Sparking a Legacy
In the late 1960’s, Roy Perkins spent his days as a contractor in California vineyards spraying wine tanks with polyurethane. Realizing the broader potential of polyurethane, Roy partnered with Jim Cantrel, his chemical supplier, to found SWD Urethane in 1972 in Mesa, AZ. From the beginning, their goal was not to simply create a cookie cutter product. Instead, Roy and Jim committed themselves to listening to the needs and wants of their customers and developing customized products to meet those needs.
That foundation of innovation and customer focus sparked a family legacy that has continued for three generations.
Versatility on Display
When Roy’s sons, Steve and Greg, stepped in as leaders of SWD, the company was primarily focused on roofing and custom formulating systems for OEM applications. But just like Roy and Jim, Steve and Greg were innovators. As their on-staff chemists continued to improve formulas, SWD ventured into diverse markets, showcasing the company’s versatility in manufacturing. One memorable project that stands out as a testament to SWD’s innovative spirit is the creation of the iconic MGM Lion Statue in Las Vegas, affectionately named “Leo the Lion.”
In 1997, SWD helped replace the original fiberglass lion head entrance with the current polyurethane-filled statue that has since become a major tourist attraction. During their tenure, Steve and Greg continued to stay committed to their customers, their partners, and the future of spray foam.
Looking Ahead While Embracing the Past
Following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather before him, Jim Perkins took the SWD helm in 2007 with a vision for the future of spray foam. With his predecessors’ entrepreneurial spirit flowing through him, Jim immersed himself in the business of spray foam, shifting SWD’s focus to manufacturing wall spray foam products that are transforming the construction industry today. Jim is proud of the accomplishments of his forefathers but is focused on SWD’s long-term future ahead.
“We honor our past achievements in various markets,” Jim notes, “but our vision is firmly focused on making spray foam the premier choice for building envelope solutions in every type of building. Each new opportunity fuels our growth, and that’s where our team truly excels—embracing new possibilities, creating innovative solutions, and consistently delivering exceptional value to our customers.”
The team at SWD is committed to a customer-first approach to product development. We continue to build, innovate, and grow as we push for higher standards in construction and create the benchmark in spray foam. For over fifty years, we have been redefining quality and championing spray foam through building science, sustainability, and real-world performance. Customers and clients can count on us to continue to lead the way for many generations to come.
