News UP&R Makes Third Acquisition in Six Years Middlefield, OH - July 14, 2014 - Today, Universal Rubber & Polymer, Ltd. ("UP&R") is pleased to announce its completion of the acquisition of Universal Rubber and Plastics Corporation ('URP') of Tallmadge, OH. UP&R is an operating company of The Cypress Companies in Akron, OH. URP of Tallmadge, is a leader in custom extruded rubber products using microwave cure technology. URP of Tallmadge serves the Industrial, Commercial, Energy, and other markets and has distinguished itself in microwave cured rubber extrusion and secondary operations. URP of Tallmadge also has a significant die cut business segment that will further broaden UP&R's product line. When coupled with UP&R's established strengths in extrusion (both rubber and plastic), molding, secondary operations, and overseas sourcing, customers will enjoy the enhanced capabilities of a more proficient supplier. Nearly all URP of Tallmadge's personnel will be retained by UP&R and will continue to work at the Tallmadge, OH facility. The facility itself will remain as a self-contained production entity that will provide additional manufacturing resources and capacity, for the ever growing entity of Universal Polymer & Rubber, Ltd. Immediate customer-facing benefits of the combination include: Redundancy & Backup - Both locations have historically specialized in fast-turn-around, high-mix, low-volume production making them highly complementary. Production will remain active in both the Middlefield and Tallmadge, Ohio locations creating a level of security that did not formerly exist. Capacity - The two facilities include a variety of rubber extrusion, die cutting and conversion equipment, and secondary service equipment. The ability to direct production to its most efficient location, provides agility and flexibility in responding to shifts and growth in customer demand. Enhanced Capabilities - While UP&R and URP of Tallmadge have shared a similar historical focus, each excels in its own specific but complementary areas. In addition, both locations enjoy a staff of skilled veterans who anticipate immediately sharing information and best practices. About Universal Rubber and Plastics - Tallmadge, OH URP was incorporated in 1980 and has been a supplier of OEM rubber extrusions and die cut parts for the past 34 years. It has used microwave cure technology in its extrusion process, and has provided extrusions and die cut parts to its diversified customer base for decades. URP maintains an ISO-9001 Certification. 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. UP&R is 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 Coverage in RubberNews.com (7/29/2014)
