Alliance Rubber Company partnering with Canadian Manufacturer to Create 10 Million Reusable Face Shields

These reusable face shields will go to healthcare providers and essential workers across Canada.

[Hot Springs, Ark, May 2020] – Alliance Rubber Company is pleased to announce their partnership with a Canadian manufacturer to create 10 million reusable face shields. Public Services and Procurement Canada, working on behalf of the Government of Canada, awarded the contract to manufacture 10 million units of its reusable face shields for healthcare providers and essential workers across Canada by August 2020.

As the world continues to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, a critical shortage of medical equipment still exists. Which is why the Canadian government placed such a significant investment into ensuring that those on the front line have the resources they need. However, both existing and new PPE manufacturers are experiencing issues within the supply chain that have led to a shortage of elastic that was commonly used for face masks.

Alliance Rubber Company is proud to be among the many manufacturers across the world to engage in a massive pivot in response to the escalating pandemic. This means relying heavily on technology to quickly manufacture products to fulfill necessities such as face shields and the components that go into making them. This response has required that Alliance ramp up production and adjust manufacturing operations to create an abundance of non-latex rubber bands and strips to answer the shortage of elastic.

While, initially, Alliance only planned on this being a short-term pivot, they foresee demand for these products to last long beyond the COVID-19 outbreak as manufacturers are enjoying the benefits of purchasing reusable products made from rapidly-renewable, domestic sources.

Product Availability

Non-Latex Rubber Strips are ideal for personal protective equipment (PPE) such as medical masks, face shields, and ventilators. Each strip is made from synthetic rubber and helps to hold masks in place while being worn. These can either be looped behind ears or tied behind the head. The strips are suitable for all kinds of masks being used by medical staff in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.

• High Rubber Content
• Available in bright colors for easy identification
• Excellent band count per pound
• Soft stretch to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome
• Can be sterilized using autoclave and irradiation

Not made with natural rubber latex.
Made in a facility where latex products are produced.

For more information on this product:
Website:https://www.rubberband.com/product/non-latex-bands-and-strips-for-ppe/ 

For more information, press only:
Misty Smith, Creative Director
501.262.8107
msmith@alliance-rubber.com

Alliance Rubber Co. Announces Availability of Antimicrobial Tourniquets

Alliance Rubber Company adds Custom Silicone Extrusion to its Production Capabilities

Alliance Receives the United Group’s Gold Award

HOT SPRINGS (May 21, 2018) – The United Group (TUG) is a national, member-owned sales and marketing group for independent, B2B distributors of Jan/San, Packaging, Foodservice and Safety products and equipment. All suppliers are chosen and vetted by existing members prior to introduction to the group. The United Group team seeks to foster and strengthen relationships between suppliers and its members via a transparent and collaborative culture.

At their annual supplier conference, TUG awards suppliers Pinnacle, Gold and Silver awards in three categories: Food Service, Jan/San, and Industrial Packaging. This year Brian Marino, Northeastern Regional Sales, and David Kivell, Western Regional Sales Manager, for Alliance attended the conference April 30-May 3 in Anaheim, California.

We were proud to receive TUG’s Gold award for “Growth and Excellence in Industrial Packaging.” This is the first time we’ve received this honor from TUG. The winners are chosen by TUG members and, of the 117 exhibiting suppliers, only nine received awards. We’re honored!

Trade Petition

HOT SPRINGS (January 31, 2018) – Alliance Rubber Company asked the federal government to penalize foreign rubber band makers who sell their products in the United States for far less than the normal value set by U.S. trade laws.

Rubber band manufacturers in China, Thailand and Sri Lanka unfairly receive a competitive advantage over domestic producers like Alliance, the Hot Springs-based company, in filings with the U.S. Department of Commerce and the U.S. International Trade Commission.

Alliance, the largest U.S. rubber band manufacturer, said the United States should respond to the “dumping” of cheap and often inferior rubber bands by levying additional tariffs on certain rubber band imports.

“Rubber band manufacturers from Asia are receiving subsidies from their own governments and are artificially lowering their prices in order to root out American competition,” said Bonnie Spencer Swayze, President of Alliance Rubber Company. “These foreign companies have deliberately disregarded our trade laws. These kinds of actions disrupt the American economy and jeopardize American jobs. Alliance prides itself on its Made-in-America products and like all American manufacturers, we deserve a level playing field.”

Alliance produces the vast majority of rubber bands made in the United States. It accuses its Chinese, Thai and Sri Lankan competitors of selling rubber bands in some instances at least 60 percent less than the normal value within the meaning of the Tariff Act of 1930. In addition, the governments of China, Thailand and Sri Lanka are providing monetary and tax incentives to the rubber industry, further exacerbating the problem.

Because of the dumping of rubber bands into the domestic market, U.S. rubber band manufacturers face an immediate risk of economic injury, according to Alliance’s filing.

Since 2014, rubber band imports from Thailand alone have increased by 146 percent. Chinese imports rose by 115 percent and Sri Lankan imports increased by 26 percent over the same period of time.

Without measures to counteract the illegal dumping, wholesale purchasers of rubber bands will continue buying cheaper imports than quality, Made-in-America products, Alliance told the ITC and Commerce Department.

The petition filed today asks the Commerce Department to determine that the Asian companies are indeed selling rubber bands for less than normal value, in violation of federal law. The ITC is tasked with determining what, if any, economic injury has occurred to domestic producers.

Alliance requests that the federal government assess “antidumping duties” on the imports that would counteract the competitive advantage the foreign companies receive by artificially lowering their prices. The U.S. company also asks for “countervailing duties” to offset the subsidies and incentives being provided to foreign companies by their governments.

“We look forward to presenting our case to U.S. trade officials on behalf of American manufacturers,” Swayze said. “Alliance has been producing quality rubber bands for nearly 100 years, and we want American Manufacturing to remain strong for many more years to come.”

Alliance Rubber Company Partners with University to Infuse Graphene into Rubber Bands

Hot Springs, Ark. (August 30, 2017) – Alliance Rubber Company is proud to announce a partnership with the University of Sussex, U.K., to research and develop rubber products infused with graphene. The research program, under the guidance of Dr. Alan Dalton, professor of experimental physics, will develop new rubber products using graphene produced from Zenyatta graphite.

Graphene, a material 200 times stronger than steel, can enhance mechanical, thermal and electrical properties in many materials. When you add graphene to rubber, the rubber becomes lighter, stronger and conductive. Over the next year, Alliance will work with the university research program to determine the perfect graphene to rubber ratio.

“Alliance has a long history of innovation and it is vital for us to play an active role in leading edge rubber technology that uses a disruptive nanomaterial like graphene,” Jason Risner, director of business strategy at Alliance, said, “It is critical that we partner with scientific leaders like Dr. Alan Dalton at the University of Sussex.”

Products created through this research will continue Alliance’s position as a leader in rubber technology. The research program will focus on a rubber sensor product to be attached to produce. The band will change colors when the produce reaches a certain temperature or after a certain amount of time passes after harvest. Graphene products would also have the ability to act as a bar code for ease at grocery store checkout. Potential applications also include a band embedded with RFID tags that could be placed around credit/debit cards to prevent hackers from accessing personal information.

“We are thrilled to see the products that could potentially come out of our partnership. Graphene is an astonishing material that can revolutionize our lives,” Risner said. “Our company is proud to be on the cutting edge of something so new.”

Under the agreement with the University of Sussex, Alliance is sponsoring two graduate students who will work exclusively on the graphene project for the next three years. The partnership is a long-term investment for the U.S. manufacturing company who is dedicated to staying innovative and keeping jobs in America.

About Alliance Rubber Company

Since 1923, Alliance Rubber Company has been dedicated to “Holding Your World Together.” The company has grown into a global leader with more than 2,200 skus of mailing, shipping, office and packaging products sold through dealers in 55 countries. Under the current leadership of President Bonnie Swayze, Alliance continues its long history of innovation. Pioneering the women’s entrance into the boardroom, Swayze was the first female board member of the Wholesale Stationers Association and has served on the WBENC board and other HUB organizations.

Alliance Rubber Company Presents Summer Science Smash at Mid-America Science Museum

Hot Springs, AR. (July 26, 2017) – Celebrate the end of summer with Mid-America Science Museum’s 2^nd annual Summer Science Smash party on Saturday, August 19^th from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm!  This year will be bigger and better than ever because Alliance Rubber Company has joined forces with the museum to demonstrate just how much fun rubber bands can be! This is a fun-filled day for kids of all ages with each activity powered by rubber bands. For instance, visitors will be able to make “crunchy” slime, create rubber band splatter art and launch Nerf balls with a custom giant rubber band sling shot.

“We are very enthusiastic about incorporating rubber bands into the hands-on educational activities taking place throughout the day because it’s a fantastic way to demonstrate science concepts in physics, chemistry and geometry,” said Doug Herbert, director of education at Mid-America Science Museum. During the day, the museum will launch a year-long activity to create one of the world’s largest rubber band balls. Guests will be encouraged to add rubber bands to a “community” rubber band ball throughout the day. The rubber band ball will remain in the museum for the next 12 months in hopes that it will grow up to 300 pounds by next August. The rubber band ball with be used in a spectacular event that will be announced prior to next year’s Summer Science Smash.

In celebration of its 94^th year of business, Alliance Rubber Company will be offering a back-to-school prize to the 94^th visitor of the Summer Science Smash. Alliance’s rubber band ball starter kits will also be available for purchase, while supplies last, in the museum store.

“We love belonging to the Hot Springs community and being a partner with the Mid-America Science Museum to help inspire younger generations,” said Bonnie Swayze, president and CEO of Alliance rubber Company. “Our company was founded on innovation, and we make certain that we put innovation at the forefront of everything we do. We are thrilled to co-host this event to show how rubber bands can be used in so many unique ways. We can’t wait to see just how big we can grow the rubber band ball throughout the next year,” said Bonnie Swayze, president of Alliance Rubber Company.

“By partnering with Alliance Rubber Company, Mid-America Science Museum helps connect local families with area businesses that use science, technology and engineering in their daily operations and thereby encourage our young people to consider science as a career,” explains Diane LaFollette, executive director of Mid-America Science Museum.

For more information on Summer Science Smash or other upcoming educational programs at Mid-America Science Museum visit www.midamericamuseum.org or call 501-767-3461.

About Mid-America Science Museum

Mid-America Science Museum is Arkansas’ oldest and largest science center. A 65,000 square foot building on 21 beautiful wooded acres. Our mission is to stimulate interest in science, to promote public understanding of the sciences, and to encourage life-long science education through interactive exhibits and programs. Find out more about the museum and the educational opportunities here.

About Alliance Rubber Company

Since 1923, Alliance Rubber Company has been dedicated to “Holding Your World Together.” The company has grown into a global leader with more than 2,200 skus of mailing, shipping, office and packaging products sold through dealers in 55 countries. Under the current leadership of President Bonnie Swayze, Alliance continues its long history of innovation. Pioneering the women’s entrance into the boardroom, Swayze was the first female board member of the Wholesale Stationers Association and has served on the WBENC board and other HUB organizations.

Alliance Rubber featured in Wall Street Journal

Alliance Rubber featured in Wall Street Journal

HOT SPRINGS, Ark.(June 2, 2014) — Alliance Rubber Company was honored to recently be featured in the Wall Street Journal for its innovation and line of products.

The article, written by James R. Hagerty, mentioned Alliance’s range of rubber band products, which are available at retailers across the United States.

The Wall Street Journal is read by over one million subscribers daily. To read the piece, please visit WSJ.com.

About Alliance Rubber Company

Since 1923, Alliance Rubber Company has been dedicated to “Holding Your World Together.” The company has grown into a global leader with more than 2,200 skus of mailing, shipping, office and packaging products sold through dealers in 55 countries. Under the current leadership of President Bonnie Swayze, Alliance continues its long history of innovation. Pioneering the women’s entrance into the boardroom, Swayze was the first female board member of the Wholesale Stationers Association and has served on the WBENC board and other HUB organizations.

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Alliance Rubber Highlighted in Department of Commerce’s 50 States of Trade for Export Success

Alliance Rubber Highlighted in Department of Commerce’s 50 States of Trade for Export Success

HOT SPRINGS, Ark.(June 2, 2015) — Alliance Rubber Company was recently featured as the Arkansas-highlighted business in the Department of Commerce’s 50 States of Trade for Export Success.

The piece features several stories of businesses in all 50 states and, “illustrates how access to global markets is benefiting small businesses across our nation,” Michael B.G. Froman, U.S. Trade Representative, and Penny Pritzker, U.S. Secretary of Commerce, said in their introduction.

Mentioned in the story is Alliance’s successful export sales and impact in Peru. Read the full document here.

About Alliance Rubber Company

Since 1923, Alliance Rubber Company has been dedicated to “Holding Your World Together.” The company has grown into a global leader with more than 2,200 skus of mailing, shipping, office and packaging products sold through dealers in 55 countries. Under the current leadership of President Bonnie Swayze, Alliance continues its long history of innovation. Pioneering the women’s entrance into the boardroom, Swayze was the first female board member of the Wholesale Stationers Association and has served on the WBENC board and other HUB organizations.

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Alliance Rubber Receives Large Business of the Year for Community Service

Alliance Rubber Receives Large Business of the Year for Community Service

HOT SPRINGS, Ark.(January 22, 2016) — Alliance Rubber Company recently received Large Business of the Year for Community Service from the Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce again after also receiving the award in 2015.

Alliance always makes it a priority to serve the community in a variety of ways, including encouraging employees to give back any time they can.

The award was presented to Alliance on Jan. 21 during the Chamber Annual Meeting and Banquet. All awards honored businesses, organizations and individuals in Hot Springs. Other awards presented include Rising Star, Man of the Year, Woman of the Year, Ambassador of the Year, Organization of the Year and Small Business of Year.

About Alliance Rubber Company

Since 1923, Alliance Rubber Company has been dedicated to “Holding Your World Together.” The company has grown into a global leader with more than 2,200 skus of mailing, shipping, office and packaging products sold through dealers in 55 countries. Under the current leadership of President Bonnie Swayze, Alliance continues its long history of innovation. Pioneering the women’s entrance into the boardroom, Swayze was the first female board member of the Wholesale Stationers Association and has served on the WBENC board and other HUB organizations.

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