Matthew Smiley

11 - 13 November 2025

MESSE STUTTGART (HALL 1), GERMANY

MESSE STUTTGART (HALL 1), GERMANY

11 - 13 November 2025

EXHIBITOR INTERVIEW

 

Matthew Smiley

Director of Sales, General Sealants Inc.

 

 

Can you tell us about your role at General Sealants and what your responsibilities entail?   

Currently I’m leading GS’ sales endeavours, managing client relationships and successes. With that I’m involved ensuring our client partners are able to get the best product for their application whether it’s a existing sealant or a custom solution that our in-house lab may develop.   

 

General Sealants recently celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2024. How has the company evolved over these six decades, and what do you consider your most significant milestones?  

With more than half-century of operations General Sealants Inc. has evolved in many ways. Probably most notable is our expansion into a new, larger facility. We look to continue to lead with expansions to productions capacities along with research and development.  

 

What sustainability initiatives is General Sealants currently implementing, and how do these align with the industry's growing focus on environmental responsibility? 

At General Sealants, sustainability is not just a trend, it’s an integral part of how we approach manufacturing and product development. We’ve invested heavily in reducing waste throughout our production processes, optimizing formulations and logistics all while working closely with clients on long-lasting solutions that extend product life and reduce replacement cycles. Our research team is also advancing projects in renewable energy applications, such as solar panel installations, to support the global shift to clean energy. These efforts align directly with the adhesives industry’s push for greener solutions and responsible innovation. 

 

As a sponsor of Adhesives & Bonding Expo Europe 2025, why is investing in industry events like this important for General Sealants and the wider adhesives community? 

Events like Adhesives & Bonding Expo Europe provide a unique platform for collaboration and exchange of ideas. For us, it’s an opportunity to showcase our latest innovations, but more importantly, it’s a way to listen to the needs of our partners across industries—from aerospace to construction to renewable energy to automotive. Sponsoring and participating in these events reinforces our commitment to moving the adhesives and sealants community forward by fostering dialogue, discovering new challenges, and working together on solutions that benefit the entire value chain. 

 

How is General Sealants addressing the evolving needs of the aerospace and automotive industries, particularly regarding lightweighting and performance requirements? 

The aerospace and automotive sectors are leading the charge when it comes to performance. At GS, we’ve prioritized R&D investments into advanced butyl sealant formulations and composites-compatible sealants that can perform under demanding conditions—temperature extremes, vibration, and long-term fatigue. Our NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) management products are a direct example: they help automakers meet performance parameters while still improving passenger comfort and safety. For aerospace, our vacuum bagging tapes and high-performance sealants support advanced composite structures critical to next-generation aircraft. 

 

What do you see as the most significant challenges facing the sealants industry through 2026, and how is General Sealants positioning itself to address these challenges? 

The industry faces three major challenges: raw material volatility, stricter environmental regulations, and the need to innovate faster for new technologies such as EVs and renewable energy. General Sealants is addressing these head-on with supply chain resilience programs, a strong focus on regulatory compliance and green chemistry, and by doubling down on R&D capacity through our new facility expansion. By staying agile and customer-focused, we’re positioning ourselves not just to meet these challenges, but to turn them into opportunities for growth. 

 

How does General Sealants approach bespoke formulation development for clients with specialised application requirements? 

Customization is one of our greatest strengths. Our in-house laboratory and technical team work side-by-side with clients to understand their exact requirements—whether it’s bonding dissimilar materials, operating in extreme environments, or meeting unique regulatory standards. From initial consultation to prototype to final production, we follow a collaborative development cycle that ensures each formulation is tailored to deliver optimal performance. Many of our most successful products began as bespoke solutions that later set new benchmarks for the wider industry. 

 

Why should attendees make a point to visit the General Sealants stand at this year's Adhesives & Bonding Expo Europe in Stuttgart? 

Visitors to our booth will see firsthand how General Sealants is innovating across industries—from NVH management solutions for automotive, to advanced composites for aerospace, to adhesive systems powering renewable energy. We’ll be showcasing new product capabilities, offering live demonstrations, and our team of experts will be on hand to discuss tailored solutions for unique applications. More than just seeing products, attendees will experience the GS commitment to quality, collaboration, and performance. If you’re looking for adhesives and sealants that solve problems and unlock new possibilities, our stand is the place to be. 

 

 

Meet Matthew and the team in Stuttgart

General Sealants will be exhibiting at Foam Expo Europe 2025 at stand 920. To meet with them, plus many more leading suppliers of foam products and solutions, be sure to register for your free pass below.

 
 
 

 

'Events like Adhesives & Bonding Expo Europe provide a unique platform for collaboration and exchange of ideas.'