Efficiency, legacy and the people powering it all

By Jesse Sanchez.

Turning heads at this year’s expo with real solutions and a clear vision for the industry's future, this company is leaving their mark.

SOPREMA closed out the 2025 International Roofing Expo (IRE) on a high note and their presence left a lasting impression. Between cutting-edge equipment and a company culture built on people-first values, the building solutions provider had attendees crowding its booth and asking, “How do we get in on this?”

In a lively interview at the event’s close, Jim Hansen, business development manager at SOPREMA, broke down the appeal of the Mini Macaden — a machine that's earned “showstopper” status. Designed to counteract the industry's labor shortage, Jim described it as a "force multiplier" capable of tripling productivity: “We can take a crew of four and do the same production as 12.” That kind of output doesn't just ease staffing challenges, it also slashes emissions, using 65% less propane than traditional systems.

But SOPREMA wasn’t just promoting equipment. Jim highlighted the company’s wide portfolio, including membranes from Chem Link, Furbish, RESISTO and other SOPREMA-owned brands, tailored to every face of the building envelope. “We cover all six sides,” he said, nodding to the comprehensive product lineup.

Meanwhile, Mark DeFreitas, vice president of national and strategic accounts, reflected on his 35-year industry tenure and SOPREMA’s legacy of longevity and evolution. Celebrating 50 years of its flagship SBS-modified bitumen membrane, SOPRALENE, Mark noted its staying power and new sustainability tweaks, like smog-reducing granules developed with 3M.

Still, the biggest story might be SOPREMA’s cultural DNA. “People first,” Mark said simply. “When we acquire companies, what we really acquire is the people and the culture.” That ethos extends to SOPREMA’s active mentoring of young professionals and ongoing scholarship programs, aligning its growth with the future of the roofing workforce.

Both executives pointed to SOPREMA’s newly unveiled booth, complete with touchscreens and interactive digital content, as a symbol of the company’s forward-thinking direction. With over 100 global locations and 10,000 employees, SOPREMA is not just expanding, it’s building momentum.

Watch the full conversations with Jim Hansen and Mark DeFreitas to learn more about how SOPREMA is driving innovation, solving labor challenges and shaping the future of the roofing industry!