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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Ready to Get to Work?
Let UP&R roll up our sleeves and tackle your rubber and sponge challenges head-on.
