WEFTEC 2018: The 91st Annual Technical Exhibition & Conference

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What is WEFTEC? WEFTEC, The Water Environment Federation (WEF), brings together water quality control experts from around the world to provide the best water quality education and training in the field today. It stands apart from the rest, as the largest conference of its class in North America. Taking place at the New Orleans Morial Convention Center, the exhibition is recognized as the greatest annual water quality exposition in the world. Their showcase delivers unique access to the most cutting-edge technologies on the market and creates networking opportunities for domestic and international business relations. You never know who you will…

What is WEFTEC? WEFTEC, The Water Environment Federation (WEF), brings together water quality control experts from around the world to provide the best water quality education and training in the field today. It stands apart from the rest, as the largest conference of its class in North America. Taking place at the New Orleans Morial […]

Universal Polymer & Rubber: Examining our Acquisition Strategy

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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,…

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 […]

What Makes Reinforced Concrete Pipe Gaskets More Sustainable?

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Reinforced concrete is a common material in pipes used in construction, and drainage and sewer systems. These pipes are sealed using a variety of methods during installation. One such method involves the use of gaskets made from polymers such as polyisoprene, neoprene, nitrile, and EPDM. How durable is reinforced concrete pipe? Is it a good material for sustainable construction? Let’s take a closer look at concrete pipes, and assess their longevity and sustainability. Longevity and Sustainability of Reinforced Concrete Pipe Concrete has been used for centuries in construction because of its durability. Reinforcing concrete using a composite material such as…

Reinforced concrete is a common material in pipes used in construction, and drainage and sewer systems. These pipes are sealed using a variety of methods during installation. One such method involves the use of gaskets made from polymers such as polyisoprene, neoprene, nitrile, and EPDM. How durable is reinforced concrete pipe? Is it a good […]

An Overview of National Safety Month from Universal Polymer & Rubber

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June is National Safety Month. Taking a look at the numbers, compared to 2015 there has been an almost 8 percent increase in total fatal injuries per year as of 2016, which saw 5,190 deaths. That same year also saw 849 falls, slips or trips, which was up by 49 incidents from 2015. Observed annually, National Safety Month focuses on reducing leading causes of injury and death at work. June serves as a time to raise awareness about important safety issues to ultimately help reduce preventable injuries and deaths. Each week in June this year, the National Safety Council will…

June is National Safety Month. Taking a look at the numbers, compared to 2015 there has been an almost 8 percent increase in total fatal injuries per year as of 2016, which saw 5,190 deaths. That same year also saw 849 falls, slips or trips, which was up by 49 incidents from 2015. Observed annually, […]

Supporting the Environment on Earth Day 2018 and Beyond!

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Earth Day 2018 is just around the corner on April 22nd. This annual event led by the Earth Day Network (EDN), dedicates itself to recognizing and celebrating the natural environment. With a focus on the protection of our precious planet, this event spans worldwide as the biggest civic-focused day of action. This year marks the start of EDN’s multiyear campaign called End Plastic Pollution. Why and How Is Single-Use Plastic Problematic? Single-use or disposable plastic refers to objects typically used only once, such as water bottles, bags, packages, and straws. These types of items risk the Earth’s ecosystems as over…

Earth Day 2018 is just around the corner on April 22nd. This annual event led by the Earth Day Network (EDN), dedicates itself to recognizing and celebrating the natural environment. With a focus on the protection of our precious planet, this event spans worldwide as the biggest civic-focused day of action. This year marks the […]

Tariffs Impact Small and Mid-Size Businesses in the U.S.

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In recent weeks there has been much talk about President Trump putting tariffs on a wide range of products. Initially, there are two industries that will be greatly impacted: steel and aluminum. Inflation could soon be hitting raw materials which will impact packaging, transportation, cargo, the supply chain, automotive OE supply chain, and general manufacturing. Rising prices will greatly impact Japanese automakers, but on the home front, small and mid-size manufacturing companies may see the biggest challenges moving forward, as they have less room in their budget for losses. Consumers are likely to resist the cost increases that companies will…

In recent weeks there has been much talk about President Trump putting tariffs on a wide range of products. Initially, there are two industries that will be greatly impacted: steel and aluminum. Inflation could soon be hitting raw materials which will impact packaging, transportation, cargo, the supply chain, automotive OE supply chain, and general manufacturing. […]

AMERIPRIDE Tarp Straps Offer Sturdy Shipping Solutions

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Made in the USA (Middlefield, Ohio), the latest line of tarp straps from Universal Polymer is AMERIPRIDE. Members of the trucking industry know that cargo needs to be securely fastened for successful transportation. Not only does cargo need to be transported safely, but it also needs to be protected from the elements it endures in getting to the end destination. This is where tarps and tarp straps come into play. Tarp Strap Construction Within the industry, tarp straps are available and manufactured in a number of solutions, including synthetic rubber and natural rubber, as well as with various hook selections…

Made in the USA (Middlefield, Ohio), the latest line of tarp straps from Universal Polymer is AMERIPRIDE. Members of the trucking industry know that cargo needs to be securely fastened for successful transportation. Not only does cargo need to be transported safely, but it also needs to be protected from the elements it endures in […]

Learning & Evolution Continues in Manufacturing with Industry Trade Shows

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Manufacturing at its Strongest Since 2004 The long-promised acceleration in US manufacturing may be just around the corner. 2017 closed strong. In fact, the numbers peg it as a favorable year of the likes of 2004 when the depredations of recession hadn’t tarnished profits. With the morale running high, it is a golden time for all providers to grow, evolve and get equipped for the spike in demand that may follow soon. And what better way to learn, network and be seen than at some of the most popular, progressive and authoritative trade shows in the country? Universal Polymer &…

Manufacturing at its Strongest Since 2004 The long-promised acceleration in US manufacturing may be just around the corner. 2017 closed strong. In fact, the numbers peg it as a favorable year of the likes of 2004 when the depredations of recession hadn’t tarnished profits. With the morale running high, it is a golden time for […]

Confidence in Manufacturing Predicted for 2018

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After the recession of 2008, it has taken time for our country to rebound. The rebound started slowly but has gained momentum and industries across the U.S. are beginning to see quite a change. For many, optimism is high. Helping the change is the new administration and the President’s commitment to supposedly bring jobs back to America. He has started deregulation of manufacturing industries and has promised to lower business taxes in an effort to make the U.S. more competitive with jobs that were off-shored long ago. Consumer confidence has spurred the economy, allowing businesses to once again invest in…

After the recession of 2008, it has taken time for our country to rebound. The rebound started slowly but has gained momentum and industries across the U.S. are beginning to see quite a change. For many, optimism is high. Helping the change is the new administration and the President’s commitment to supposedly bring jobs back […]

What’s in Store for the US Rubber Market? A Must-Read Overview

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No Market Stands Alone: When the demand for one rises or falls – the other is impacted, either directly or indirectly. The debacle of 2007 and 2008 brought the economy to a screeching halt and rubber product manufacturers all over the country felt the pinch. But now cautious optimism is in the air. The Dow Jones has shown promising signs since August 2017. Even though small and medium businesses are uncertain about reaping the expected rewards with the administration change – the morale of the country is up. It’s estimated that the US will see rubber revenue stretch to touch…

No Market Stands Alone: When the demand for one rises or falls – the other is impacted, either directly or indirectly. The debacle of 2007 and 2008 brought the economy to a screeching halt and rubber product manufacturers all over the country felt the pinch. But now cautious optimism is in the air. The Dow […]