The RISE Center

RISE — Research, Innovate, Support, and Evolve

The RISE Center embodies Siplast's commitment to support you through innovative research and educational initiatives. Located in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, the RISE Center is where our team of chemists, physicists, and engineers collaborate to drive advancements that enhance our products and help solve your toughest challenges.

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Take a tour of the RISE Center

Siplast built its reputation as the original developer of SBS-modified bitumen for roofing and waterproofing. Research and innovation remain at the core of everything we do, from product development to advancements in application methods.

Leaders in research and development

Female scientist performing research at Siplast’s RISE Center

World-class research facility

At our state-of-the-art, ISO-certified research facility, Siplast scientists drive innovation through rigorous R&D to create and enhance products. From lab formulation to material testing and chemical analysis, quality control is stringent at every step. We take our products into the field to ensure practical application and collaborate closely with our customers to develop solutions that help support their long-term success and reputation.

Siplast technician in a hard hat overseeing product testing at the RISE facility in Gum Springs, Arkansas, with specialized storm testing equipment.

Product testing facility

In 2024, Siplast opened a second RISE Center — the RISE Product Testing Facility — in Gum Springs, Arkansas. This facility focuses on testing roofing and waterproofing products against storm conditions, tested in accordance with ANSI FM 4474 protocol. It features cutting-edge equipment, including an advanced wind uplift testing machine, a hail cannon, and more.

Nighttime panoramic view of the Seattle skyline with the illuminated Space Needle prominently featured against a deep blue sky, surrounded by city lights and other skyscrapers.

Two Siplast professionals examine materials in a laboratory, demonstrating dedication to technical content and advancements in building enclosure.

RISE Blog

The RISE Blog is the latest addition to Siplast’s research and education arm, providing technical content for design professionals, building owners, and contractors involved in complex challenges within the roofing, waterproofing, and building enclosure industry.

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Plant Tour & RISE Summit

The Plant Tour & RISE Summit offers an exclusive, fully immersive learning experience at the Siplast RISE Center in Arkadelphia. This program allows participants to gain valuable insights into Siplast's premium systems and products and gain a deeper understanding of roofing science through accredited technical seminars, hands-on demonstrations, and tours of our manufacturing facility and state-of-the-art laboratory. It's also an opportunity to meet Siplast specialists in person and connect with other industry professionals.

Learn about product performance & longevity

A person wearing protective gear uses a roller to apply a white liquid product to a cylindrical sample, demonstrating a hands-on technical training session for SBS-modified bitumen, PMMA, or other Siplast product applications.

Accredited technical seminars & hands-on experience

Attend sessions on Siplast’s product offerings including SBS-modified bitumen, PMMA, single-ply membranes, air and water-resistive barriers, and more.

Participate in an optional hands-on experience to expand upon your classroom knowledge and try your hand at applying a variety of products. Siplast specialists provide instruction and answer questions.

Worker in orange shirt and hard hat carries materials in a Siplast manufacturing facility, showcasing organized product storage and plant tour opportunities.

Plant and lab tours

See behind the scenes with a guided tour through our SBS manufacturing facilities, including the mixing room, manufacturing line, quality assurance and quality control checks, and the finished product warehouse.

In the lab, discuss the science that goes into Siplast products with our R&D specialists as they walk you through the chemistry, tests, and processes that ensure consistent, high-quality products every time.

Interested in attending the Plant Tour & RISE Summit?

Connect with a rep

Siplast opens the RISE storm testing facility

RISE stands for Research, Innovate, Support, and Evolve. At the RISE Center in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, professionals in the fields of chemistry, physics, and engineering collaborate as they work towards advancements that will bring continuous improvements in roofing, waterproofing, and building enclosure products and systems to the market.

Testimonial

"This week I had the chance to attend the Siplast RISE Summit…and it was awesome. It was a phenomenal group of people, consisting of Siplast employees and leadership, consultants, engineers, spec writers and contractors. They hit the perfect mixture of education, product demo, humor and fun throughout the week. Plus who doesn’t love ending a week like this, with hands on experience, including my first (and probably last) attempt with a torch.

It wasn’t hard to recognize that Siplast has that something special and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to attend this summit, deepen some great connections, and explore what they have to offer. Can’t wait to see what comes next."

– Lauren Morley

Owner and President, R3NG

RISE on the Road: Education that travels

RISE on the Road is a modified version of the RISE Summit that offers participants the ability to connect with specialists and learn more about Siplast products in their own city instead of traveling to our Arkansas plant. This innovative program is ideal for customers interested in the RISE experience but unable to commit to the multi-day traveling. RISE on the Road provides:

A half-day educational experience at a location near you
Informational sessions on PVC KEE/TPO, SBS, LWIC, WALLcontrol, and PMMA liquids (topics vary depending on session)
The ability to earn 3 credits for IIBEC or AIA

Attendees in a training session, with yellow hard hats on the table, listening to an instructor, representing the 'RISE on the Road' educational program.

Sign up for RISE on the Road

RISE on the Road experiences are planned for groups of 12 or more participants throughout the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Reach out to our representative today to learn more about the program and see when we’ll be in your area.

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RISE in action

Arkadelphia High School

Siplast RISE Center hosted Arkadelphia High School juniors and seniors, exposing them to local career opportunities in both research and manufacturing.
Humane Society

Siplast RISE Center employees volunteered at the Clark County Humane Society. Their community outreach included assisting with operations and spending time with the animals.

Frequently asked questions

What does RISE stand for?

RISE stands for Research, Innovate, Support, and Evolve. It is a representation of the principles Siplast was founded on and still embodies today. Since first developing SBS-modified asphalt for roofing applications in the 1960s, Siplast, a Standard Industries company, has consistently demonstrated a commitment to innovation, quality, and customer service. Our RISE Center is a state-of-the-art R&D facility and educational center where we aim to continuously enhance our products to meet customer needs and expectations.

Where is the Siplast RISE Center located?

The Siplast RISE Center and manufacturing plant is located in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. This location was selected due to the raw materials in the area that are used in many Siplast products. In 2024, Siplast opened a second RISE Center in Gum Springs, Arkansas focused on product testing.

How do I sign up for the Siplast Plant Tour & RISE Summit?

The Siplast Plant Tour & RISE Summit is an invitation-only experience. If you are interested in attending, please reach out to your local representative to secure an invitation for yourself and other members of your team today.

If I can’t make it to the Siplast RISE Center, how can I access its programs and services?

We understand that not everyone is able to work travel into their schedule. For individuals interested in the educational opportunities that RISE has to offer without having to travel, Siplast offers RISE on the Road. RISE on the Road, is a traveling education program that allows participants learn about Siplast products, connect with our experts, and earn credits for IIBEC and AIA. If you are interested in bringing RISE on the Road to a location near you, please connect with a representative here.

RISE Center