50 years of Aerosol Service Incorporated (ASI). From the beginning we have always put the customer first. Our philosophy statement, “Quality work, on time, every time” has been maintained for many years. In the past 50 years we have packaged products for over 100 customers and over 1,000 different items. From the smallest, 1 dram fill to a 55 gallon fill, we have packaged, labeled, and returned a quality product to our customer. Our unique ability to package very small quantities (maybe fill from a quart container into 1/8 oz glass jars, or repackage from a static bag into a non-static bag) We have done new product launches to allow our customer to test the market before going to the expense of full production.

We wish to thank our loyal customers over the past 50 years. To name a few, PPG Industries (a 50 year customer), Lymtal, Elmers, Sub Zero, Henkel (Acheson), BASF, Dupont, Boostane, and many others.

We wouldn’t be here without your support. So, we thank you!

In 1972 my grandfather, James H. Barrett wanted to have his sons (Norm and Ken) get into a business that would sustain them into the future. At the time, they had a laundromat in Birmingham, MI. He and my dad thought long and hard about a business that could provide longevity. Finally, my dad had an answer. He was working with a company called Service Coatings. They made automobile paints for Dupont. As Dupont expanded in the aftermarket service area, they needed those exact paints put into spray bottles for aftermarket sales. My Dad convinced my Grandfather to start a company that would supply Dupont with Aerosol cans of their automobile paints. Thus, ASI was born in March 1973. Our first location was in Troy Michigan.

In 1973, Gramps started the company with shares of stock to each child (6 of them). At that point, Ken, Norm, began the packaging of aerosol paints. It was a small operation of just 5 people. ASI shared a building with Lymtal in Pontiac Michigan.

In January 1975, business began to decrease and changes had to be made with employees, the salesman was laid off. In November ‘75, the company name was changed to ASI Packaging Company so that it wasn’t tied down to doing only aerosols and could go into other packaging items.

As business grew, our books & records required an office manager to keep things straight. In 1978, Margaret Hiler took on that position and became the first of the 3rd generation to be employed by ASI. In 1980, Margaret assumed the sales position for ASI. This made sense, as she had constant contact with our customers directly, and could ensure a positive interaction. In 1982, ASI moved to a new location. This property was rented from a company called Holly 75 which was owned by 2 of Gramps children and Margaret. The 20,000 sq ft building was double the size of our last building. This allowed Margaret to begin seeking other work for ASI to package. It was here that ASI started packaging dry powders for automotive customers. Some of those were very unique. One customer, Acheson, had ASI package a 2-part product one into a can and one into a jar that when mixed together by their customer formed a mold surface for glass picture tube production. We also began packaging adhesive for rock climbing gloves, silver paint for rear window defrosters, sanitizer solutions for veterinary clinics and prisons, 2-part mix for truck bed liners, and so many more.

ASI purchased equipment to begin blister packaging and many other new products. Soon that building became too small. In 1986 Margaret began a bonus program for employees when profit was available. This program still continues today. In 1992, Margaret purchased all shares of ASI from the stockholders to allow her full control to move the company forward. Also, in 1992, Margaret's son Flavio, 4th generation began working for ASI developing computer programs to improve the expediency of production.

In 1994, Grand Blanc decided to construct a new hospital at the south end of the town; they needed assurance that the area was clean and without possible contamination to the environment. The new hospital was to be built right across the street from where ASI was located. Needless to say, the city started a campaign to get ASI out of the area. With work stoppages, inspections, and other issues, the city won and ASI began looking for a new location. (funny story) - ASI needed to continue packaging products to ensure the commitment to our customers was upheld. Margaret talked with a man named Dennis Lumsden who had a small operation on Saginaw Road in Grand Blanc (located at 5254 S Saginaw rd.) He allowed ASI to package and store materials there while looking for a new place of operation.

In 1995, ASI moved to a leased location on Airpark Dr in Flint Township, Michigan. Some changes to the facility were required prior to move in. ASI was in operation in the new building by mid-1995. Now with a 40,000 sq ft building ASI could move forward. We started packaging solvents, adhesives for Elmer’s, a chain lubricant for Acheson (which was later acquired by Henkel Corporation). Business was booming, we had more than 40 employees, at times working 3 shifts, 5 days a week to keep up with demand. In 1996, ASI became an ISO certified company; we continue that to this day.

Component shortages, hiring problems, delays in shipments and a depressed economy in 1999, forced ASI to reduce staff. In 2000 business began to resume, we brought employees back, but never to the level where we would need a 3rd shift. In 2001, ASI began acquiring new equipment to handle very large orders received from Elmers; we were happy to meet their demands. In 2002 we advertised in Thomas Register (the national book for companies). We continued to grow our customer base. A paver sealer for walkways and concrete, a herbicide called VineEx which was a kudzu and poison ivy vine killer, a nail polish for a Las Vegas client,etc. In 2004 we began to look for a new location. We needed our own building to allow for expansion.

In 2007, Margaret decided to sell her stock in ASI. Her brother, Arthur purchased Margaret’s shares and assumed control. In 2007 Bret, Arthur's son and another 4th generation of Hilers began working at ASI.

From 2007 to 2012 not many changes were made to ASI, business continued despite a few bad financial years, some layoffs, and decreases in profit. In 2013, a major push was made to find a new location as the next lease contract renewal would be at the end of the year.

In January 2014, Arthur found a location which was in bad need of repair. He was able to purchase the building with the thought of renovation. It was located in Grand Blanc on Saginaw Rd (namely 5254) the old building which Margaret used to help out when she had to move from Holly Road. Funny how things turn around. Construction began in March of 2014 and completed in December of 2014. ASI relocated in 2015 to our new location in Grand Blanc, Michigan. The township welcomed us as a new business in the area and even recognized us for the extensive renovations that took place to the property.

ASI has continued to grow and acquire new projects for packaging. We are now able to package metal tubes, and have shrink tube capabilities. During the Covid Crisis we were able to package hand sanitizer for some customers and keep our employees working.

ASI is now a compact, efficient, solid company serving customers which have a need to have a product packaged. Those products which we package, whether they are pastes, liquids, powders, hazardous or non-hazardous are now being shipped all over the world. In 2021, ASI decided to expand again and added a 3,000 sq ft addition which brought the building to 50,000 Sq Ft.

Which brings us to today, March 2022, I will be selling the company to my son Bret, he will carry on the tradition started by my grandfather, his great grandfather. I know Bret will continue the work ethic which was started by the Barrett family, and continue the policies and programs of ASI. Further, Bret will likely institute his own changes and ideas for growth as he feels fit. As a last note, we now have a 5th generation of Barretts, working at ASI. Flavio, Margaret’s grandson, has been employed since 2019. Our story of generations may continue on ...