Friday, December 14, 2018 - West Warwick, RI - Guill Tool has opened an in-house rheology laboratory, making it the only extrusion tooling manufacturer in the industry with such a capability. Seeking to obtain better results and minimize the time it takes between testing and production, Guill built its own rheology lab in their facility in West Warwick, RI. The lab features several key machines that ensure optimum results when testing materials, especially new compounds to be extruded. The testing equipment includes a hybrid rotational rheometer, a differential scanning calorimeter and a thermal conductivity meter. Third-party testing facilities are typically not experienced in extrusion processes. Guill, however, can not only gather data the same way third-party testers can, but can also interpret that data as it applies specifically to extrusion. Likewise, third-parties simply supply data, not recommendations. Guill is now equipped to both test its customers’ materials and work with them to create extrusion tooling that will give them a competitive edge. Accurate simulation and interpretation by extrusion experts greatly reduce the number of physical reworks needed, as the tooling has a greater chance of producing a good product at the outset. In-house testing also speeds up the turnaround on test results, reducing delays during the tool design process and offering better control over the processes and test parameters. The new Guill rheology lab processes standard materials, custom formulae, and it is equipped to mix materials. These materials include plastics, thermoplastic elastomers, all types of rubber and silicone. Information from the lab is transmitted directly to the Guill engineering department via computer link for review by the design team. The lab will be offered for use by extruders and chemical formulators, among others in the industry. Please contact Guill for full details.

Friday, December 14, 2018 - Tokyo, Japan - Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd. announced that they have begun supplying their high-performance Dunlop "SP Sport Maxx 050 DSST CTT" run-flat tires to Lexus for use as factory standard tires on their new model Lexus UX, which went on sale in November. The Lexus UX is a compact crossover SUV that is being newly added to the Lexus lineup. Dunlop "SP Sport Maxx 050 DSST CTT" tires are said to harness cutting-edge run-flat tire technology to provide not only superior handling and stability, but also the refined riding comfort that Lexus envisioned for their brand new Lexus UX.

Friday, December 14, 2018 - Cherbourg, France - The Borflex Group, creator of rubber and composite solutions, is accelerating its international growth strategy and announces the takeover of the Swiss company Rex Articoli Tecnici, specialized in the design and production of rubber and thermoplastic parts. Rex’s main markets are rolling stock and railway infrastructure, multi-material technical parts, and bicycle brake systems marketed under the SwissStop brand. With this acquisition, Borflex is strengthening its position as a leading player in the rubber and composite market in Europe, and bringing the group’s consolidated turnover to around EUR 46 million for 350 people.

Friday, December 14, 2018 - Akron, OH - Myers Industries announced it promoted Kevin Brackman, its chief accounting officer, to executive vice president and CFO. Brackman succeeds Matteo Anversa, who is leaving Myers for “another professional opportunity,” Myers said in its news release. “We are pleased to announce Kevin Brackman’s well-deserved promotion to chief financial officer,” Dave Banyard, president and chief executive officer, said in the release. “Kevin has been an invaluable member of our finance team, and he’s also demonstrated a strong aptitude for operational leadership during his time as interim general manager of our Akro-Mils business. His leadership qualities and unique knowledge of our business, combined with his expertise in financial reporting and analysis, risk management and operational controls, make him a considerable asset to the future success of our organization.” Banyard also praised Anversa for his contributions to the company and wished him well. Brackman said he looks forward to working closely with the company’s senior leaders and board of directors. “We believe there are significant opportunities to continue to improve the long-term financial performance of the company,” he said. Brackman is a 1994 graduate of Miami University and a certified public accountant. Before joining Myers Industries in 2015, Brackman worked at Coopers & Lybrand LLP, Chiquita Brands International and Ingersoll Rand.

Friday, December 14, 2018 - Akron, OH - Rubber World has compiled a compendium of rubber and tire technology articles that were published in Rubber World and Rubber & Tire Digest magazines, featuring 36 articles covering every aspect of rubber and tire technology; chemicals and materials; natural rubber; molding, extrusion and mixing; machinery and equipment, tire technology; and instrumentation and testing. The softback book is available for $35 plus shipping and handling in the Rubber World bookstore. .