Elastec, based in Carmi, Illinois, is a manufacturer of innovative environmental products such as oil skimmers, workboats, and industrial vacuum systems. Their products and solutions are distributed to 155 countries worldwide. Elastec’s mission is to develop solutions that clean up surface water pollution and ensure waterways remain clean. Cheyenne Mann, Creative Services Manager at Elastec, shared insights about the company and and their growth.
Elastec was founded in 1990 in Crossville, Illinois, and later moved its headquarters to Carmi. The company’s origin story began with founders Donnie Wilson and Jeff Cantrell, who were working on cleaning an oil pit in the Illinois Basin. Frustrated by the inefficiency of existing oil skimmers, one of them humorously suggested that a five-gallon bucket could perform better. They threw a bucket into the pit, spinning it on its side like a drum, which effectively collected oil on its surface. This discovery led Wilson and Cantrell to invent the first efficient drum oil skimmer, marking the beginning of Elastec's journey.
Elastec is committed to developing high-quality equipment that supports its mission of maintaining clean waterways. The company’s range of products includes oil skimmers, workboats, containment booms, turbidity curtains, portable incinerators, and industrial vacuum systems. Recently, Elastec’s Board of Directors and Shareholders announced that the company is now 100% employee-owned through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), a step that ensures continued growth, flexibility, and sustainability while bolstering the local economy.
Over the past 33 years, Elastec has evolved into the largest manufacturer of oil spill equipment in North America, with products distributed to over 155 countries. The company has been recognized for its commitment to high-quality, durable equipment, earning accolades such as the Wendy Schmidt Oil Cleanup X CHALLENGE from the X PRIZE Foundation for efficient oil recovery from ocean water, the 2012 “Popular Mechanics” Breakthrough Award, and an entry in the “Guinness Book of World Records.”
Elastec’s core mission is encapsulated in its tagline: “Keeping Our World Clean.” This guiding principle drives the company's dedication to innovation and product quality.
Banterra Bank, one of the nation’s largest community banks and proudly based in Southern Illinois, has played an integral role in Elastec’s success by understanding its goals and fostering a strong, supportive relationship. Elastec values Banterra's commitment to the community and appreciates the bank’s exceptional services that have contributed to the company’s growth and continued achievements.