INDIANAPOLIS, September 1, 2020 – Asterion LLC is pleased to announce the appointment of Brian Peterson as Technical Sales Representative. A certified electroplater-finisher (CEF), Mr. Peterson is responsible for providing exceptional customer sales and technical support to Asterion customers throughout Northern Illinois, Wisconsin, and western Minnesota. Prior to joining Asterion, Mr. Peterson was with Hydrite Chemical Co, serving as an account manager, technical sales representative, and metal finishing specialist during his tenure. Mr. Peterson also held senior sales and technical … [Read more...]
April 8, 2020 By
The Importance of Value
The 19th century poet and playwright Oscar Wilde was famously quoted as saying, “Nowadays people know the price of everything and the value of nothing.” It’s been well over 100 years since this quote was published, but it certainly has remained relevant in today’s world. However, it is a challenge for people to universally agree on what defines value. The word value has 11 definitions in Merriam Webster’s online dictionary. With so many definitions of a single word, it’s no wonder we are challenged to determine what true value is. How do I define value? In my position as a … [Read more...]
April 7, 2020 By
Suggestions on Shutting Down Plating Lines for the Short-Term
With more factories redirecting their production capacity to help fight the coronavirus pandemic, you may find yourself needing to idle one or more of your plating lines for a few days or weeks. While shutting down a plating line is rarely desirable, today's business environment may demand it. On behalf of the Asterion Team, here are some suggestions on shutting down your lines for the short-term. Each suggestion should be further customized to best suit you plating operation and business requirements. Keep heated plating baths at minimum temperatures Top off cleaner tanks and shut … [Read more...]
April 4, 2020 By
STAY AT HOME…and Cook!
During this time of "Stay at Home," have you had enough of Netflix? Are you finding you’ve had your fill of the news? Has your appetite for Amazon Prime been more than satisfied? Time to get off that couch and hit the kitchen to whip up these culinary delights! Recommended by two of our top-notch technical sales engineers extraordinaire, Doug Trageser and Randy Postoak, these guys know yummy recipes when then EAT THEM. "Good chemistry," extends beyond the plating floor for these gents. Just wait until you savor these sausage balls. And then top it off with a superior strawberry … [Read more...]
March 30, 2020 By
On Air with Blair
For many, in this time of “Social Distancing” and “Stay at Home Orders,” every day seems like the movie “Groundhog Day.” Since I seem to have a very boring social life and enjoy a good television series, over the past months, my friends have asked for recommendations of web-based television show recommendations. Provided below is a list of recommended shows that my wife and I have enjoyed. I have limited the recommendations to Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. They are in no particular order of recommendation. These shows are also NOT RECOMMENDED FOR CHILDREN. Many have adult themes, … [Read more...]
March 13, 2020 By
Asterion Business Response to COVID-19
A quick note to all of the friends of Asterion, LLC regarding the Novel Coronavirus, COVID-19 I am sure that your inbox is being filled with emails from both customers and suppliers regarding the Novel Coronavirus, COVID 19. Without adding to the litter, please be aware that our management team and all of our Team Members are working to protect ourselves and our customers from the impact of this public health issue. We have taken the following steps: Publicize and encourage commonsense hygienic practices to minimize infection risk. Restrict access to our facility to … [Read more...]
January 6, 2020 By
Asterion Celebrates Customers and the Holidays with Donation to Habitat Indy
INDIANAPOLIS, January 7, 2020 – For the third consecutive year, Asterion celebrated our valued customers and the holiday season by donating to Greater Indy Habitat for Humanity. This year, a company match was offered to all employees that participated. Over $1300 was raised. Blair Vandivier, President and CEO of Asterion stated, “We are extremely pleased to be partnering with Indy Habitat, as well as take pride in the generosity demonstrated by fellow Asterion team members as part of our company match. Giving back to and actively participating in our local communities is one of our … [Read more...]
July 15, 2019 By
What Would We Do Without SUR/FIN?
As long as I can remember, there have been musings about SUR/FIN® and its value. While I agree, there are ways SUR/FIN can be improved, without SUR/FIN where would we as an industry be? There would be no opportunity for surface finishers from various disciplines and backgrounds to meet and discuss issues formally and informally. The latest information on regulatory developments would have be discerned via webinars or articles. While these forums are truly valuable for some things, the opportunity to ask questions in person, or meet with a speaker “offline” do not occur in the … [Read more...]
May 15, 2019 By
Billie Dzunda a “40 Under 40” Products Finishing Honoree
We are proud to announce that Billie Dzunda, Asterion’s Director of Environmental Health and Safety, has been named a “40 Under 40 Future Leader of Surface Finishing” by Products Finishing Magazine. Safety is not only mentioned prominently in Asterion’s mission statement, but it is one of our core values. Since joining Asterion in 2015, Billie has provided exceptional leadership to ensure a safe workplace. In addition to providing EHS leadership, she is also part of our ISO 9001 team and works tirelessly to not only maintain compliance but strive for improvement. Billie graduated from … [Read more...]
March 21, 2019 By
Asterion “Safety First” Training
As part of the company’s core values to provide safety tools and training to employees, Asterion is committed to conducting American Heart Association (AHA) safety training on a regular basis. The OSHA-compliant training provides critical skills required to respond to and manage an emergency until emergency medical services arrives. Skills covered include first aid, choking relief, and what to do for sudden cardiac arrest. Upon successful completion of the comprehensive course, all participants are certified for two years. As part of the training and our emergency action plan, … [Read more...]