Starting in 2008, Universal Polymer and Rubber (UP&R) undertook a multi-year strategic acquisitions initiative with the goal of increasing our capacity and expanding our service offerings. We are proud to say that our acquisition strategy has been a tremendous success, especially with regard to how we are able to serve our customers.
We’re sharing a brief overview of our acquisition history as a rubber component manufacturer and the priorities that guided our strategy.
What is an Acquisition Strategy?
An acquisition strategy is a set of criteria, goals, and values used to guide decisions around acquiring other companies.
Many, if not most, acquisition strategies have some similarities. Most companies are motivated by growth and increased market share. However, some may aspire to broaden their reach to a specific region, expand into a complementary offering or industry, or even acquire a particular competitor.
Key Points to UP&R’s Acquisition Strategy
At UP&R, we are driven primarily by the needs of our customers. For example, we have made strategic moves to expand our capabilities as a rubber component manufacturer to provide more services to our customers and increase our capacity so we can take on larger products. We also keep our strategy focused on a very defined geographic area. The key values guiding our long-term acquisition strategy include:
Geographic Focus
UP&R is proud to have roots in the American Midwest, specifically Ohio. We deeply value the close relationships we’ve built with our customers by focusing our energy in Ohio. Maintaining a regional footprint allows for in-person visits, fast shipping, and other perks that benefit our customers. For those reasons, our acquisition strategy has been focused on polymer manufacturing companies in the USA, specifically in the area surrounding our home base.
Complementary Capabilities
At UP&R, we are in constant conversation with our customers about their needs and goals, and we use that information to shape our acquisition strategy. For example, if a customer needs a complementary service that we don’t currently provide, we will strongly consider pursuing an acquisition of a polymer manufacturing company that offers those services. We also strive to acquire polymer and rubber manufacturing companies with specialized experts who can bring valuable insight to special projects and deepen our collective knowledge in support of our customers. This allows us to meet more of our customers’ needs, becoming a “one-stop shop” and saving them from the hassle of juggling multiple vendors.
Smooth Integration
When we acquire a business, we want it to affect our customers in a positive way, not disrupt their service. We strive to acquire polymer manufacturing companies in the USA that have already established strong, efficient operations, so we can hit the ground running together right away, rather than spending months overhauling their procedures. Our goal is seamless onboarding, so our customers can enjoy the benefits of our growth as quickly as possible, whether that’s increased capacity, additional capabilities, or a specific expert that can support their unique needs.
Notable Acquisitions
Between 2008 and 2018, UP&R completed a number of successful acquisitions that have expanded our capabilities and capacity. Below are several examples.
Universal Rubber and Plastics Corp
In 2014, with the goal of expanding our product line and adding a die-cut operation, we acquired Universal Rubber and Plastics Corp. (URP), a custom rubber products extruder in Tallmadge, Ohio. URP was focused on the automotive, construction, and industrial sectors, specializing in seals, bushings, gaskets, bumpers, and shock mounts. URP brought experience in a wide range of materials, from natural rubber to neoprene. We added 36,000 square feet to our Middlefield plant around the same time, making 2014 a big year for growth.
Crest Rubber
In 2017, we acquired Crest Rubber Company in Ravenna, Ohio. Crest Rubber was founded in 1960 and manufactured industrial products, such as hydraulic and pneumatic seals, agricultural and utility mats, and mud flaps.
Gasko Fabricated Products
We acquired Gask Fabricated Products in 2018. Located in Medina, Ohio, Gasko was a high-volume, die-cutting converter of polymer and hybrid materials serving the automotive, marine, and outdoor power equipment markets, among others. Gasko often produced gaskets, seals, and diaphragms for high-performing systems, such as power take-off and transmission, engine management, and fuel delivery.
Partner with Universal Polymer & Rubber
At UP&R, we are incredibly proud of what we can offer to our customers thanks to the strategic moves we’ve made over the past twenty years. With a broad portfolio of rubber manufacturing capabilities, expanded capacity for large projects, and a deep bench of specialized expertise, we are primed to meet all your needs. We have centered our services in northeast Ohio, so we can provide exceptional service to our customers in the American Midwest and build the close connections made possible by serving a regional customer base.
To learn more about what UP&R has to offer or discuss a new project, talk to a member of our team >