Learn and Network at Upcoming Industry Trade Shows this Month

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.

Ringing in a New Year of Continued Manufacturing Growth

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.