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Howard A. Virkler, founder of The Virkler Company (now Chemical Technologies), began his career in the chemical business in the 1930's serving the full-fashion silk hosiery industry. Like other industries of the period, hosiery manufacturing went through many radical changes. The two most important were the introduction of nylon and the advent of single-feed machinery for circular knitting, which gave us seamless stockings. These major technological changes and the unionization of the mill workers in the '40s and '50s forced many manufacturers out of business. Mr. Virkler, with courage and determination, resolved to take charge of his own future. In 1957, using a baby scale, a Waring blender, a hot plate, orange juice jars, and some pots and pans from their kitchen, Howard A. and his two sons, Howard and Craig, established their first laboratory in the basement of the Virkler family home in Philadelphia, PA.
Today Chemical Technologies occupies and ultra-modern 175,000 square foot facility in Charlotte with ample room for expansion. Baby scales and juice jars have been replaced by computer-integrated manufacturing systems and the most advanced laboratories and analytical equipment available. Today, the company consists of more than 100 associates dedicated to maintaining the values of service and quality established by our visionary founder.
