Rema, LLC Celebrates 75 Years with TCATA

(May, 2025) Rema LLC, formerly Rema Dri-Vac Corp., is celebrating 75 years of membership with TCATA. Rema was founded in 1947 in Norwalk, CT by Joseph Pellerin, who created the “Dri-Vac” air vacuum system for garment pressing machines. The name Rema stands for Research, Engineering, and Manufacturing.

In 1962, Bill Petri joined as a Sales Engineer after meeting Mr. Pellerin at a trade show. By 1970, Bill had acquired the business, becoming President and majority shareholder, and brought in two longtime employees as minor shareholders.

Bill prepared for Rema’s future by involving his three sons-in-law—Jay Reed, Jim Flynn, and Barry Gunderson—through the 1970s and 1980s, assigning them roles in sales, management, and operations. In 1982, he transferred company ownership equally among his family, setting up long-term succession. Bill retired in the early 1990s, leaving the business in their hands.

In the late 1990s, Bill’s grandson Chris Flynn began working part-time and joined full-time by 2006. He modernized Rema’s operations, digitizing legacy processes and expanding his leadership role.

In 2022, Chris purchased the company, forming Rema LLC and relocating operations to Bridgeport, CT. Now the sole owner, he is continuing the family legacy with an eye toward the future—and possibly a fourth generation, as he is father to three young sons.