Apr 10, 2026
Franklin, KY – Vybond, a longstanding Franklin-based tape manufacturer, was recently recognized when one of its products was featured in media coverage of NASA’s Artemis II mission, the first crewed lunar mission in more than 50 years.
Employees from Vybond noticed a Polyken core during a Today Show feature on the Artemis II mission, a milestone moment that reflects the real‑world performance and versatility of the company’s products. The recognition highlights decades of manufacturing expertise at Vybond’s headquarters facility, where generations of employees have helped build a legacy of quality and reliability.
“It’s wonderful for all the employees here in Franklin because, with a 70‑year history, we now have third‑ and fourth‑generation employees,” said Mike Hill, CEO of Vybond. “It’s really exciting, and it’s neat to manufacture a product that’s so versatile that it would be chosen to go to space, orbit the moon, and come back.”
Vybond specializes in pressure‑sensitive tape solutions designed for demanding applications across industrial and specialty markets. While the company does not supply materials directly to NASA, the appearance of its tape during publicly broadcast Artemis II coverage underscores the confidence placed in products engineered to perform consistently under rigorous conditions.
The recognition comes as Vybond approaches its 70th anniversary and continues investing in its people and operations. Today, the company is one of Franklin’s largest employers and remains focused on building for the long term.
“We just want to keep it going,” Hill added. “We don’t want 70 years to be the end. I’m looking forward to seeing 80, 90, and 100 years.”
As industries push performance boundaries and high‑visibility missions capture the world’s attention, Vybond remains committed to manufacturing tape solutions that deliver reliability, consistency, and real‑world performance; wherever they’re put to use.