News UP&R Completes Acquisition of Crest Rubber Middlefield, OH - February 9, 2017 - Today, Universal Rubber & Polymer, Ltd. ("UP&R") is pleased to announce its completion of the acquisition of Crest Rubber Company of Ravenna, OH. This deal represents UP&R's fourth acquisition over the last nine years. All of these acquisitions have been northeast Ohio rubber parts producing companies. UP&R will continue to search out best-fit partners around the polymer industry that UP&R can acquire, and successfully assimilate into its overall plan and its wide customer base. UP&R is an operating company of The Cypress Companies in Akron, OH. Crest Rubber was started in 1960 and has been in continuous operation since that time. It produces hydraulic and pneumatic seals as well as various other industrial products including agricultural mats, utility mats, and mud flaps. The Crest Rubber personnel will be retained by UP&R and will continue to work at either UP&R's Middlefield or Tallmadge, OH facilities. The business itself will transition into UP&R's molding operation in Middlefield. Immediate customer-facing benefits of the combination include: Strong Support Staff - UP&R has a fully staffed team and refined product development process to insure smooth transitions and program launches. Capacity - UP&R's Middlefield facility currently operates a wide variety of presses that produce molded parts for as many as seven different industries. Crest's business will seamlessly blend into UP&R's daily production. Enhanced Capabilities - While UP&R and Crest have shared a similar historical focus, each excels in its own specific but complementary areas. UP&R looks positively at the synergy to be gained by this new acquisition. About Universal Polymer & Rubber, Ltd. In 1970, rubber tarp straps and gaskets formed the origins of UP&R. Those products remain core to what it does today as a custom manufacturer of molded rubber parts, extruded rubber parts - dense and sponge, as well as extruded plastic. In fact, UP&R is one of the largest suppliers of pipe gaskets today. The company produces primarily domestically, yet maintains international partnerships with Asian suppliers. This flexibility enables UP&R to meet customer needs across a wide variety of polymer compounds, designs, specifications, and desired price points. From the decks of aircraft carriers to flatbed trailers across North America, from fire suppression pumps to automotive brake pedals to water and sewer pipes, UP&R's products can be found almost anywhere. Both UP&R facilities - Middlefield and Tallmadge - are certified to both ISO-TS16949 and ISO-9001 standards. www.universalpolymer.com About The Cypress Companies The Cypress Companies is a private investment firm specializing in the industrial sector. Located in Akron, Ohio, it provides management services to six operating companies. For more than 15 years, Cypress has enabled responsible growth in its diverse, autonomous companies by offering the right resources for long-term success. www.cypresscompanies.com Contact: John Zielinski Universal Polymer & Rubber, Ltd. zielinskij@universalpolymer.com (330) 633-1666 x1413
