Become Part Of Our Family

The Avion team has been working tirelessly for the last 40 years in service of its clients. We design products to cater to your problems, and exceed the standards in your industry. Continue reading to learn about why we are more than just a supplier

Chemtek was founded in 1976 on the belief that in order to be successful, we must help others to be successful themselves. Since then, we have grown from a one-man distributor, to a manufacturer, distributor, and contractor operating in more than 30 countries. Our mission is to create safe and effective products that make the world a better place to live!

Meet The Team:

When you work with Avion, you’re not just buying a product. You’re getting a team of experts dedicated to helping you get the most out of your pavement management experience. From in-person consulting to remote support, our team is here to ensure your rubber removal and pavement maintenance solutions are efficient, effective, and tailored to your needs. With decades of industry expertise, we’re committed to providing the best service, knowledge, and guidance—so you can keep your runways safe, compliant, and performing at their best.

An image of Chemtek's president, founder, and CEO, David Rigsbee

David Rigsbee

President/CEO

As president and CEO, David is the mastermind behind Avion. After being approached by a local airport in the mid 1980’s about a rubber buildup problem they were having on their runways, he worked to discover a solution that could help airports across the world solve the same problem. Working with chemist Mike Kinnaird, they were able to develop and patent a formula that was safe, effective, and affordable.

An image of chemist and director of Chemtek's research and development, Mike Kinnaird

Mike Kinnaird PH.D.

Director Of Research & Development

Mike helped David to create the original Avion50 formula, addressing the environmental and safety needs of the market. As these requirements expanded over time, he developed an entirely new formula (Avion NexGen), making the product even more eco-friendly and safer for airport personnel. He oversees operations at the company manufacturing facility in Yanceyville, developing new formulas at the bleeding edge of safety and effectiveness within Chemtek’s markets.

An image of Thomas Bretzmann, Avion's account executive

Thomas Bretzmann

Avion Account Executive

Thomas joined the team in 2024 to assist with the sales and marketing of the Avion brand. His customer-focused approach helps expand the market into new industries that could benefit from this technology, while making it easier for customers to understand if Avion is right for them based on their needs. He is the first point of contact for new customers, and is committed to giving you a high-quality and stress-free experience in working with Avion.

Testimonials

"This detergent out-performed the other three detergents with regards to cleaning efficiency by volume and final visual appearance after rinsing the test area”

Air Force Research Laboratory

“We are glad to find a solution that does not use high pressure water to remove the rubber. I was worried about having more damage."

Tracy C. – Airfield Manager

“Avion NexGen is the best product on the market. We won’t use anything else.”

Tim H. – Airport Director