MBI Products Company

What MBI Products Company does

MBI Products Company, Inc. is a family-owned specialty manufacturer of commercial acoustical sound-control products, founded in 1965 in Cleveland, Ohio as Metal Building Interior Products Company and now headquartered and manufactured at a single facility at 801 Bond Street, Elyria, Ohio. The company designs and produces a ten-SKU portfolio of sound-absorbing solutions — Cloud-Lite® Acoustical Baffles (its pioneering flagship, developed over 50 years ago), Lapendary® Panels (large catenary banners originally developed in 1987), Colorsonix® wall panels, Spectrum™ ceiling panels, Weather Resistant exterior panels, Masquerade DESCOR® textile systems, Shadow-Coustic® pads, ceiling tiles, Polyester Board, and Blackout Theater Board — built on fiberglass cores, PVC encapsulation, polyester board, and specialty fabric facings, with products independently tested at Riverbank Acoustical Laboratories.

The business operates a project-based, quote-driven revenue model targeting enterprise and institutional end-markets across seven primary verticals: sports and entertainment venues (arenas, amphitheaters, convention centers), educational institutions, hospitality and restaurants, industrial and manufacturing facilities (OSHA-compliance use cases), corporate offices, arts and culture venues, and outdoor entertainment spaces. Marquee specifications include the Moody Center at the University of Texas at Austin ($375M project, completed April 2022), L.L. Bean's $110M corporate-headquarters renovation, the Rady Shell at Jacobs Park in San Diego, DTE Energy Music Theatre, and PromoWest Pavilion, alongside a long tail of schools, breweries, restaurants, and SMB venues; products have been installed in 120+ sports arenas internationally and 4,400+ indoor ice rinks across North America are addressable for the Low-E Lapendary line.

Go-to-market combines direct enterprise field sales with a network of long-tenured independent sales representative firms covering Texas/Mountain States (Specified Int*Ex, since 1980), New England (Architectural Design Resources, 20-year partnership), and broader US coverage (Midlantic Sales Group), with specifications driven through architects, acoustic consultants (SH Acoustics, Charles M. Salter Associates, Criterion Acoustics), and general contractors. Ownership and leadership remain within the founding family: Owner/CEO Genevieve Zarnick (founder Bernie Zarnick's widow), President Cree Kysela (son-in-law of founder, in role since 1999), CFO Lisa Kysela, and third-generation Project Manager Cam Kysela, supported by a tenured executive team including 30-year VP of Sales Charles Splain. The firm has no external investors, no parent company, no disclosed funding rounds, and operates as a private Ohio corporation.

Name

MBI Products Company

Legal name

MBI Products Company, Inc.

Website

https://mbiproducts.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1965

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

MBI Products Company is a family-owned Elyria, Ohio manufacturer of commercial acoustical products — baffles, wall and ceiling panels, exterior panels, and textile systems — serving sports venues, schools, hospitality, industrial, and cultural institutions across North America through direct sales and independent rep firms.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Commercial Acoustical Products

akta.pro primary industry

Acoustic Gypsum Boards & Sound Control Systems (IMADAEAK)

Keywords

• Acoustical products
• Sound control panels
• Noise control solutions
• Acoustic wall panels
• Ceiling baffles

Headquarters

HQ city

Elyria

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Acoustical Products Manufacturing and Sales: MBI designs and manufactures acoustical products for commercial spaces and sells them directly to customers through a network of sales representatives, contractors, and architects. Products are made in the USA at the company's Elyria, Ohio facility.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

MBI Products Company designs and manufactures acoustical sound control products for commercial spaces where proper sound management is critical, including arenas, convention centers, schools, churches, restaurants, offices, theaters, and industrial facilities. Products are manufactured in the USA at the Elyria, Ohio facility using sound-absorbing fiberglass cores, PVC encapsulation, polyester board, and specialized fabric facings, and span baffles, wall panels, ceiling tiles, and exterior acoustic panels. The company sells through direct enterprise field sales and a network of independent sales representative organizations serving architects, contractors, acoustic consultants, and facility owners.

Product overview

MBI Products Company is a manufacturer of commercial acoustical sound control products, offering a comprehensive portfolio of sound-absorbing solutions including Cloud-Lite® Acoustical Baffles (their flagship pioneering product developed over 50 years ago), Lapendary Panels (large acoustical banners for arenas), Colorsonix® wall panels, Spectrum Acoustical Panels (for ceiling deck applications), Weather Resistant Exterior Panels (for outdoor venues), Masquerade DESCOR® (textile wall/ceiling coverings with acoustic properties), Shadow-Coustic® Acoustical Pads, Ceiling Tiles (various types including Blackout, Whiteout, Fabric, PVC), Polyester Board (sustainable 100% recycled option), and Blackout Theater Board. These products address noise control across diverse commercial spaces from arenas and schools to restaurants and industrial facilities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Cloud-Lite® Acoustical Baffles MBI's flagship acoustical baffle product designed to solve sound problems in large cubic volume spaces such as arenas, gymnasiums, natatoriums, theaters, restaurants, offices, and industrial buildings for OSHA compliance. Easily suspended from ceilings, bar joists, horizontally stretched cable, or pre-engineered suspension systems.
• Lapendary Panels Large, unique acoustical banners hung in a loose catenary fashion or installed flush to the roof deck for a flat appearance, designed for larger indoor venues like arenas and multi-purpose facilities. Reduce reverberation time and sound intensity levels, creating increased speech intelligibility and improved quality of sound systems.
• Colorsonix® Acoustical Wall Panels Acoustical wall panels suitable for most acoustical wall applications, offered in a wide range of prices and finishes from standard to custom configurations. Features sound-absorbing fiberglass core that effectively eliminates reflected sounds.
• Spectrum Acoustical Panels Acoustical panels ideal for ceiling spaces with electrical, mechanical, and fire suppression systems close to the deck. Installed directly to the roof deck, constructed of semi-rigid fiberglass core that is self-supporting and will not sag over time. Provide excellent absorption when Cloud-Lite Baffles and Lapendary Panels are not practical.
• Weather Resistant Exterior Panels Exterior acoustical panels intended for outdoor applications such as amphitheaters, pavilions, amusement facilities, noise enclosures, and transportation noise barriers. Made with durable Cypress exterior acoustic fabric, reducing reverberation times by 1/2 to 5 seconds and sound intensity levels 2 to 12 decibels. Designed to withstand the elements and extreme temperature changes.
• Masquerade DESCOR® Textile Wall and Ceiling Covering System High-tech textile wall and ceiling covering system with acoustic performance. Features over 256,000 digitally custom and standard printed colors in high resolution. Flexible, modular, easy, quick, and clean to install and replace. Temperature-independent, developed in line with major safety and environmental certifications.
• Shadow-Coustic® Acoustical Pads Acoustical pads providing maximum performance encapsulated in any color PVC. Cost-effective choice intended for use with perforated metal ceilings, wood ceilings, or linear paraline ceilings.
• Ceiling Tiles Wide range of ceiling tiles providing solutions for various acoustic and performance needs, including Blackout Tiles, Whiteout Tiles, Fabric Ceiling Tiles, Nubby Ceiling Tiles, PVC Ceiling Tiles, and PVC Encapsulated Ceiling Tiles.
• Polyester Board 100% polyester acoustic panel made from recycled and virgin fibers. Pure white, formaldehyde-free, moisture, bacteria, and fungi resistant. Flame-resistant rated Class 1 and Class A. 100% recyclable. Tested at Riverbank Acoustical Laboratories. Panel size: 48" x 96" x 2".
• Blackout Theater Board Acoustic ceiling board with blackout capability, ideal for theaters and cinemas where maximum sound absorption and light blocking are needed.

Quantifiable outcome

• Weather Resistant Exterior Panels reduce reverberation times by 1/2 to 5 seconds and sound intensity levels 2 to 12 decibels
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers22 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature9 records

Partnerships

20 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• GenslerminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 April 2022Architectural firm that designed the Moody Center at University of Texas at Austin, a $375 million arena project. Gensler's design introduced a modern approach to systems and details, creating stimulating urban spaces. MBI's custom DESCOR flags were installed in the arena's Premium Club.
• SPARQ1200minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 January 2022Installer of custom DESCOR flags at the Moody Center, University of Texas at Austin arena project completed in April 2022.
• Acoustical Systems, Inc.minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 January 2021Acoustical consultant and designer on PromoWest Pavilion project. Partner Phil Hooser designed the unique acoustic systems for the indoor/outdoor concert venue working with MBI Products.
• Specified Int*ExcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 1980Established in 1980, Houston-based independent sales representative firm representing MBI products throughout Texas and Mountain States for over 20 years. Handles high-end jobs in hospitality, healthcare, sports facilities, education, and commercial/industrial spaces. Known for strong customer service and team-oriented approach.
• Riverbank Acoustical Laboratories (Alion Science)coreTechnology or IntegrationRiverbank Acoustical Laboratories provides independent, accurate testing of MBI's building materials including sound-absorbing panels. With six reverberation chambers and industry-established standards, Riverbank performs testing and analysis for MBI's product line including Polyester Board. MBI team members visited the facility to observe testing of new products.
• Vance Breshears (Idibri)minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerAcoustic engineer who designed the MBI Lapendary Panel installation project at a Southern California university arena ahead of the Dalai Lama visit. MBI panels were attached to existing bar joists using standard aircraft cable and clamps.
• SH Acoustics (Steve Haas)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerAcoustic consulting firm led by Steve Haas, CEO & Principal Consultant, retained by Beck Center for the Arts to evaluate and solve sound issues. Recommended MBI Masquerade custom panels which reduced mid-frequency reverberation from 1.2s to 0.8s. MBI has long-established relationships with SH Acoustics across multiple projects.
• Buncher ConstructionminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerConstruction firm that precisely installed MBI Products' Masquerade custom acoustic panels at Beck Center for the Arts in Lakewood, Ohio. Also involved in PromoWest Pavilion installation project.
• Conveyer & CasterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMaterial handling manufacturer who partnered with MBI for noise reduction solutions at their 75,000 sq. ft. Westlake, Ohio facility. MBI installed Spectrum panels on the facility's roof deck, dramatically reducing noise levels.
• CISCA (Ceilings & Interior Systems Construction Association)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndustry association offering research into acoustics in schools through free whitepaper resources. MBI manufactures products that improve school environments and references CISCA materials in their educational content about classroom acoustics.
• Architectural Design ResourcescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor100% women-owned and operated sales representative company located in Plymouth, MA, serving New England region for 37 years. 20-year partnership with MBI Products providing acoustic solutions to commercial, education, healthcare, and hospitality clients including L.L. Bean and Bowdoin School.
• Midlantic Sales GroupminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSales representative organization providing MBI acoustic solutions to customers nationwide. Facilitated the Omi Pavilion at Olney Theatre Center project in Maryland with Snap Wall Inc.
• Zachau ConstructionminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerGeneral contractor for L.L. Bean's $110 million campus renovation project in Freeport, Maine where MBI's Colorsonix panels were installed in the conference room.
• SMRT ArchitectsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerArchitectural firm that designed L.L. Bean's conference room renovation at the corporate headquarters. Custom Colorsonix panels were designed to fit the space both acoustically and aesthetically.
• Landry & Sons AcousticsminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerInstaller of MBI Colorsonix panels at L.L. Bean's corporate headquarters conference room renovation project.
• Charles M. Salter Associates, Inc.minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerAcoustic engineering firm that contributed to the design and expertise for The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park outdoor concert venue in San Diego. Worked alongside Criterion Acoustics and MBI Products on this world-class project.
• Criterion Acoustics, LLCminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerAcoustic engineering firm contributing design and expertise for The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, working alongside Charles M. Salter Associates and MBI Products.
• Baker TriangleminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHouston-based company where MBI and Specified Int*Ex trained employees on Masquerade installation and completed a custom logo-printed Masquerade acoustic panel project in under three weeks for the company's newly remodeled conference room.
• Masyer Corp.minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerInstallation contractor for MBI Masquerade system at National Mounted Warrior Museum near Fort Hood, TX. Described MBI as a partner rather than a supplier, noting reliability and follow-through.
• Snap Wall Inc.minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerInstallation partner for Weather Resist Panels at Omi Pavilion at Olney Theatre Center (Maryland's official State Summer Theatre), working with MBI Products and Midlantic Sales Group.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Armstrong World Industries: NYSE-listed manufacturer of ceilings and wall solutions with a substantial acoustics product portfolio (including acoustic ceiling panels and baffles) sold through broad-line channels. Comparable as a competing supplier of architectural acoustic panels and ceiling solutions into commercial construction.
• CertainTeed (Saint-Gobain): Building products manufacturer offering acoustic ceiling panels and wall solutions within its broader ceilings portfolio. Comparable as an architectural acoustics competitor bundled with ceiling and insulation products.
• Ecophon (Saint-Gobain): Saint-Gobain subsidiary focused on acoustic ceilings and wall absorbers for offices, education, and healthcare. Comparable as a direct competitor in sound-absorbing ceiling and wall systems sold into commercial construction.
• USG Corporation: Major manufacturer of ceiling, drywall, and acoustical products, including acoustic ceiling tiles and wall panels. Overlaps with MBI on acoustic panels integrated with broader ceiling systems in commercial builds.
• Knauf Insulation: Global insulation manufacturer producing acoustic batts, panels, and baffles for commercial buildings. Overlaps with MBI in sound-absorbing materials used to improve acoustics in venues, schools, and offices.
• Rockfon (Rockwool): Subsidiary of Rockwool International, specializing in stone-wool acoustic ceiling panels and baffles. Competitor in the same architectural acoustic-panel category, particularly in venues, schools, and offices.

Direct peers

• Sound Seal: US manufacturer of acoustic panels, baffles, ceiling tiles, and noise-control products for commercial and industrial applications. Closely comparable in product range, customer profile, and project-based sales model.
• ASI Architectural: Manufacturer of custom architectural acoustic products including fabric-wrapped panels, baffles, and ceiling clouds for venues, schools, and commercial spaces. Direct competitor to MBI in the project-specification acoustic panel niche.
• Acoustics First: US manufacturer and distributor of acoustic panels, baffles, and sound-absorbing materials for commercial spaces. Comparable as a similarly-sized specialist in architectural acoustic products targeting venues, offices, and industrial facilities.
• G&S Acoustics: Specialist manufacturer of custom acoustic panels, baffles, and fabric-wrapped wall systems sold into architectural projects. Comparable niche competitor to MBI in custom architectural acoustic solutions.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/mbiproducts
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/mbi-products-company-inc

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles15 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about MBI Products Company