Home Rubber improves finances, production

ERJ staff report (RPN)

By Mike McNulty, Rubber & Plastics News Staff

Trenton, New Jersey - Speciality hose maker Home Rubber Co. has upgraded its operation across the board and improved its financial base.

The manufacturer of mechanical and industrial rubber products in early October successfully completed a wholesale recapitalisation of its business, said Rich Balka, owner and president of the Trenton-based company. The firm retired a significant portion of its debt in the process, and secured generous new financial facilities for revolving capital expenditures and its operating line of credit, he said.

Home Rubber also is adding a calender line, which replaces an old one, and is rebuilding one of its mixing lines to expand its capabilities at its 65 000-sq.-ft. (6038 sq.m) plant in Trenton. Both projects are expected to be finished within the next week to 10 days.

In addition, Balka said the firm recently completed a number of major projects at the factory, improving its infrastructure, upgrading production efficiencies and reducing energy costs.

Financial details of the capital expansion projects weren't released.

While Home Rubber is planning to make more infrastructure improvements in the future, Balka didn't give details of what is involved in those projects or when they will be launched.

The manufacturer has a broad range of manufacturing capabilities that include handmade hose and tubing, lathe cut gaskets, sheet goods, mandrel-made endless belting, and other specialty rubber products.

Its Ivanhoe division-formerly Ivanhoe Rubber Co., which was purchased by Home Rubber in October 2006-produces technically specific small batch rubber compounds to molders and extruders in slab and various preforms.

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Article from Rubber & Plastics News