Of course I have reasons. I've yet to see it be refuted by anyone with real knowledge of the company.

If Bill knows more than 99% of you, than thats pretty sad. Not everything is what it looks like.

Its laughable to see you guys applauding his posts on here. How many years did he post on here pretending to be something he wasn't before he finally confessed to working for the manufacturer? For those of us in the know, we laughed about it for years?

So post the evidence already. How can something be refuted unless it is established? If it is public knowledge, then point the way...

Sure not everything is what it looks like, but you show up from out of nowhere and post something controversial with no proof and we are supposed to take your word? That in itself could be considered laughable as well.

So who are you? You say he has been on here for years pretending to be something he wasn't. You registered on Nov. 20th. of this year. The day after this thread was started. I am sure that is PURELY coincidence right? And you know what has been going on here for years?? Interesting. You say not everything is what it looks like...I think I know what this looks like

At least Zeus was smart enough to have had another account set up a while ago.

So like V said, enough with the accusations....show us all of your proof!

Look, You guys all need to chill a bit. Especially all you guys who are "in the tank" for the Captain. Geesh get a room!

Here is are the FACTS: And by the way -Facts will appear in Bold print from here on.

Solamatrix has alot to live down in the purchase of the SunGard brand. But let's face it, they asked for it. FTI RUINED the SunGard Brand in the US with a gooey adhesive and a poly that turned clear within 12 to 24 months. I got burned when they had a distributorship here in the midwest and I promised myself that I would never buy their film again. I did way too many r/r for some dealers we serviced here to ever want to try their film again.

FastForward to 2008. A new owner with what appears to be DEEP pockets has bought a crapped out product line/name. As far as auto film goes they have a few things to prove to me - check that - to all of us except maybe you "newbies". Just because they "Say" they have things "fixed" doesn't mean they have no matter how professional Capt. Bill comes off.

I have nothing against Capt Bill. He seems to be a great guy who is stuck with the unenviable task of convincing all us old timers that the same old SunGard is NOT being repackaged and resold by a new owner with out of date equipment.

There is alot of "smack" floating around in our industry and on this forum. That is something that has gone one since I started up in 1986 and doesn't seem to be changing anytime soon. I have been guilty myself of repeating rumors. If I have damaged anyone here I sincerely apologize.

But true or not, they do underscore the truth of the Latin saying - "Caviat Emtor" or "Buyer Beware". Too many times over the years (22 and counting) I have seen companies make some pretty phenomenal claims about their manufacturing process or their "new" films only to get suckered in to buying and installing the films they push and end up sorry I was soooo gullable when the come backs start showing up 3 years later.

For all I know the "NEW" Sungard could be the greatest thing since canned beer or sliced bread. I for one hope it is.

But don't you think, with sooooo much to live down, and the almost impossible task of regaining dealer confidence in their product line that they would be more flexible on pricing? Afterall any company that would make good on the old SunGard warranty would surely be able to discount the film a little. The prices I was quoted for their color stable film was almost exactly what i can buy Llumar for - and we all know they are high. And they won't budge (the SunGard Distributor not Llumar - although they won't budge on price either.)

If I was as confident as Bill is in his product, knowing all the "crap" that came with the purchase of the SunGard name, I would be doing whatever it took to be more aggressively competitive than anyone else. If that means I discount the film a little so what? Once I had the dealer base locked up with loyalty, then- and only then would I make a modest increase in the price of the film until it was closer to what the top film lines are charging. That way over time, trust is restored to people who have been burned and can't believe the flimsy "take my word for it" reasoning. Again had SunGard/FTI not burned so many bridges, this new ownership thing wouldn't be such a BIG deal necessarily.

In an age where everyone puts their own "spin" on press releases and news events, trust has become a rare commodity. One that must be nurtured along slowly and carefully.

I may try SunGard myself again in the future once I am convinced they have earned my trust as well as everyone else's (realistically- I know not everyone will ever be on the same page). I mean no ill will to Solamatrix or the Captain. I wish them well and again apologize for any perceived hostility toward them.

I hope what I was told about the EPA fine was wrong and I want to believe Bill. We all need a company that is TRUELY looking out for all of us.

I will say this, the person who told me about the EPA fine is someone I have come to know well over the years. He could just be repeating words like a parrot. But I have my doubts . I only posted it to let others know what i had been told. Lookin' out for all of us here - not just ME. That is one of the most valuable funtions of this forum, to PROTECT US the TINT DUDES( uh and DUDETTES)!! I apologize if anything was taken to mean that the Captain is a liar , or Solamatrix were the "new evil Empire"

Since someone has to be the "guinnea pigs," you guys - especially you "newbies" go on ahead. This old timer will take a wait and see attitude. I'll catch up later if SunGard/Solamatrix steps up. Bill you know how to get a hold of me.

Right on dude.

Have you 2 wetintcars or Flatrockstan either one tried to or have talked to Capt Bill personally? Both say you know how to get ahold of me in your statements. I see no facts in either statements just a he said/she said rant. If both of you are so bold as to make these type of statements then you ought to be man enough to pick up the phone yourselves and call him. Both being old timers I would have thought that you would be trying to help the industry continue to move forward and cut this petty crap out

Ok, so you say the facts are in bold here.....lets see your facts without all the BS




now...this was your original statement:



can you please tell me how your "facts" prove that statement???

Stan I sat here and thought about this and it just dissappointed me to no end. You sell your stuff all over the world. Hell theres no telling how much this website has sold you over the years. You cannot sit here and tell me that every customer that you have ever sold has been 100% happy and you have never had any failure with any of your products sold. How would you like it if somebody came on here crying about your product before they were man enough to pick up the phone themselves and talk to you or customer service. Maybe you didnt live up to your end on the diamond program. So now you owe them. You have ranted on here for years how everyone has screwed you at one time or another. We've begged on this site for years for help in cleaning up the hacks and !llegal tinters in this world while you whine about a manufactor trying to help the situation. Its been my opinion for years that its people like you selling to hacks all over the world your do it yourself kits and manuals and dvds on how to tint are creating more hacks and problems with this industry than any chiatty film out there. Isnt it true that you will sell film to anyone that calls also. It is also my opinion that your company has singlehandedly brought down the industry more than any chiatty film manufactor out there also. Isnt it nice to exercise the right of free speech on a public forum
Sorry TD I tried to clean it up the best I could.

No problem Willie, I know it's a tough subject.

I'd just like to ask these people that are spreading these kinds of rumors to put yourself in the same shoes, and consider what it would be like if someone was spreading lies about you in an attempt to harm your business and reputation. It wouldn't be fun would it?

So, unless someone has some proof of this EPA fine, then post it, otherwise stop spreading rumors.

The new program seem to be a-ok. Good product and good customer service.
That's just my experience.

Well Willie I’m sorry I offended you with my feelings about Bill and I edited my post AND knew when I was making it that I probably should just keep my mouth shut but sometimes that’s hard for me to do. For that I apologize to you and all including Bill. At the same time you are just as out of line as me with your comments but I respect you and your feelings even if you are VERY misinformed on my customers satisfaction. The reason you don’t read where I screw people over is I don’t. Its real simple, if someone is unhappy I take care of it because I don’t want them talking about me in a public forum, dang free speech.. If they took care of their customers like I do this would not even be taking place. Yes I have posted before about manufactures screwing me because I get tired of it. Do you know if I ever tried to settle my differences with SG before making this post? I’m pretty sure you don’t and it is you ranting about something you know nothing about. I am disappointed you feel that way because I think you are a great guy and one of my favorite members on the board. I do sell DVD’s to TD members and give them a healthy discount but I’m not here to just sell stuff like Bill. I’m here because tinting is my life and you guys are my friends. Hanging out on TD is my favorite pastime but. I get worse emails from people who don’t want more people to learn how to tint believe me. It’s a big world out there and this profession is always going to need new people and I truly enjoy teaching them no matter if others want to keep tinting windows a private club. I will just keep my experiences with manufactures censored so they can do what ever they want and not fear retribution.
Peace out

Stan have you tried to settle your warranty issues since FTi became Solomatrix? If I am not mistaken a member posted that Solomatrix is working with them to cover old Sun Gard/FTI warranties... granted you would presumably continue to do business with the new company.

TD good comment.

One of the points I was trying to get accross, just not so eloquant

me too







Stan if you have satisifed 100% of your customers and dont have even 1 unsatisfied customer in all your years in the business I will gladly drive to oregon and Kiss your Ass. It aint happenin cause its not possible Your probably a dang good business man but nobody in there right mind can make that statement






My point being why call him out on a public forum and tell him he has your number. It was a simple question. Have you done everything on your end to resolve the matter. Look at Vdiddys post. It seems to me Capt Bill and solomatrix are trying to do the right thing with those willing to work with them. I can personally say he has done everything in his power to work with me on this end I am satisfied with the arrangement










Same here but doesnt mean I have to agree with your business practices, nor you mine.







Another stab in the back. Push that knife in and turn. Looks to me he can handle his own and seems to be trying to work with anybody, not just sell stuff.







You stand to gain a profit off almost every thing you do in this industry. Whether it be sell dvds, train them in tint school, travel abroad to rep for a company and so on. I ask you this then, if you love it so much would you do it for free? Its business Stan and lets just face it. Were not gonna agree on that point at all, nothing personal.



well heck I didnt work the fonts right and dont know how to fix it. You know what is your part and what is mine. TD may know how to fix it.

I can say this,the people at Solamatrix have a big job ahead. To bring back a comany from almost complete ruin,it's like Obama pesident elect assuming control of the White House. Best Wishes.

This is the only violation from the FTI Facility this year, so far being documented:

5/92008 - COMPLIANCE ORDER ISSUED. ORDER STATES: PURSUANT
TO RULE 62-213.440(3)(a), F.A.C., THE COMPLIANCE
CERTIFICATION IS DUE 60 DAYS AFTER THE END OF THE CALENDAR
YEAR TO THE EPA. RESPONDENT WAS REQUIRED TO SUBMIT A
COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATION FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2006 TO THE
REGIONAL ADMINISTRATOR OF EPA REGION 4 BY MARCH 1, 2007.
ACCORDING TO EPA RECORDS FOR COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATIONS, AS
OF MAY 6, 2008, RESPONDENT HAD NOT SUBMITTED A COMPLIANCE
CERTIFICATION TO THE REGIONAL ADMINISTRATOR OF EPA, REGION
4.
spk


The fine was only $100. so I hope this is not the smoking gun your talking about. This was in regards to a reporting requirement, nothing environmental.....bill was this your job? ooops!

From EPA

*Note that enforcement actions that are in process are not publicly available.

There were two other fines/monetary penalties paid in 2004 for over $4000. and one in 2006 for over $24,000 I was unable to find out what they were specifically.


With everything I looked over they seem to be A-OK '

Good day

I did some checking on other companies because this got my interest, heres what I found so far:


Bekaert- had violations but not at the plant where "tint" is made and likely has nothing to do with films at all. There tint plant is O-OK in my book

************************

3m - had too many factories but violations were present, though for the size of the company its more or less like nothing. If anyone know the address or city and state where there film is made I can find out more, corporate offices address's wont help because thats not where the violations would be at.

*************************************
cpfilms-

From the EPA:

High Priority Violator (HPV) History section: "Unaddr" means the facility has not yet been addressed with a formal enforcement action. "Addrs"means the facility has been addressed with a formal enforcement action, but its violations have not been resolved

this was from nov-dec 2006, they also paid a penalty of 3647.00 around that time


They are not a "High Priority Violator" it just means they had/have an unaddress formal enforcement action, whatever that is.
with that being said they are pretty much A-OKish too
******************

SOUTHWALL- clean as a whistle! unbelivable, nothing, super A-OK!

*************************************

COMMONWEALTH LAMINATING- had 4 formal enforcement actions 3 resultin in compliance order fines 1 for 14,700 in 2004 and 2 for 25,600 each in 2006 like CPFilms these are state related (maybe they should find a new state to manufature in) pretty much OK no environmental disasters, likely really bad paperwork.

*************************************

madico - in 2006 they had 12consecutive months of facility level noncompliance no fines it was problably somthing stupid A-OK here

************************************

if I missed any US plants that make film please let me know as for foreign plants we can assume the worst because very few countries have the regulations we have.

[/quote]can you please tell me how your "facts" prove that statement??? [/quote]

Look bub, If you look carefully it says "I was TOLD" I never said that I came up with it myself or that it was reported and verified. I put merely put it on here to see if it was true and how many had heard the same thing. Anyone descerning can figure that out from the Nov 28th post I made that you are replying to.

The FACTS I posted are just that, they dont support "That Statement" but they do clarify my position and what I said on Nov 28th.

And as far as proof is concerned this message board is primarily opinion driven. I haven't seen much proof in anything posted here outside of pics and tips. So put the proof cry away. You watch too much CSI and LAW & ORDER. You won't get it from anybody on here unless it was reported on CNN - which is probably where you get most of YOUR news from the sounds of it.

If we can't come on here and talk openly about the rumors we do hear in an attempt to get at the truth, then what's the value of this board? Geese! So much for being one big happy tint family!

OK, so who "told" you this rumor? That should give people a little background to where this kind of thing is coming from.

Given the HOSTILE nature of this forum and particularly this thread ( I didn't realized that went on until now), I don't think it's fare to him to name him. That's like a cop divulging the identity of an informer - I don't want to get anybody killed even if it is just online. I don't have permission to name him so I won't. This is the court of public opinion NOT an episode of Judge Judy. He is someone who has been involved with this industry for 30 years and has manufacturing background and access. That's all you are getting. And that's all I am saying further on this subject. If he wants to come on here and make his defense that's up to him. He monitors this board annonymously like so many others. I'm sure he knows what is going on.

It's obvious there is a LoveFest going on here with the new SunGard and the Captain. FINE. Buy the stuff, put it on. I wish you all well! It's your business, put on whatever you want. You make the call. It's your call to make I really don't care anymore!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


I've said all there is to say, there's nothing else to say on this topic. Done.

Looks like your full of chitt as usual and you got called out and have no where to hide

Bub I missed that!

But it IS fair to spread his lies?



You aren't a cop, and he's not a witness to a crime. He's started a rumor.



I don't know Captain Bill from Captain Crunch, this thread is about putting a rumor to rest. If someone was spreading a rumor about wetintcars.com, then you could start a thread to clear that up as well.

Like I said earlier, try putting yourself in your victim's shoes, if someone was doing this to you, I bet you'd be more than a little pissed.

sorry to go off topic but that's just fuggin' funny

It's funny how the alleged fine is about as much as the cost of the new equipment. Why don't you call your "insider" and ask them to send you some proof that this EPA fine actually happened? A million dollar EPA fine would definitely be newsworthy (For example, US Glass Magazine reported a $15k EPA fine on Rossford Glass) and no one can seem to fine anything.