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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Let UP&R roll up our sleeves and tackle your rubber and sponge challenges head-on.
