Universal launches expansion

ERJ staff report (RPN)

By Mike McNulty, Rubber & Plastics News

Middlefield, Ohio—An acquisition made by Universal Rubber & Polymer Ltd in 2012 not only has boosted its capabilities and sales, but the purchase soon will lead to an expansion at the firm's Middlefield plant.

The company plans to add about 36 000 sq.ft (3344 sq.m) to its more than 100,000-sq.-ft. manufacturing facility in Middlefield. After the expansion project is complete, Universal will add extrusion lines and more personnel, according to President and CEO Joe Colebank.

He is hoping that work on the addition will begin in April, but that depends on the weather. Colebank has set a project completion date for the end of 2013.

Financial and other details on the expansion project have not been determined, he said. The number of employees expected to be hired wasn't disclosed.

Universal Rubber created the need for its latest expansion in 2012 when it purchased Dybrook Products Inc. to unite the two molders and extruders of rubber and plastic products. Both companies have established strengths, and together they have proved to be a great fit, Colebank said.

Universal Rubber concentrates on rubber and plastic extrusion, rubber molding, secondary operations and overseas sourcing. It makes gaskets, bushings, seals, bumpers and shock mounts using silicone, polyurethane, NR, polyisoprene, nitrile, butyl, neoprene and other elastomers.

Dybrook's expertise is in custom molding and extruding of rubber and plastic products, including bumpers, gaskets, seals and other offerings using EPDM, neoprene, silicone, nitrile, natural rubber and styrene butadiene rubber.

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Article from Rubber & Plastics News