Founded in 1995, RTM North is a family-owned Canadian company recognized for supplying high-quality consumables and tooling components for closed-mold processes such as RTM, Light RTM, and Vacuum Infusion. From CNC-cut plastics and port assemblies to vacuum systems and seal technologies, RTM North provides everything mold builders need, whether for prototype tools or full-scale production.
Rooted in the legacy of founder Doug Smith, the company continues under the leadership of Tricia Smith, supported by Technical Specialists Jerrod Button and Dave Harman. Together they combine decades of hands-on knowledge with personal service and practical solutions that help customers improve part quality, cycle time, and process efficiency.
As a proud distribution partner of Composites One, RTM North supports manufacturers across North America through product supply, technical training, and process optimization.
Interview with Tricia Smith, President, RTM North Ltd.
What are the main areas of activity of the company?
Tricia Smith: RTM North specializes in consumables, equipment, and accessories that support closed-mold manufacturing, particularly Light RTM (LRTM) and Vacuum Infusion.
Key activity areas include:
- Mold-building materials – sheet wax, Y2 clay, flanges, seals, and composite inserts.
- Injection and vacuum systems – injection ports, Eco Twist assemblies, vacuum valves, hoses, and connectors.
- Vacuum equipment and accessories – Vac Pack machines, gauges, and fittings designed for dependable performance.
- Process training and technical support – on-site or remote guidance for customers converting from open molding to closed molding methods.
- Collaborative R&D – working with resin and reinforcement suppliers to validate new consumables and improve mold-flow consistency.
What’s the news about new products/services?
T.S: In response to the 2025 steel tariffs, Tricia Smith and the RTM North team developed a steel-free version of the company’s best-selling ½″ Injection Port Assembly, the Eco Twist.
Five times lighter for shipping and about half the cost of the traditional metal fitting, the Eco Twist delivers the same durability with a user-friendly twist-down feature for quick tube release. Customer feedback has been so positive that many shops now prefer it over push-style fittings.
Building on this success, RTM North plans to expand its Eco Series with new ¼″ and ⅜″ assemblies plus a dedicated Port Plug for tool maintenance and resin management.
What are the ranges of products/services?
T.S: RTM North’s portfolio covers every stage of the closed-molding workflow:
- Tool construction – sheet wax, Y2 clay, mold release tools, and sealing solutions.
- Mold integration – ports, seals, vacuum connections, and gasket systems engineered for Light RTM and Vacuum Infusion processes.
- Production consumables – tubing, resin feed lines, and Eco Twist fittings compatible with all RTM North systems.
- Vac Pack equipment – a full line of vacuum machines kept in stock for rapid fulfillment.
- Technical support and training – hands-on workshops and troubleshooting guidance through Composites One closed mold training programs
What is the state of the market where you are currently active?
T.S: The North American composites market continues to move toward cleaner, safer, and more repeatable closed-mold processes. Sectors such as transportation, marine, and infrastructure are driving demand for Light RTM and Vacuum Infusion to reduce emissions and improve surface quality.
For RTM North, this means steady growth in tooling consumables and a renewed focus on process training. While raw-material costs and supply-chain pressures remain challenges, customers are increasingly investing in upfront tool quality to gain long-term production efficiency.
What can you tell us about market trends?
T.S: Key trends we see include:
- Light RTM adoption by smaller shops transitioning from open molding, seeking improved surface finish and reduced VOC exposure.
- Eco-friendly design with interest in metal-free or recyclable consumables (such as the Eco Twist line).
- Automation readiness with more customers integrating digital vacuum controls and data-logging for process traceability.
- Collaboration within the supply chain including tool suppliers, resin formulators, and fabricators working closely to optimize resin flow and cycle times.
Overall, the market is leaning toward smarter, simpler systems that deliver consistent quality with less labor and less waste.
What are the most innovative products/services marketed?
T.S: The Eco Twist Injection Port Assembly is a stand-out innovation, a lightweight, non-metal solution that reduces shipping costs and simplifies maintenance without sacrificing durability.
In addition, the RTM North Vac Pack machines and integrated vacuum systems are continuously refined to improve draw-down speed and reliability. Their commitment to compatibility across mold types makes it easier for fabricators to standardize on a single set of consumables company wide.
What estimations do you have for the end of 2025?
T.S: By year-end 2025, RTM North aims to:
- Expand the Eco Series portfolio to cover every major port size and launch new eco-friendly accessories.
- Support training programs by collaborating with those presenting hands-on events and digital tutorials, like ACMA and Composites One.
- Grow North American reach via the Composites One distribution network and strategic OEM partnerships.
Continue innovation in tooling efficiency, developing next-generation vacuum systems that shorten cycle time and improve repeatability.
