Over the course of a century, Alliance has evolved from a single product to a global leader in multiple industries. Today Alliance represents the benchmark in adapting and inventing simple, practical, and reliable solutions for every day. The remarkable story of Alliance’s first century offers a vision of corporate ingenuity, integrity, and excellence as our Alliance Team continues the legacy of Mr. Spencer and his creative marketing in promoting the many different uses of rubber bands in many different markets. The company’s rich American heritage is built on valuing our associates as our greatest asset. Join us in following the inspiring journey of Alliance’s products.
(Be sure to check out the 1920s, 1930s, 1940s, & 1950s if you haven’t already!)
The 1960s
The 1960s were times of turmoil and change. The most sweeping civil rights legislation in history was signed into law and the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King Jr., and Senator Robert Kennedy stunned the nation. It was a decade of milestones that included our first steps on the moon by Neil Armstrong in 1969 – and Alliance was there to secure his gear.
For Alliance, the sixties brought products with unusual names like the Zip Band that was developed for the U.S. government. The band was perfect for the Postal Service and their letter-sized bundles. Alliance later brought Freezer Bands to market, each package contained a rainbow of vivid colors.
The Dealer’s Window Display was promoted as an effective way to promote sales of Alliance’s Open Ring® rubber bands. Most of all, these displays encouraged relationships with distributors as a part of a larger “dealer aid program” which offered national advertising and other display materials.
The rubber band revolution continued with the advent of continuous cure extrusion. The world’s first continuous cure extrusion line for rubber bands was installed in our Alliance, Ohio location. This enabled Alliance to attain levels of quality control that were never before possible. These rubber bands featured an improved modulus, and a smoother, more consistent quality resulting in a higher count per pound. Additionally, it increased output and service capacities to an all-time high.
The decade also brought about Alliance’s first use of Polyisoprene (synthetic rubber) and the invention of Flexbands® which are manufactured with a thermoplastic elastomer – a stretchable plastic. These bands provide a soft, easy stretch with an exceptionally high band count per pound.
