Newcomer companies pick up slack in Ohio rubber

Smaller Ohio businesses can capitalize on some of the region’s natural strengths when planning out their expansion. For example, CantonRep.com has reported on a new research center that Kenda Rubber Industries is opening in Mayfair.

It’s significant in part because it continues Ohio’s tradition of rubber manufacturing, even if the company itself is not building the headquarters in Akron, a major location for tires in particular. In addition to Kenda, the source notes other businesses that are managing research efforts in Akron, or surrounding regions in the northeastern corner of Ohio.

These include well-known American brands like Goodyear and Asian companies like Hankook and Kumho. For Kenda, this new facility represents the first it has erected outside of Asia. The project has merited $2 million, with the opening ceremony occurring on November 9.

It isn’t just outside investors that carry promise for new rubber activity in the Buckeye State. AG Professional reported on a new startup, Edison Agrosciences, that could enhance rubber’s domestic production through new technology.

The COO of the funding company behind Edison, Karen LeVert, described the advances this work could bring to the American rubber industries.

“Edison is advancing research in a Purdue and Ohio State University technology to develop a sunflower rubber crop that will serve to diversify global rubber production and provide the U.S. with an alternative source for this strategically important commodity,” she said. LeVert’s business, Ag TechInventures, is a funding accelerator that has helped contribute to several startups launched during Fiscal Year 2015, the source said.

To help establish new operations, local businesses can contact Growth Capital for information about Ohio small business loans.