PEM® Surface Creations, a St. Louis based company and leader in premium slip-resistant matting, is celebrating 15 years of success after the company’s founding in May 1997. Today, their products are distributed and promoted by over 100 companies, with thousands of applications worldwide. The non-skid matting is a proven solution in multiple industries worldwide, including golf courses, aquatic facilities, marinas, playgrounds, marathons, equestrian centers, yoga studios, and dog kennels. PEM is operated by the father son team of Bob and Rob Amelung of south St. Louis County.
“We started PEM in 1997 when golf courses began requiring spikeless golf shoes, and golf course superintendents were eagerly searching for ways to reduce the risk of golfer slippage on bridges, steps and walkways,” said Bob Amelung, president and founder of PEM. “Our PEM surfacing was just the solution they needed, and since that time has led us to similar success in many other applications. Many organizations are taking a proactive and preventive approach to safety measures, and not waiting for an injury, but reducing the risk.”
The first application of PEM non-skid matting was on the #1 tee box of Sunset Country Club in St. Louis, MO. Since that time, PEM has been used during high profile events such as the 2011 and 2012 London Marathon, the 2004, 2008, and 2012 US Olympics Swimming Trials, 2004 and 2005 FINA World Championships and multiple PGA and Ryder Cup Golf Events. PEM yoga flooring was also used on the most recent season of The Biggest Loser on NBC. The company plans for further expansion into commercial fitness and home gym applications.
“It’s amazing how quickly PEM has taken off as a company. In only 15 years, our products are used in a number of industries, and that number seems to increase every day,” said Rob Amelung, vice-president of PEM. “Our matting came into the market at the perfect time. Combine that with our low prices, central location and superior design, and you’ll see PEM is quickly becoming a leader for slip-resistant solutions.”
PEM’s slip resistant flooring provides a textured surface that reduces slippage in high traffic areas, along with a soft construction that provides padding on points of harmful contact and comfort to barefoot traffic. Using a poly extruded matting (PEM) made from virgin raw thermal plastics, the material contains an antimicrobial biocide that guards against the growth of mildew, fungi and bacteria. The porous construction allows moisture to flow through or evaporate to eliminate standing water and reduce algae growth. PEM matting is resistant to environmental and chemical degradation, extreme temperature and wind uplift making it highly durable.
