Press Releases

STUART, FL (December 21, 2011) – Someone call Erin Brockovich. B4C Technologies LLC, based in Palm City, Florida, has developed and refined a product that could completely eliminate the need for hexavalent chromium, a known carcinogen when inhaled, for increasing hardness, wear resistance, and extending the life of metal products. The compound produced by B4C is a propriety blend of boron, carbide, and other non-hazardous materials that is revolutionizing the metal coatings industry. The technology produces no emissions and the compound is safe for human exposure. Company Founder and Chief Technical Officer, Ed McComas, remarked, “All surface treatments, including paint, have some negative environmental impact. This product has zero negative effect on the environment.”

B4C Technologies was founded in 2010 by Ed McComas and Thomas Dyer, Chairman and CEO, and is located in Sands Commerce Center. The company evolved out of a formula that sat in McComas’ desk drawer for nearly 20 years. McComas worked to improve the formula over two years and then sought patents for his technology. He currently holds 9 US patents and several foreign patents in countries spanning the globe.

Hexavalent chromium is a $9 billion per year industry. The chemical is widely used in every aspect of the transportation industry including cars, trucks, airplanes, boats; in nearly every manufactured metal part. It is present in everything from household garbage disposals to HVAC compressors. “Hexavalent chromium is omnipresent, but invisible,” said McComas.

The company first began exploring the applicability of replacing hexavalent chromium with its technology on gun barrels. Today, every United States military gun barrel is plated with hexavalent chromium. Government testing indicates that B4C’s technology is an effective replacement for that plating. It is proven to double or triple the life span of the product it is applied to, and hardens surfaces to levels comparable to diamonds, making it a far superior choice to any alternative.

B4C’s process is not a coating, but rather a diffusion process that becomes part of the surface of the metal. As metal in use heats and melts, the product treated with B4C’s technology stays hard and lubricious, rather than sloughing off like a typical surface coating. The result is a product marketable among many sectors including, but not limited to, automotive; landscaping equipment; industrial cutting tools like drill bits, saw blades, end mills; stamping and forging dies; and military vehicle, aircraft and marine armor plates. The company is working with both military and the private sector to roll out the technology.

“This technology represents a significant cost savings to any end user,” said B4C CEO Thomas Dyer. “Longer life span means less down time and less money spent on replacement parts.”

The company anticipates hiring 50 people over the next 36 months and investing $5 million in its operation. The mix of employees ranges from mechanical engineers to quality control to production managers and entry level production. The Business Development Board of Martin County (BDBMC) is actively working with the company, providing support, marketing assistance and, eventually, training resources. “The sky is the limit with B4C Technologies,” remarked Tim Dougher, Co-Executive Director of the BDBMC. “They are demonstrative of the innovation and entrepreneurship that thrives in Martin County and we look forward to supporting their success.”

“In a community that prides itself on green and environmental leadership, we should be especially proud that this type of technology is being developed here,” said Crystal Stiles, Co-Executive Director, BDBMC. “B4C’s technology could have positive global implications on our environment, leaving a greener legacy for future generations.”

For more information about B4C Technologies, visit b4ctechnologies.com.

About the BDBMC

The Business Development Board of Martin County is the county’s official economic development organization, and Enterprise Florida, Inc. partner.  More information about the organization can be found by visiting www.bdbmc.org. 

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