OUR HISTORY
45+ years in the making.
As a family-owned company, Polydeck has found sustained success through continuous product innovation and an unwavering focus on serving, caring, and working alongside our customers.
1959
The birth of a company.
In 1957, Manfred Freissle and Helmut Rosenbusch met in South Africa and founded Screenex in 1959.1969
The invention of modular synthetic screen panels.
In 1969, Mr. Freissle invented the modular synthetic screen panel that revolutionized the screen media industry. The patented polyurethane modular panels, branded Polydex®, displaced heavy wire cloth sheets due to its ease of use and longer wear life.1970's
Joining forces and expanding abroad.
In the late 1970’s, Mr. Freissle was reunited with his college friend, Dieter Egler, who wanted to help expand into the United States. In 1978, Mr. Egler officially opened Polydeck Screen Corporation in Spartanburg, S.C.1980's
The manufacturing boom comes to Polydeck.
Throughout the 1980’s, modular synthetic media continued to gain traction, requiring Polydeck to build a new manufacturing plant in 1981 and a second manufacturing bay in 1986.1990's
New innovations and expanded capabilities.
Polydeck continued to innovate in the 1990’s, patenting PIPETOP™, a new support frame system that enhanced the production of the modular media design and expanded its capabilities and products to include rubber injection molded panels.2000s
A new generation takes the helm.
By the year 2000, Peter Freissle, son of the co-founder, was ready to lead the next generation of innovation at Polydeck and was appointed president. Throughout the early 2000’s, Polydeck introduced new products that continued to push the boundaries of modular synthetic media production capabilities. In 2001, PipeTop II™ (now standardized as PIPETOP™) was introduced and became the industry gold standard for support frame systems. A new panel fastening system, PolySnap®, was patented and introduced in 2002.2006
A Caring Culture is born.
Innovation didn’t stop with product design. After a life changing experience at a religious retreat in 2006, Peter Freissle created what is deemed the Polydeck Caring Culture and formed the non-profit, His Way At Work, as a way to share the Caring Culture with other companies.2012
Product offering and global manufacturing capabilities expand.
In 2012, Polydeck introduced ARMADEX™, a bolt-down rubber product line, and expanded their South American footprint with a new manufacturing plant in Santiago, Chile.2017
Expansion to Peru and addition of Distribution Center network.
By the end of 2017, Polydeck had expanded its campus again, established operations in Peru, and developed a North and South American Distribution Center network to better serve its customers2017
Safety Award Winner
Polydeck named South Carolina Chamber of Commerce 2017 Safety Award Winner for Workplace Safety.2019
Polydeck turns 40!
In 2019, Polydeck celebrated their 40th year of being in business. Founder, Manfred Friessle, was inducted into the Pit&Quarry Hall of Fame and Polydeck was named an Economic Visionary by Spartanburg Community College Foundation.2021
Certified by Great Place to Work
Polydeck is proud to be Certified™ by Great Place to Work®.2021
Polydeck Expands Operations in Spartanburg County
In 2021, Polydeck invested $8.7 million for another expansion to its headquarters, creating 45 new jobs. This was the 8th expansion, supporting increased demand and manufacturing capacity.2023
Partnership with Habitat for Humanity
Polydeck partnered with Habitat for Humanity to build homes and strengthen the Spartanburg community. Launched on August 8, 2023, this partnership reflects Polydeck’s commitment to serving and caring for others. This collaboration continues to make homeownership a reality for local families.2024
The first 100% Recycled Screen Panel is made.
In 2024, Polydeck developed its first-ever 100% recycled modular synthetic screen panel, marking a major step in sustainable mining solutions. This breakthrough, achieved through advanced material reclamation and strategic partnerships, demonstrates Polydeck’s commitment to environmental innovation.2024
US logistics network expanded.
In early 2024, Polydeck opened a second distribution center in Arizona to enhance product availability and service efficiency. This expansion strengthens logistics support for customers in the western U.S.2025
Expanded direct operations into Brazil.
In early 2025, Polydeck established direct operations in Brazil, one of the world’s largest mining markets, to enhance service, pricing, and support for local customers. Led by a dedicated team in Belo Horizonte, this expansion strengthens Polydeck’s competitive position and growth in the region.
History in the making.
As a 40+ year old family-owned company, Polydeck has found sustained success through continuous product innovation and an unwavering focus on serving, caring, and working alongside our customers.
1959
The birth of a company.
In 1957 Manfred Freissle and Helmut Rosenbusch met in South Africa and founded Screenex in 1959.
1969
The invention of modular synthetic screen panels.
In 1969 Mr. Freissle invented the modular synthetic screen panel that revolutionized the screen media industry. The patented polyurethane modular panels, branded Polydex®, displaced heavy wire cloth sheets due to its ease of use and longer wear life.
1970
Joining forces and expanding abroad.
In the late 1970’s Mr. Freissle was reunited with his college friend, Dieter Egler, who wanted to help expand into the United States. In 1978 Mr. Egler officially opened Polydeck Screen Corporation in Spartanburg, S.C.
1980
The manufacturing boom comes to Polydeck.
Throughout the 1980’s modular synthetic media continued to gain traction, requiring Polydeck to build a new manufacturing plant in 1981 and a second manufacturing bay in 1986.
1990
New innovations and expanded capabilities.
Polydeck continued to innovate in the 1990’s, patenting PipeTop™, a new support frame system that enhanced the production of the modular media design and expanding its capabilities and products to include rubber injection molded panels.
2000
A new generation takes the helm.
By the year 2000, Peter Freissle, son of the co-founder, was ready to lead the next generation of innovation at Polydeck and was appointed president. Throughout the early 2000’s Polydeck introduced new products that continued to push the boundaries of modular synthetic media production capabilities. In 2001 PipeTop II™ was introduced and became the industry gold standard for support frame systems. A new panel fastening system, PolySnap®, was patented and introduced in 2002.
2006
A Caring Culture is born.
Innovation didn’t stop with product design. In 2006, after a life changing experience at a religious retreat, Peter Freissle created what is deemed the Polydeck Caring Culture and formed the non-profit His Way At Work as a way share the Caring Culture with other companies.
2012
Product offering and global manufacturing capabilities expand.
In 2012 Polydeck introduced Armadex™, a bolt-down rubber product line and expanded their South American footprint with a new manufacturing plant in Santiago, Chile.
2017
Expansion to Peru and addition of Distribution Center network.
By the end of 2017 Polydeck had expanded its campus again, expanded to Peru, and developed a North and South American Distribution Center network to better serve its customers.
2017
Safety Award Winner
Polydeck named South Carolina Chamber of Commerce 2020 Safety Award Winner for Workplace Safety.
2019
Polydeck turns 40!
In 2019, Polydeck celebrated their 40th year of being in business. Founder, Manfred Friessle, was inducted into the Pit&Quarry Hall of Fame and Polydeck was named an Economic Visionary by Spartanburg Community College Foundation.
2021
Certified by Great Place to Work
Polydeck is proud to be Certified™ by Great Place to Work®. Read full story
2021 Polydeck is proud to be Certified™ by Great Place to Work®. Read full storyTODAY
Polydeck employs over 400 employees worldwide while serving customers in over 40 countries.