ARPM assumes role of representing US rubber industry internationally

ERJ staff report (R&PN)

Iindianapolis, Indiana -- The US-based Association for Rubber Products Manufacturers has assumed international responsibility for representing the interests of US hose and belt manufacturers, a role formerly played by the Rubber Manufacturers Association.

The ARPM, made up of non-tyre members of the RMA, left that association late last year and became and independent organisation.

It's vital that the US maintain its leadership position in the technical standards-setting arena, according to ARPM President Dave Maguire, who is global technology vice president at Veyance Technologies Inc. He said the ARPM has a primary mission focus of total involvement in maintaining, revising, and developing new technically based standards for the hose and belt markets.

“Although the involvement in the international standards setting community involves a significant capital investment to be made by ARPM, the association's board of directors unanimously agrees in the importance of fulfilling the role which was once held by the RMA,” Maguire said.

Because the ARPM is assuming the responsibility for hose and belt manufacturers in the US, Maguire said the organisation asks that such companies financially support and become involved with the group.

An ARPM Technical Committee member, also weighed in on supporting the group's work.

Joel Edwards, vice president of product development for Gates Corp., said it is essential the US is “fully represented and active in ensuring that new technical standards and modifications made to existing standards are fully supported by US-led enterprises.”

The ARPM will oversee the technology led coalitions under guidelines established by ANSI and the International Organisation for Standardisation and will represent the interests of participating US companies.

In this position, the group said it will help to promote the use of US standards internationally, advocate US policy and technical positions in international and regional standards organisations, and encourage the adoption of international standards as national standards where these meet the needs of the user community.

From Rubber & Plastics News (A Crain publication)

www.arpminc.org