Category Archive: Suppliers
What We’ve Learned As A Market Leader
What does it take to be a top manufacturing company?
With almost 50 years in the business and recent recognition as a “Made in the USA” success story by Construction in Focus, Universal Polymer & Rubber has learned the steps it takes to become a market leader.
Through the years, we’ve remained true to our roots, building upon our original foundation to branch out into additional markets to serve our customers in transportation, cargo control, construction, pipe manufacturing, automotive OE supply chain, and general industrial markets.
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Set Yourself Apart By Staying True To Your Values
Companies that set themselves apart from the competition do so through continuous hard work, a strong desire to learn, and an understanding of industry dynamics.
Manufacturing is competitive businesses and companies must be able to address and adapt to issues like the growing skills gap, the dwindling interest in core manufacturing as a career choice, or imposed tariffs on a moments notice. Fluidity from top executives down to starter employees is a necessity.
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Embrace Innovation & Excel Where You Can
The next key to success is understanding competitive pressures and embracing innovation. As an example, at UPR, we implemented a mobile unit as a way to better serve customers. Using a specially-equipped trailer, we can provide hydrostatic testing and custom product modifications for customers on location. We take pride not just in our ability to offer quality products, but also in our excellent customer service.
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Stay Competitive By Branching Out
Sharing our experiences can help other companies refine their business models to be more competitive and successful. Facing diversity with versatility means that you don’t have to rely on one market for success, leading to less of a struggle when the markets fluctuate.
Simply stated: take on other proponents that complement the “bread and butter” of your company.
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Make Strategic Acquisitions, Then Stick to Your Strategy
We attribute part of our enduring success to our strategic acquisitions. With a total of five acquisitions, Universal Polymer & Rubber has always strived to become one of the largest non-mixing polymer fabricators in the United States. Through these acquisitions, we are able to offer a variety of polymer solutions including rubber extrusions, plastic extrusions, rubber molding, tarp straps, and gaskets.
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Get to Know Industry Experts Like UP&R
Follow our blog, Twitter, and LinkedIn to stay up to date on current industry news, trends, and more best business tips. For more information on what you read today or for more information on any of our products and services, contact us.
Upcoming Manufacturing Trade Shows
Through recent tax reforms, manufacturers have been able to create more jobs with higher wages and, in turn, have reported the highest positive outlook on record in recent years. With all of this positive change, it is important for industry players to stay abreast in the field. Networking is a critical way to meet and advance with potential clients and business partners alike. Together, we can experience the latest trends and find best practices to move manufacturing forward.
Universal Polymer & Rubber makes it a point to attend the most respected trade shows in the country and this year is no exception. This Spring, UPR will be in attendance at the NPCA Precast Show, the Mid-American Truck Show, and the ACPA Annual Convention.
Precast Show
The 2019 NPCA Precast Show will take place February 28 to March 2 at the Kentucky International Convention Center in Louisville, Kentucky. This is the largest trade show of its kind in North America, showcasing a wide range of industry suppliers, experts, and brand names. With hundreds of companies exhibiting, industry leaders will be there to show off their latest innovations.
Mid-American Truck Show
The 2019 Mid-American Truck Show is widely hailed as the must-attend trucking event of the year for carriers and industry stakeholders alike. This conference is where the industry comes together to see the latest innovations in trucking firsthand.
Attendees will be able to observe the newest technologies, learn about news and trends from industry experts and keynote speakers, and connect with industry peers and vendors. The event is from March 28 to 30 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Kentucky.
ACPA Annual Convention
The American Concrete Pipe Association Annual Convention will be held from March 23 to March 26 in Indian Wells, California. Here, industry experts will share the technological advancements that are driving the industry. This event is filled with panels and planning sessions that will be of interest to any industry stakeholders, not to mention, the perfect opportunity to network.
Sharing Industry Innovations
These shows are attended by buyers, suppliers, and manufacturing businesses serving a variety of industries including transportation, automotive, distribution and freight, construction, pipe manufacturing, and a range of other general industry attendees. We are excited to share our latest in rubber and polymer extrusions and moldings, and answer any questions our fellow attendees may have about our product line.
Stay in Touch
You don’t have to wait for a trade show to get current industry news and trends from Universal Polymer & Rubber. Follow us on our blog, Twitter, and LinkedIn. For more information on our products and services, contact us today.
2019 Manufacturing Projections
As manufacturers begin looking for ways to evolve in the new year, it is necessary to reflect back upon the year gone to learn and grow from the successes we’ve had, goals we want to achieve, and existing methods we want to improve upon.
In 2018, the U.S. had a year full of new trade policies which heavily impacted the manufacturing sector in different ways. The United States remains a major force in global manufacturing and saw expansion in many key areas of the industry. We saw positive signs regarding job stability, wages, benefits, and career paths which have increased interest and improved the brand image for manufacturing, an important factor for future generations.
Not only did the manufacturing sector benefit from a healthy 2018, but so did buyers, suppliers, and industries such as transportation, cargo control, construction, pipe manufacturing, automotive, and more general industrial markets. At Universal Polymer & Rubber, one of our high points was the acquisition of Gasko Fabricated Products, a die-cutter of polymer and hybrid materials capable of high production volumes.
The Future Looks Bright
The MAPI Foundation projects a bright outlook full of steady growth for manufacturing through 2021. This is, in part, due to the projected strength of capital equipment investment. This positive outlook, however, is tempered by the recent tariffs which could have a significant impact on U.S. manufacturers. While some businesses are benefiting, the longer term effects may provide a challenge for some smaller manufacturers, including increased costs.
Recent tariffs may lead manufacturers to raise prices, impacting consumers and/or leading to cuts in production. Moving into 2019, it’s up to manufacturers to discover new, innovative ways to save and mitigate the impact of any increased costs before price points hit the customers. In the end, the industry as a will need to adjust to any rapid changes.
Growth for Rubber and Polymers
The rubber and polymer industries are projected to have sturdy continued growth this year. As vehicle use increases, so will the world demand for tires, increasing the demand for rubber and rubber fabrication services. Likewise, the construction industry will drive the growth of polymers. Polyurethane foams, which are used heavily in construction applications, are expected to drive significant market growth for industry stakeholders.
Despite concerns about tariffs, the projections for 2019 show a continued increase in demand for rubber- and polymer-based products. As a manufacturer of a comprehensive range of polymer and rubber parts and components, UPR remains committed to helping our customers compete and grow in the upcoming year.
Our Commitment to Quality & Customer Satisfaction
Efficiency, consistency, time, effort, and flexibility all lead to one thing–customer satisfaction. At UPR, we’ve flexed our strengths and weaknesses to conquer each quality. Our skilled and knowledgeable staff has accumulated a multitude of business strategies to share with our loyal client base in a combined effort to help grow industry.
Based in Middlefield, Ohio, Universal Polymer & Rubber began as a tarp strap and pipe gasket manufacturer in 1970. Throughout the years we have continued to make those products while expanding our offerings to tap into new markets. Our diverse market reach provides us with baseline stability and an increased knowledge base of the best practices and standards that drive success across a variety of industries.
The Secrets of Our Success
One of the most important keys to success is an acquisition strategy. Over time, UP&R has made five business acquisitions, allowing us the advantage of new market accessibility and growth opportunities. As a market leader in rubber and plastic extrusions and custom created products, we place a great emphasis on client success.
What sets us apart from the competition? Sincere dedication and continuous implementation. Don’t be fooled – striving for business success takes hard work, a desire to learn, and a willingness to evolve as dynamics incessantly change within the industry.
A driving force behind any form of success is confidence. At Universal Polymer, we remain confident in our diverse product line and our commitment to quality sustainable production methods. We manufacture products that require finely honed rubber and plastic fabrication. Our loyal customer base depends on our dexterity when crafting parts based on custom designs.
Supporting Our Customers
Anyone operating within the industrial space knows what a demanding environment it is. By providing our customers with the highest quality plastic and rubber solutions, we achieve our communal goal of remaining competitive within the industries we all serve.
With our wide array of standard and custom polymer solutions – including rubber molding, rubber extrusions, and plastic extrusions – we stand ready to help every customer grow. No matter what market you’re in, transportation, freight management, construction, pipe manufacturing market, automotive, or another general industry, we have the products, services, and advice to help you succeed.
If you are interested in staying up-to-date on the latest in manufacturing, construction, and the plastic and rubber industries, please follow our blog, Twitter, and LinkedIn. We’re always happy to help, so get in touch with us today.
Inspiring a New Generation of Manufacturers
National Manufacturing Day® was created as a movement of the modern manufacturing industry, meant to motivate the next generation of new manufacturers. Taking place on the first Friday of every October, manufacturers around the country will open their doors to inspire students and encourage their perusal of manufacturing careers.
In order to generate a much larger career interest, industry authorities work annually to change the public’s perception of the industry. Each year, participants continue to correct the “old factory” image.
With the change in industry dynamic comes a new manufacturing image: modern manufacturing. In reality, today’s manufacturing jobs are exciting, harnessing the latest in technological innovation, and require highly skilled workers familiar with using such state-of-the-art technologies. 2018 manufacturing facilities are contemporary, stimulating, and inventive work environments. With current technology, trade workers might be placed in an office or lab, beyond the factory floor. Today, automation plays a huge role in the industry and we need the right players to assist with the functions and continual development of manufacturing throughout the U.S.
Embracing Technology and Innovation
Over the past few decades, American manufacturing has embraced technology and other revolutionary concepts.
National Manufacturing Day undertakings include the promotion of STEM subjects – science, technology, engineering, and math – to bridge the skills gap and reshore jobs back to the U.S. Scholarships are available.
UPR and other manufacturing businesses continue the efforts of pushing this movement forward throughout each year.
Beneficial for the Economy and Local Business
Universal Polymer & Rubber supports the significant strides that National Manufacturing Day participants have created to grow the U.S. manufacturing industry.
Reshoring is currently generating new job totals as many major producers choose to keep manufacturing facilities in the United States. Local businesses and the overall economy are benefiting as a result.
UP&R’s American-Made Tarp Straps
As an Ohio-based company, UPR proudly offers the AMERIPRIDE line of tarp straps that are U.S. made. The AMERIPRIDE tarp strap is available at an affordable price for use in the trucking, transportation, recreational vehicle, and marine industries. These UV-resistant straps are secured with S hooks that are manufactured from in-house wire coils.
Keep in Touch
By recognizing National Manufacturing Day, UPR supports the proud contributions of everyone in the manufacturing industry.
To learn more about how we support American manufacturing, follow us on our blog, Twitter, and LinkedIn. For more information on our products and services, contact us today.
Implementing Clean Energy Strategies
April 22nd is Earth Day, the world’s largest environmental movement. The goal of Earth Day is to support sustainable, eco-friendly, worldwide initiatives through a combination of education, public policy, and consumer campaigns.
Sustainability is a commitment that we, at Universal Polymer & Rubber, strive for daily. Our team implements processes, educated design and/or purchasing decisions, and procedures to regularly practice the implementation of clean energy. A huge component of our every day is the recycling of leftover parts and pieces. By reducing our internal scraps, we also minimize external pollution as contaminants are not added to the environment, but recycled into new components for other manufactured goods.
In fact, we recycle as much waste material as possible, including cardboard packaging and cured rubber, as part of our standard processes. We also utilize uncured rubber, when practical, to fabricate a range of products and components.
A Green Company Outlook: Packaging and the Supply Chain
Manufacturing facilities often have the best potential for recycling opportunities that, in turn, reflect positively on the supply chain.
With generous potential, the manufacturing and industrial industries must emphasize the importance of protecting the environment on a daily basis. As industry leaders, we have the authority to make sure that simple procedures like product packaging become a regular priority of our green contributions. At UP&R, we make our packaging recyclable, returnable, or reusable. Much of our packaging is already made from sustainable plastic.
By following best environmental practices, you can kill two birds with one stone. Not only are you making your immediate environment a cleaner and healthier surrounding, but you’re also saving money by recycling parts that can be manufactured into another piece of the next project.
Everyone Must Play a Part
Other industries are also taking part in the global Go-Green initiative. Recognizing its impact the construction industry has changed how construction procedures are applied. Taking their cue from the way other industrial sectors have begun to embrace sustainability in their processes, the construction industry is working to keep waste to a minimum while incorporating greener building materials.
A wide range of other industries in our reach have taken significant steps to reduce their environmental impact too, including:
- Transportation
- Distribution/Logistics
- Construction
- Pipe manufacturing
- Automotive OEMs
- Tier II & III Automotive Suppliers
A Sustainable Product Lineup
While manufacturing isn’t always viewed as an environmentally friendly industry, Universal Polymer & Rubber constantly works to reinforce sustainable practices that contribute to a healthy environment. Our product lineup includes durable compression moldings, transfer moldings, and injection moldings, all mindfully crafted with appropriate sustainable practices and materials.
As contributors to the supply chain in a comprehensive range of industries, we feel it our responsibility to help reduce both our company carbon footprint and the carbon footprints of the clients that rely on our products.
To learn more about our green initiatives, and to stay up to date on current industry news and trends, follow our blog, Twitter, and connect with us on LinkedIn. For more information on our products and services, contact us today.
2019 is nearly here!
While we’re looking forward to the manufacturing year that lies ahead, as an industry leader, we value the importance of an annual review. Will history repeat itself? Will the industry continue in an upward climb, or will we see the backlashes of success from the past few quarters? Only time will tell, but in the meantime, we’ll refresh the 2018 manufacturing highlights that we’ve seen over the past year.
Continuous Room for Acquisitions
One of the most significant capitalist ventures UP&R has run with over the past year (and beyond), is our acquisition strategy. Gasko Fabricated Products based in Medina, Ohio, is a high-volume producer of seals, gaskets, and diaphragms that are made through a process of converting polymer and hybrid materials. Their die-cut products are used throughout marine, automotive, and outdoor power equipment industries for power take-off, transmission, engine management, and fuel delivery systems.
This was our fifth overall acquisition, and third in the last four years; our business decisions have catapulted us into a leading industry player. At UPR, we continuously seek out manufacturers that we can partner with to expand our reach and better serve our customers.
2018 Tariffs & An Economic Shift
Some of the greatest challenges our industry faced this year were the tariffs that President Trump put on a range of goods – top-tier manufacturing products including steel and aluminum. With a far-reaching impact on many manufacturing industries, this was a significant shift for virtually all industrial businesses nationwide. As these tariffs go into effect, American manufacturers will begin to change their suppliers, processes, and pricing to accommodate for the economic shifts.
Thank You to Our Valued Customers
Based in Middlefield, Ohio, our company has been a premier custom manufacturer of polymer extrusions and moldings since our founding in 1970. We offer an assortment of compression moldings, transfer moldings, and injection moldings to meet the needs of our diverse customer base. Serving a broad number of markets, including transportation, cargo control, construction, pipe manufacturing, automotive OE supply chain (Tier II & III), we pride ourselves on our customer focus.
Before we rush into 2019, we want to wish our loyal customers a warm and happy holiday season and a healthy new year. Don’t forget to follow us on our blog, Twitter, and LinkedIn, and for more information on our products and services, contact us today.
Recently imposed Chinese tariffs on U.S. rubber imports will have significant impact on the small to medium American manufacturers that support industries such as automotive, medical equipment, petrochemical, and plastics. As part of an increasingly contentious trade war, the latest Chinese tariffs call for a 25% increase on an array of goods, such as those used in rubber and polymer component fabrication.
The Harmful Impacts of a Trade War on Small Businesses
Small- and mid-sized manufacturers in America specializing in rubber moldings, extrusions, and injection-molded parts will be forced to find ways to counteract the adverse effects of rising inflation on raw materials. Petroleum is a primary component for synthetic rubber and polymer production, so the most recent tariffs mounted by China will no doubt force small manufacturers to increase their prices to compensate.
In early June, the Trump administration launched its first wave of tariffs against Chinese-manufactured equipment, including the injection and transfer molding machines commonly used for extruded rubber and plastics. This has only compounded the difficulties of the situation for smaller manufacturers, causing them to seek alternate sources for the rubber fabrication machinery they rely on to create products and components. The long-term effects are expected to influence manufacturers serving in the custom and OEM markets, including those facing downward pressure from larger partners that have also been affected by tariffs from both sides.
In automotive production, rubber-based and plastic-based products such as gaskets, seals, brake pads, and tires are on the front lines. Medical equipment companies rely on custom extruded plastic tubing, pump parts, and device housings. With another round of 25% tariffs recently finalized by the Trump administration, small and custom manufacturers must brace for the additional escalations that will inevitably follow.
Plan Ahead, Avoid Potential Pitfalls
The trade war could potentially expand into industrial chemicals and fluoropolymers that are used in rubber gaskets and extruded plastic profiles, as well. Many of those materials are chemically formulated for high-temperature ranges, corrosion resistance, and anti-weathering, making them a crucial requirement for operations with harsh environments. A domino effect in pricing will no doubt impact buyers down the supply chain in a range of industries. Fortunately, however, many small business manufacturers are doing what they can by shifting resources to other markets, reducing production, and tightening profit margins.
Industry at UPR
At Universal Polymer & Rubber, our team is committed to staying on point for our clients, leveraging seasoned and innovative methods to ensure that we maintain the same service standards despite the trade war impact. We work hard every day to apply our years of small business manufacturing expertise to finding ways to ensure that our clients get their products on-time, within budget, and without sacrificing quality.
Follow our blog, Twitter, and LinkedIn to stay up to date on current industry news and trends. For more information on our products and services, contact us today.
Who Did We Recently Acquire?
UP&R is proud to announce that we have just completed our fifth overall acquisition, and third in the last four years. Our continuous acquisition strategy has cemented our position as one of the largest non-mixing polymer fabricators in the United States. At UPR, we are always actively looking for additional polymer parts manufacturers that fit our perpetual approach.
Who did we acquire this time? Gasko Fabricated Products of Medina, OH! Gasko is a high-volume, die-cutting converter of polymer and hybrid materials for gaskets, seals, and diaphragms. Such modules are used for power take-off and transmission, and engine management/fuel delivery system applications in the automotive, marine, and outdoor power equipment markets.
Over time, the Medina facility will transition to our Tallmadge, OH facility, attaining synergies, economies, and shared die-cut expertise.
John Zielinski, our Executive Vice President, commented, “Customers and prospects have been asking for a wider variety in our converting, and through this acquisition, we will now be able to provide for the market’s need.”
What Sets Us Apart from the Competition
With about two handfuls of competitors within a 50-mile radius, we unremittingly set our self apart from the many other polymer companies in Northeast Ohio. Acquisition numbers from our wide-range of capabilities allow us to achieve a high-level stature. Our competitors include other rubber molders who tackle tarp straps, but similar manufacturers have limited capabilities that lead to our success as a business. At UPR, we have four different types of tarp straps including our own brands, and multiple layers to each brand.
Through our assortment of brands comes a fluctuation in price point too. Businesses, both small and large, will be able to find an answer that fits their needs.
Additional competitors include extrusion and molding, but the competition only supports one focal point – either, or – not both. Here, at Universal Polymer, we have the support to focus on rubber molding, rubber extrusions, plastic extrusions, tarp straps and gaskets, because of the diversity of our qualified, in-house, team experts. We are a one-stop-shop for all of your polymer solutions for the transportation and cargo control market, construction and pipe manufacturers market, automotive OE supply chain as a Tier II and Tier III, and the general industrial market that comprises several well-known global manufacturers.
Our one-stop-shop doesn’t only serve the end product of a tarp strap, a pipe gasket, window gasket, tire or more. When we say everything is done in-house, we mean it. From die-cutting to fabrication, both your polymers and rubbers start and end with us. UPR beats out the multiple stops that you would have to take to buy extrusions from one manufacturer and your required molded parts from another.
As a robust and elite manufacturer, there’s no worry, no wasted downtime, no hassle. All of our different parts are preplanned, engineered, designed, and already taken care of with you in mind. Every piece you need already fits perfectly together. With UP&R, you get all of the aspects of a small business manufacturer with the quality of a big manufacturer, meaning all of your bases–quality AND quantity, are covered “under one roof.”
With the Gasko acquisition, we continue to supply and have increased supplies for the automotive, marine, and outdoor power equipment industries, plus further industrial markets too.
Immediate customer-facing benefits include:
- Both locations, Medina and Tallmadge, have historically specialized in fast turn-around, high-mix, high volume production, making them highly complementary. Plans include the move of Medina’s manufacturing into our Tallmadge location, an IATF-16949 and ISO-9001 certified production facility.
- A Stronger Product Line for Customers – The Gasko product line, when added to our already broad product line, will enhance the total basket of goods that UP&R offers to our current customer base, and further, to market.
- Enhanced Capabilities – While UP&R and Gasko have shared similar historical focus’, each excels in specific, but complementary areas. We look to offer Gasko customers a more full range of offerings – molded and extruded rubber parts, and die-cut parts, from IATF16949 certified facilities – that will provide vendor consolidation opportunities in a lean manufacturing world.
Our Ideology at UP&R
Because we put continuous improvement into our day-to-day, we get better each day. Started in 1970, we have continuously operated since inception. In 2018, our staff is proud to say that we are wiser today then we were just yesterday. And with additional resources now onboard, we’ll be able to continue forward with our successful business model.
Today, UPR stands ready to help your company compete and grow. At UP&R, we are committed to providing you first-rate service, timely service, and quality – every single time!
How We’ve Grown Since the Beginning
Universal Polymer & Rubber started out as a tarp strap and pipe gasket manufacturer. We have remained true to our roots by building upon that initial foundation. Starting off as a smaller size business, we leveraged our expertise in pipe gasket development and manufacturing, to gain business in other interwoven product applications including window gaskets, tote gaskets, and tires. Currently, we have branched out into other markets, and through our market diversity and versatility, we have been able to learn from all markets to apply best practices from each market application to the next.
To this day, we remain one of the largest suppliers of pipe gaskets in North America.
Look for more information on the many industries that we cover by following our blog, Twitter, and LinkedIn pages. We update them almost daily!
For any questions on our wide array of gaskets, moldings, extrusions, or company in general, simply contact us today. We look forward to connecting with you soon!
