The Mail-Journal, Volume 27, Number 1, Milford, Kosciusko County, 17 February 1988 — Page 67

Syracuse Rubber is diversified

Finishing its 43nd year of business, Syracuse Rubber has changed with the times to upgrade quality and efficiency of its products. According to Dean Pittman, president of the cnmnany, Syracuse Rubber has brought

MAD sets new goals

(Continued from page 20) Maintenance of the building is funded through donations, rentals to private parties and the annual Memorial Day chicken barbecue. Don Arnold, treasurer, handles the financial end for MAD and has done so most of

S . - k M • fi S 3 ” ■ ' sjralßMuiF FiiaiPitihMMw ‘ k ***•£. jwwE:.. "*£SR3

BUILDING FOR COMMUNITY USE — The Milford Community Building, which is maintained by the Milford Area Development Council, Inc., was built in 1982 through donated funds and labor. The building is for community use by service clubs, youth organizations, emergency medical service and senior citizens. Funds to maintain the building are generated through rental fees by private groups, donations, and a yearly fundraiser. MAD has a $8,650 budget proposed for 1988 to cover building maintenance, improvements, equipment purchases and replacements. Also included is funds for other activities for the betterment of the Milford community.

At Syracuse Rubber... Our People Make It Happen! IE i " H PSUhH| m From Molding To Finishing KE S 3 vUr iSEy a tr 7 J 1135 Sooth Sycamore St. 1457-31411 Syracuse To Final Inspection

in a computerized system to increase production at less expensive costs. Efficiency is essential since Syracuse Rubber has a long list of clients. Its clients include automobile, building, plumbing and toy manufacturers.

the 18 years. He also provides the yearly budget. Others on the board include Donn Kesler, vice president and Betty Hall, secretary. Carol Speicher is custodian and building caretaker. Elmer Sorensen and Dick Smith are in charge of building maintenance.

B fl ■ teX ?’»t !|l|flllW I H HE '"W' - Sf g anßjflw' 1 *3

CLOSE INSPECTION — Maxine Coleman, left, find Sharon Price, right, serve as the final inspection for products created at Syracuse Rubber. The quality control department insures customer satisfaction.

“We try to keep diversified,” added Pittman. “We’ve been very successful at it.” Processing rubber products is a tedious business, but no one does it any better than Syracuse Rubber employees. It is also, at times, impractical. Phases of the operation involve compounding, laboratory tests, mixing, extrusion, pressing and molding. Products then go to the finishing department before final inspection in quality control. “All these phases are important,” said Pittman. “But the laboratory phase is one of the most important aspects of production. Sometimes I don’t realize the importance of this department.” Much research and development takes place in Syracuse Rubber’s laboratory. This is done to discover flaws in the product and find solutions to the problems. The lab tests also give insight as to how the product can

Wed., February 17,1988 -L PROGRESS EDITION

be mo lifted, securing efficiency and safety. Pitt nan also wants to modify more of the plant’s equipment in the future. Such would include automated presses and more systematic computer integration. We’ve maintained a steady rate of growth over the years, ” said the president. “We want to continue t ris trend.” The plant occupies 117,000 square feet, which is plenty of space presently. “The space was have now is fine,” said Pittman. “We’re really not looking to expand v’hat we have. Perhaps down the road we may be looking, but not now.” Keeping 250 employees happy is another goal o: the company. To the executives at Syracvse Rubber, the employees that put together the products are just as important as its customers. With that philosophy, there’s no doubt why Syracuse Rubber continues to progress in its field.