West System

What West System does

West System (legally Gougeon Brothers, Inc.) is a privately held, family-managed specialty chemicals manufacturer founded in 1969 in Bay City, Michigan by brothers Meade, Jan, and Joel Gougeon. The company formulates and manufactures two-part epoxy resin systems for marine bonding, coating, and composite construction, with its flagship 105 Epoxy Resin paired with four matched hardeners (205 Fast, 206 Slow, 207 Special Clear, 209 Extra Slow) that vary cure time from 60 minutes to 4+ hours depending on application temperature. The product platform is completed by a coordinated line of fillers, additives, pigments, reinforcing materials (carbon and glass tapes/fabrics), metering pumps, application tools, and skin-protection consumables, plus targeted specialty epoxies (G/flex 650/655, Six10, G/5 five-minute) and a January 2026-launched Wood Rot Repair Kit for non-marine household and DIY use. Manufacturing runs under ISO 9001:2015 certification in Bay City.

The company operates four sub-brands under the 2025 PRO-SET Formulated Resin Systems portfolio: WEST SYSTEM (marine), PRO-SET (high-performance composites), Entropy Resins (bio-based, board-sports, acquired 2018), and PRO-VAC (vacuum consumables, JV with HF Industri & Marine ApS, 2018). GTM is channel-led: products flow through thousands of marine chandleries worldwide, hardware stores, and major retailers including Amazon, West Marine, Aircraft Spruce, and Jamestown Distributors, with Wessex Resins & Adhesives covering UK/EU. Direct customer support is delivered via toll-free phone lines (US 866-937-8797; international 1-989-684-7286), biannual Epoxyworks magazine, YouTube tutorials, and the Glue U Boat Repair Workshop series running since 1987. Customer segments include marine and composite boatbuilders, marine repair yards and surveyors, accredited educational institutions (via an Educational Support Program), DIY boat owners, and board-sports manufacturers. The company has ~50 employees, is family-governed (Alan Gurski, son-in-law of late Meade Gougeon, is chairman), and as of 2025 reports under the PRO-SET portfolio structure.

Name

West System

Legal name

Gougeon Brothers, Inc.

Website

https://westsystem.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1969

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

West System (Gougeon Brothers, Inc.) is a 56-year-old, family-owned Bay City, Michigan manufacturer of marine and composite epoxy systems (105 Resin, four hardeners, fillers, additives, repair kits) sold globally through thousands of marine chandleries to boatbuilders, repair yards, educators, and DIY enthusiasts.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Marine Epoxy Products

NAICS

Plastics and Rubber Products Manufacturing (326)

SIC

Adhesives & Sealants (2891), Plastic Materials, Synth Resins & Nonvulcan Elastomers (2821)

akta.pro primary industry

Sealants, Adhesives, Gaskets & Marine Elastomers (IMAJAKAL)

Keywords

• Marine epoxy systems
• Epoxy resins hardeners
• Boat repair products
• Composite construction materials
• Wood rot repair

Headquarters

HQ city

Bay City

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Operations, Supply Chain, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Epoxy Resin and Hardener Sales: Core revenue from two-part epoxy systems including 105 Epoxy Resin and four hardener options. Sold in multiple container sizes (1 quart to 52.03 gallon) through distributors and direct channels.
2. Specialty Epoxies and Repair Kits: Wood Rot Repair Kit, G/flex toughened epoxies, Six10 thickened adhesive, G/5 five-minute adhesive. Convenient self-contained kits for specific repair applications.
3. Application Tools and Supplies: Metering pumps, application tools, skin protection (gloves, sleeves), reinforcing materials, and accessories.
4. Educational Materials: The Gougeon Brothers on Boat Construction book (free PDF download or purchase). Epoxyworks magazine (free print and digital editions). Technical manuals and instruction guides.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

West System (Gougeon Brothers, Inc.) formulates, manufactures, and distributes two-part marine epoxy systems — including the 105 Epoxy Resin line paired with four matched hardeners, specialty toughened epoxies (G/flex), quick-set adhesives (Six10, G/5), wood rot repair kits, fillers, additives, pigments, reinforcing materials, metering pumps, and application tools. The products are sold to marine professionals, boat builders, repair yards, educational institutions, and DIY boat owners through global marine chandleries, hardware stores, Amazon, West Marine, and direct technical-support phone sales.

Product overview

West System is a manufacturer of marine-grade epoxy products founded in 1969. The company offers a comprehensive portfolio centered on its flagship 105 Epoxy System — a two-part epoxy consisting of 105 Epoxy Resin combined with one of four hardeners (205 Fast, 206 Slow, 207 Special Clear, or 209 Extra Slow). The product line extends to specialized toughened epoxies (G/flex 650/655), quick-setting adhesives (Six10, G/5 Five-Minute), and the newer Wood Rot Repair Kit for restoring deteriorated wood. Supporting products include fillers, additives, pigments, reinforcing materials (Episize carbon and glass tapes/fabrics), metering pumps, application tools, and skin protection gear. The company also publishes Epoxyworks Magazine and offers 'The Gougeon Brothers on Boat Construction' textbook. As of 2025, Gougeon Brothers Inc. operates as part of the PRO-SET Formulated Resin Systems portfolio alongside bio-based Entropy Resins.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• WEST SYSTEM: Flagship marine epoxy brand offering two-part epoxy systems for boat building, repair, and composite applications.
• PRO-SET
• Entropy Resins
• PRO-VAC

Products and services

• 105 Epoxy System The flagship two-part epoxy system from West System: 105 Epoxy Resin combined with one of four WEST SYSTEM hardeners (205 Fast, 206 Slow, 207 Special Clear, or 209 Extra Slow), designed for marine bonding, coating, and composite repair applications. Targeted at boat builders, repair yards, and serious DIY marine users needing a matched system for structural work.
• 105 Epoxy Resin A clear, low-viscosity liquid epoxy resin that forms high-strength solid bonds with excellent moisture resistance when mixed with a WEST SYSTEM hardener. Sold in container sizes from 1 quart to 52.03 gallons. Designed to wet out and bond wood, fiberglass, reinforcing fabrics, composite materials, and metals for marine, woodworking, and composite construction users.
• Epoxy Hardeners (205, 206, 207, 209) Four hardener SKUs (205 Fast, 206 Slow, 207 Special Clear, 209 Extra Slow) designed for use with 105 Epoxy Resin, providing working times from 60 minutes to 4+ hours and curing from 40°F to 70°F. Sold individually to marine professionals and DIY users who need to tune cure speed and temperature profile for their project.
• Specialty Epoxies (G/flex, Six10, G/5) Specialty epoxy formulations including G/flex 650 and 655 toughened epoxies (for increased flexibility and impact resistance when bonding dissimilar materials), Six10 thickened epoxy adhesive (610), and G/5 five-minute adhesive (865) for quick repairs. Targeted at marine professionals and DIY users who need formulations beyond the standard 105 System.
• Wood Rot Repair Kit A two-part, solvent-free epoxy system kit for repairing rotted wood. Penetrates deeply into damaged areas, consolidates weakened wood fibers, and remains flexible enough to accommodate natural wood movement without cracking. Available in three sizes (Small 12 oz, Medium 1.5 qt, Large 1.5 gal) and compatible with WEST SYSTEM Fillers. Targeted at boat owners, homeowners, and DIY users restoring deteriorated wood.
• Fiberglass Boat Repair Kit and Handy Repair Pack Self-contained kits with pre-measured resin and hardener plus application tools, designed for small fiberglass and marine repairs on the go. Targeted at boat owners and DIY users who need a portable, ready-to-use repair package.
• WEST SYSTEM Fillers A range of fillers (403 Microfibers, 404 High-Density, 405 Filleting Blend, 406 Colloidal Silica, 407 Low-Density, 410 Microlight) sold individually for mixing with WEST SYSTEM epoxy to modify consistency for gap filling, fairing, filleting, and structural reinforcement. Used by boat builders and repair professionals to tailor epoxy properties for specific applications.
• WEST SYSTEM Additives and Pigments Additives and pigments (420 Aluminum Powder, 422 Barrier Coat Additive, 423 Graphite Powder, plus 501 White, 502 Black, and 503 Gray color pigments) sold as individual SKUs to modify WEST SYSTEM epoxy for barrier coating, UV resistance, color, and specialized finishes.
• Reinforcing Materials (Episize) Episize reinforcing materials including unidirectional carbon tapes (702, 703), biaxial fabric and tape (727, 737, 738), glass tapes (713, 729, 731, 732, 733), and glass fabric (740, 742, 745). Sold individually for structural reinforcement of marine and composite construction projects.
• Metering Pumps Hand pumps for accurate metering of 105 Epoxy Resin and matched hardeners at the correct ratio, ensuring proper mixing and consistent cure characteristics. Used by marine professionals and DIY users applying WEST SYSTEM epoxy in repeatable projects.
• Application Tools and Supplies Application tools and supplies (brushes, rollers, spreaders, mixing sticks, and related items) used to apply WEST SYSTEM epoxy in marine bonding, coating, fairing, and laminating projects.
• Skin Protection (Gloves and Sleeves) Disposable neoprene gloves and protective sleeves providing chemical resistance and dexterity for safe handling of WEST SYSTEM epoxy products. Targeted at professional and DIY users working with epoxy systems.
• The Gougeon Brothers on Boat Construction (Book) A comprehensive textbook on wood/epoxy boat construction written by Meade Gougeon, now in its 5th edition with 406 pages. Used as a textbook in boat-building schools with over 100,000 copies in print. Available as a free PDF download or for purchase by boat builders, marine educators, and serious DIY boat builders.

Quantifiable outcome

• 1 lb VOCs vs 30 lbs for vinyl ester per 10 gallons of laminate - significantly lower environmental impact
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core, supporting, flagship and regional.

• Entropy ResinscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018In 2018, GBI acquired Entropy Resins, a small bio-based epoxy brand popular in the board-sports industry. This expanded the product portfolio to include sustainable bio-based materials for surfboards and board sports equipment.
• HF Industri & Marine ApSsupportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018Joint venture with HF Industri & Marine ApS to provide affordable, accessible PRO-VAC vacuum consumables to composites manufacturers in North America.
• ORACLE TEAM USAflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2017PRO-SET was official technical supplier to ORACLE TEAM USA, the defending champion in the 2017 America's Cup series.
• Wessex Resins & AdhesivesregionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorUK-based distributor for WEST SYSTEM products in Europe. Contact for SDS conforming to EEC standards for European customers. Located in Romsey, England.
• American Magic (New York Yacht Club)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerPRO-SET retained as official epoxy supplier for American Magic's America's Cup challenge. America's Cup is one of sailing's most prestigious competitions.
• Stars & Stripes (Long Beach Yacht Club)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerPRO-SET retained as official epoxy supplier for Stars & Stripes America's Cup challenge.
• Marine and Composites Educational InstitutionssupportingOthersA dozen accredited schools and universities with composites or boat-building programs receive annual credit for epoxy purchases and special pricing. Hundreds of students and teachers participate in GBI's Educational Support Program.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• System Three Resins: A specialty manufacturer of epoxy and polyurethane coatings, adhesives, and finishes for marine, woodworking, and composite applications. Closely comparable to West System in target market (boat builders/DIY marine) and product format (two-part epoxy systems), though with a smaller brand footprint.
• US Composites: Direct-to-customer supplier of epoxies, polyesters, vinyl esters, and composite reinforcements serving marine, automotive, and industrial customers. Comparable in product mix and DIY/professional buyer overlap, particularly through online channels.
• MAS Epoxies: Manufacturer of marine-grade epoxies, fillers, and additives primarily serving wooden boat builders, restorers, and composite fabricators. Direct competitor to WEST SYSTEM with similar product architecture (resin + hardener systems) and overlapping distribution through marine chandleries and woodworking suppliers.
• TotalBoat: Jamestown Distributors' house brand of marine finishes, epoxies, and repair products. A direct peer in marine epoxies and coatings, with strong e-commerce and DIY channel overlap with West System, but differentiated by a value-tier positioning and integrated distribution through Jamestown.
• Raka Epoxy: Small-batch manufacturer of epoxy resins and hardeners focused on wooden boat building, surfboard lamination, and hobbyist applications. Comparable in target customer (small boat builders, board-sports makers, DIYers) but at a smaller, more artisanal scale than West System.
• Fibre Glast Systems: Distributor and formulator of composite materials including epoxy resins, fiberglass fabrics, and vacuum bagging supplies. Overlaps with West System's PRO-SET and PRO-VAC portfolios in serving composites manufacturers and DIY composites builders.

Broad incumbents

• AkzoNobel (International Paint): Marine coatings leader via the International Paint and Awlgrip brands. Adjacent competitor in marine surface preparation, fairing, and finishing where West System's epoxy fillers and barrier coats are also used, and a key indirect competitor in the boat restoration value chain.
• Henkel: Global adhesives giant operating the Loctite, Pattex, and Bonderite brands. Competes in structural and consumer adhesives segments that overlap with West System's bonding and repair use cases, with significant pricing power and global reach that dwarf the specialist marine epoxy market.
• Pettit Marine Paint: Established manufacturer of marine paints, varnishes, and repair products serving boat owners and yards. Overlaps with West System in the boat repair toolkit and shares chandleries, but with a coatings-led rather than epoxy-led portfolio.
• 3M: Diversified industrial conglomerate with a marine and adhesives portfolio (including structural adhesives and Scotch-Weld lines). Competes broadly with West System in industrial bonding applications, with vastly greater R&D and distribution scale, but without the marine-specialist brand equity.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/WESTSYSTEMEPOXY
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCZVBM_6VsedyEWK6xfPpyjw
• Facebookfacebook.com/westsystemepoxy
• Instagraminstagram.com/westsystemepoxy
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/westsystem

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Subsidiaries2 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 West System