The Innovative Oil Absorbent Product that Changed the World- How it started.
Coir Products was started by accident. When Bob Wilson of Malta, Idaho, retired after 30 years as a delivery driver for Hostess, he started Tropical God, a company that provided shredded coconut husks, or coir fiber, as a peat moss substitute. He focused his efforts on nurseries, as the material serves effectively as a water retention substitute and, when mixed 20/80 with soil, helps seed germinate six times faster than in soil alone.
Wilson’s son, Rob Wilson, of Farr West, owned a crane company and also helped his dad deliver the material to local nurseries.
One day, the crane Rob was operating blew a hydraulic hose. He knew he had to do something to stop the leaking fluid from spreading all over the road. At first, he threw sand on the growing puddle, but that didn’t work very well. Then he grabbed a bag of shredded coconut husks he was set to deliver later to local nurseries.
He threw a handfuls of the shredded husks over the growing toxic puddle. He in amazement as the husks expanded immediately, fully absorbing the liquid.
With that observation, the company, and material, now known as Coir Dry was born! Soon after Rob’s accidental discovery, the Wilsons took the bags of husks, also called coconut core, to Hill Air Force Base and tested its absorption capabilities on everything from heat fuel to transmission fluids.
However, it was the 3rd generation Wilson, Toby, who saw greater potential.
“They were content to stay local, but I know this had huge potential beyond nurseries and outside of Utah.” He said.
A Weber State graduate with a technical sales major, Wilson had been in the furniture industry for many years.
“the money was good, but then came the downturn in the economy. Furniture just dumped and didn’t rebound. I decided that was opportunity to do more with this business,” he said.
The Wilson men have attended trade shows all over the country to promote their product. Often, a quick demonstration is all it takes to gain the interest and business of attendees. The product is now distributed in several other countries.
What Makes Coir Dry Special
Wilson said what keeps him excited about his product is its growing list of potential uses. With its environmental benefits, shredded coconut core has an ever-expanding marketability. Its 100 percent natural and antimicrobial in nature, doesn’t produce toxic silica dust like other absorbents, and retains odors and absorbed material without releasing any into the environment. Its also a sustainable material, as one tree can produce up to 250 coconuts per season.
He has found uses in surprising areas like pottery and even taxidermy. Because it reacts instantly and absorbs oil faster than water. Coir Dry is also used by fire departments at accident scenes.
“Once it absorbs oil, it won't absorb water. That way, it helps with chemicals leaked at accidents in rainy or snowy weather.” Wilson said.
He has overcome many obstacles to build the Coir Dry business, including random US Custom Challenges and supplier issues. His resolve to expand his market keeps Wilson focused and energized.
Wilson credits his initial success, to his elders and their examples of hard work, strength and integrity.
“Those traits helped me expand a local business to one with worldwide success. Their powerful, positive examples helped instill in me the determination to success.”
*Disclaimer: Parts taken from an article published in Standard-Examiner.