Customer service is the main reason consumers choose small businesses over their larger competitors. Their top requirements are for personalized interactions and the supplier’s extensive knowledge of customers’ needs. Today’s business conditions often require suppliers to be agile and able to respond to changes in the market at short notice. This is where small businesses come into their own and why we at Jefferson strive to always keep the customer front and center.
Why work with a small company?
#1 – Culture
Smaller companies are likely to be run by management and staff who have taken the company from a start-up business to become a reputable supplier. During this process, the company will have developed a corporate culture that its employees fully understand and subscribe to. Corporate culture forms a big part of the brand that customers identify and will want to work with.
#2 – Customer Relationships
The customer is the reason for the business. Smaller businesses and their customer-facing staff are more sensitive to this fact than their larger competitors. Customers are more likely to be dealing with the same person regularly when dealing with a smaller company and, in the process, develop closer inter-personal relationships. The person responding to the customer call in a small business is also likely to be an owner or someone who has a deep understanding of the company, its products and be a decision-maker, This makes them able to attend to a customer’s requirements immediately.
#3 – Flexibility
Small companies are inherently more flexible than their larger competitors. The decision-making process is shorter and often only involves a single person. They are, therefore, able to react quickly to any change in customer requirements or any potential problem arising from an order. These businesses have also learned that their survival depends on being able to respond rapidly to changing market conditions or lapses by competitors.
#4 – Specialization
Smaller businesses tend to focus on niche markets where either their specialized knowledge or unique products set them apart from their competitors. By specializing, a small business can often charge a premium for their products and improve margins. Being a specialist in a specific field and delivering a quality product are essential factors in ensuring the sustainability of a small enterprise.
#5 – Communication
Well run smaller businesses place a significant emphasis on internal and external communications. They focus on regular communication and feedback to their clients while at the same time keeping their staff well informed of the latest developments and changes in customer requirements. They also stay abreast of the latest technology and communication aids and incorporate their customer’s needs into these systems.
#6 – Employee Engagement
Staff in smaller companies tend to have a closer relationship with their employer than might be the case in a larger business. Although opportunities for advancement may not be as readily available as in more prominent companies, levels of commitment to quality and meeting production targets are often very high. They are also open to cross-skilling which adds to employee satisfaction levels and ultimately to a better understanding of customer needs.
Jefferson Rubber Works is a leading supplier of custom rubber products based in the United States of America. Their highly skilled staff and a company with more than 40 years of experience can meet every custom rubber molded injection requirement. They will give you a fuss-free “one-stop shop” experience from concept and design to the final high-quality product you need.
Understanding different tariffs and duties in important for US businesses as it helps to give context to buying locally made products that don’t have the same high taxation rates. Tariffs or duties are taxes imposed on imports or exports between countries. The primary aim of an import tariff is to regulate foreign trade. Import tariffs are a part of a government’s policy that taxes foreign products to encourage or protect domestic industries and businesses. They serve as a source of income for governments, much the same as various other forms of consumption taxes.
The tariffs that the government of the United States of America are applying to imported goods and services from countries across the globe are intended to support local American industries and increase employment opportunities.
Protecting domestic employment – Political parties often raise the possibility of increased competition from imported goods that can threaten domestic industries to mobilize an electorate;
Protecting consumers – In some instance’s tariffs may be imposed to protect local consumers from sub-standard or hazardous products;
Infant industries – Governments, particularly in developing countries, may impose tariffs to shield infant and start-up industries from the external competition;
National security – Tariff barriers may be employed by governments to protect strategic economic sectors such as defence contractors or providers of information and communications technology;
Retaliation – Countries can set tariffs as retaliation for a perceived or real subversion of trading rules or solely for political purposes.
Who pays for the import tariffs or duties?
Ultimately domestic consumers in the importing country pay for the tariffs levied by their government on specific categories of imported goods or services. The tariffs are not levied at the source of the import so they do not directly affect the exporting country. The net effect is, however, to make foreign products more expensive for consumers and may ultimately lead to reduced demand for such products or import substitution. If manufacturers rely on imported components or other inputs in their production process that are subject to import tariffs, they will either have to pass on the increased cost to consumers or absorb this cost while reducing their profit margin.
Types of tariffs and duties
Specific tariffs – the duty is calculated at fixed amount per unit that is imported;
Ad valorem tariffs – the tariff payable is based on a percentage of the value of the goods;
Licenses – importers must obtain costly licenses to import certain products. The cost of these licenses is passed on to the consumer, pushing up the cost and reducing demand. This ultimately leads to a reduction in business competitiveness;
Import quotas – quotas are set to limit the imported volumes of certain targeted items;
Voluntary export restraints – these are export limitations imposed by exporting countries in response to similar restraints set by trading partners to protect certain industries or sectors in each other’s countries;
Local content requirements – local content requirements are introduced to support to ensure that a portion of inputs for local production are locally sourced and not imported.
Jefferson Rubber Works is an American owned and based company, primarily supplying customers within the United States of America. Our history of supplying high-quality rubber molded products stretches over more than 40 years. We’re proud that over 85% of our comprehensive range of products are manufactured locally in our modern production facility in Worcester, Massachusetts.
Jefferson Rubber Works is an ISO9001:2015 accredited company and has had an ISO certification for several years as part of its dedication to manufacturing quality and defect free products. Quality management is a cornerstone of their business model with a strong commitment to the process from all staff. Jefferson Rubber Works subscription to ISO9001:2015 principles has provided additional benefits to the company by reducing wastage, improving productivity, while customers benefit from lower product prices and consistently high quality products.
Jefferson Rubber Works’ quality assurance system involves every employee from the CEO to shop floor staff to ensure that incoming base materials meet preset standards and that the final product is defect free and meets specifications through an effective and efficient manufacturing process.
What is ISO9001:2015?
ISO 9001:2015 is the most current version of the International Standards Organization standards specifying requirements for a quality management system. The standard is applied by organizations and businesses to demonstrate their ability to consistently provide products and services that meet customer and regulatory requirements.
The standard assists companies across many levels, including customer focus, improving management and processes within the company. Adherence to these standards results in a process of continual improvement in the quality of products and services while reducing wastage of resources.
The company further benefits from the ability to easily replicate processes, process flows, and procedures when adding new product or production lines.
Why Does Jefferson Rubber Works Subscribe to ISO9001:2015?
Jefferson Rubber Works understands that adherence to ISO9001:2015 leads to benefits for both the company and its customers in terms of quality and competitive pricing of its products. All their processes and procedures are audited by independent accessors on an annual basis. The company takes pride in its ISO certification and reflects this on all their product labeling and publications.
How Is ISO 9001:2015 Applied at Jefferson Rubber Works?
Jefferson Rubber Works have been ISO 9001 certified for several years and appreciate the enormous benefits that have accrued to the company and its customers during this time. Certification and annual recertification have been a process of ongoing learning and reaching a better understanding of the business. Internal auditors continually evaluate processes, procedures, and process flows with constant feedback to relevant staff for deviations from standard, suggested remedies, and upgrades to standards.
Processes
All rubber molding formats consist of several steps. Each process is carefully analyzed for potential flaws that can lead to disruption of the production cycle or cause quality control challenges. These are then reviewed by management and line workers, and where deemed necessary, the process is changed and documented in the ISO manual as an upgraded standard.
Process Flows
Process flows provide a schematic view of how the processes interact and the sequences in which they are applied. These processes flows include both the physical aspects of production and the associated documentary records. Any deviation will result in investigations leading to a review and amended process flow in the ISO manual if necessary.
Procedures
ISO 9001 sets demands for the business to maintain extensive records about all its production and administrative processes. To maintain certification, the company must submit all its quality management system records for independent verification on an annual basis. The yearly audit reviews the control of documents and records, internal audits, control of nonconforming products, corrective actions, and preventative measures taken.
Jefferson Rubber Works, having noted the advantages of ISO 9001:2015 certification, is currently exploring further ISO certification standards with regards to Environmental Management ISO 18001 and Occupational Health and Safety ISO 45001 (formally ISO 18001). These standards will ensure further benefit the company’s interation with its workforce and neighbouring communities and businesses.
Jefferson Rubber Works produce an extensive range of high quality, precision made, and cost-efficient molded rubber parts. The company and their highly competent staff have more than 40 years of experience to meet every custom rubber molded injection requirement from design to the supply of the high-quality products that you need.
All products are subject to stringent quality controls throughout the manufacturing process so that they meet the design specifications demanded by their customers for their product. Jefferson Rubber Works also provide in-house testing and verification by customer appointed certification agencies.
Products can be designed, manufactured, and tested to meet the following standards:
MIL – Military Specification
The Military Standard Specification is designed to achieve the standardization objectives of the United States Department of Defence. Standardization is crucial to the military to ensure the interoperability, commonality, reliability, interchangeability, and value for money for materials across all services and units while remaining compatible with its logistics systems. There are currently almost fifty Military Specifications.
MIL Specifications are also applied by other government departments and industry in general, including some outside the United States.
ASTM – The American Society for Testing and Materials
The American Society for Testing and Materials was founded in 1893 and is now known as ASTM International. It is an international standards organization that sets more than 12,500 technical standards for a range of materials, products, systems, and services. Many federal, state and municipal government regulations incorporate ASTM Standards.
ASTM International has more than 30,000 members globally, and its technical committees determine a wide range of specification by consensus. ASTM International produces standards and has laboratories in 104 countries testing and certifying products.
UL – Underwriters Laboratories
Formerly known as Underwriters Laboratories, this global certification company specializes in the safety analysis of many new technologies. A large part of its mandate concerns safety issues, including hazardous substances, water quality, food safety, performance testing, and operational safety. There are currently more than fifty-five UL standards.
FDA – The Food and Drug Administration
The FDA or The Food and Drug Administration of the United States is responsible for protecting and promoting public health. The FDA evaluates products and issues regulations based on the laws of the country. Its mandate is the control and supervision of food and medical safety in the United States, including tobacco products, medicines, vaccines, and medical devices. The FDA also regulates food additives and drugs given to animals.
FDA compliance concerning food grade materials indicates that they are safe to use in contact with food products.
WRAS – Water Regulations Advisory Scheme
The Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS) is a United Kingdom-based company that sets standards for plumbing systems, water fittings, and equipment used in the supply of water from public water supplies. In the United Kingdom, it is illegal to install non-WRAS approved accessories where human health could be compromised.
Materials & components, such as rubber sheeting, piping & ‘O’ rings, undergo testing only for their effects on water quality. This type of approval demonstrates that the product does not itself contaminate the water and therefore satisfies this particular requirement of laws and regulations. Materials are tested in accordance with the British 6920 Standard.
NQA – American Society of Mechanical Engineers
The American Society of Mechanical Engineers or ASME NQA provides a regulatory standards organization that provides certification programs for companies supplying items or services to nuclear facilities. To date, the NQA has set eleven sets of standards and eighteen requirements.
ISO 9001:2015 – International Standards Organization
The International Standards Organization sets several global standards for certification. ISO 9001 refers specifically to the requirements for a quality management system that can consistently deliver products and services that meet customer and regulatory requirements. The quality management systems are beneficial to both customers and manufacturers alike and lay the foundations for a process of continuous improvement of systems and products.
Jefferson Rubber Works is dedicated to providing its customers with high quality molded rubber products that meet the highest specification in terms of customer and regulatory requirements. The products, management systems, source materials, and production processes can match the United States and international standards required by their clients. Jefferson Rubber Works has extensive in-house and outsourced product testing facilities for high quality assurance.
Worcester, MA – Jefferson Rubber Works Inc., a custom manufacturer of rubber molded products, has received ISO 9001:2015 certification of its rubber molding manufacturing plant located in Worcester, Massachusetts.
“This latest achievement confirms our commitment to a quality process, which is paramount to our goal of providing top level service to all of our clients,” said Company President Dave Pentland. “Each person in our company must be totally committed to the pursuit of quality. By analyzing our operation at every level, we assure that our customers receive superior customer service and the highest quality products,” Pentland stated.
ISO 9001:2015 is a quality management system standard that was developed by the International Organization for Standardization, which is an association of governmental and nongovernmental organizations from many countries. The ISO 9001:2015 standard is utilized to certify quality management systems that focus on continuous improvement, customer satisfaction, and the active involvement of both management and employees in a process based approach.
The ISO 9001:2015 certification process was recently finalized in October, 2018 through an audit conducted by CIC Management in Salem, New Hampshire
“Jefferson Rubber continues its efforts to be the leader in custom rubber molded products , providing exceptional quality and superior customer service,” Pentland said.
About Jefferson Rubber
Jefferson Rubber Works is a leading manufacturer of custom precision, injection molded rubber products. Jefferson Rubber’s staff brings a broad spectrum of expertise and insight to every job. The company offers complete in-plant engineering services, from prototype design to finished product. For more information call 508-791-3600 or visit the Jefferson Rubber Works website: www.jeffersonrubber.com.
Jefferson Rubber was recently featured in Rueters TV series Generation Maker: America’s new breed of manufacturers
The show highlights small manufacturers finding creative ways to make innovative products has become a successful corner of the U.S. economy. They are often called makers, and they have built a movement that could change the future of manufacturing. The video highlights how Jefferson Rubber entered the highly competitive dog toy market and competed against China after an Industrial client went out of business, cancelling their orders and leaving Jefferson with expensive tooling that was re-purposed to make dog safe K-9 flyers. Necessity being the mother of invention launched a new division selling all types of rubber pet toys.
Jefferson Rubber Works Inc., a custom manufacturer of rubber molded products, has recently received material approval from the Water Regulations Authority Scheme (WRAS).
The approved rubber material is suitable for contact with wholesome water for domestic purposes having met the requirements of BS6920-1:2000 and/or 2014 ‘Suitability of non-metallic products for use in contact with water intended for human consumption with regard to their effect on the quality of the water, according to the WRAS.
Non-metallic materials & components, such as rubber sheet material and ‘O’ rings undergo testing by the WRAS for their effects on water quality. This type of approval demonstrates that the non-metallic material/component does not itself contaminate the water and therefore satisfies this particular requirement of regulations and bylaws.
“We are excited to receive the WRAS material approval and expect this will open new opportunities for Jefferson Rubber Works in the European markets as well as with domestic manufacturers who export to Europe and need local suppliers who have WRAS approval”, said Company President Dave Pentland. “This approval should also assist in our expansion in the plumbing and waste water markets”, Pentland said.
Jefferson will be listed on the WRAS website which can be found at www.wras.co.uk/directory
About Jefferson
Jefferson Rubber Works is a leading manufacturer for over thirty- five years of custom precision, injection molded rubber products. Jefferson Rubber’s staff brings a broad spectrum of expertise and insight to every job. The company offers complete in-plant engineering services, from prototype design to finished product. For more information call 508-791-3600 or visit the Jefferson Rubber Works website: www.jeffersonrubber.com.
About WRAS
The purpose of WRAS is to contribute to the protection of public health by preventing contamination of public water supplies and encouraging the efficient use of water by promoting and facilitating compliance with the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations and Scottish Water Byelaws. WRAS is a subscription membership company limited by guarantee and was incorporated on 4 August 2008. The subscribers of WRAS are the 26 UK Water Suppliers.
Worcester, MA – Jefferson Rubber Works Inc., a custom manufacturer of rubber molded products, has played a key role in the development of a new tactical camera ball developed by Boston based technology company Bounce Imaging.
The tactical unit is a softball-sized throwable camera that could almost instantly transmit 360-degree images to a mobile device when tossed into hidden areas such as hostage situation, burning building or the rubble of an earthquake. The idea was originally conceived with first responders’ safety in mind, but it quickly became clear that there was immense value for giving police personnel an idea of what they could encounter in potentially dangerous situations. The Boston startup is in the process of shipping out the first batch of 100 Explorers which will be tested out by the Revere/North Metro SWAT team and the Maine Department of Corrections among other organizations.
This new product was recently showcased at a first ever White House demo day. Jefferson Rubber Works has been working extensively with Bounce on the development and manufacture of the outer skin of the camera ball. The challenge was to develop a design that would support the function of the ball, manufacturability, and supply the appropriate amount of bounce and energy absorption.
The team at Jefferson Rubber worked closely with engineers at Bounce to insure the molded outer covering met all specifications. “We ran through many iterations of the design including polymer type , hardness ,heat resistance , modulus , and rebound properties of the material so the camera unit would perform as needed in extreme situations”, said Jefferson Rubber Sales and Marketing Director Christen Holmberg. “As a custom manufacturer we look forwarding to solving our clients’ needs and challenges and the Bounce project is an excellent example of our molding and engineering capabilities”, Holmberg said. “We look forward to following the progress of the Bounce project and are proud to be a small part of this effort to safeguard first responders and military personnel in the field.”
About Jefferson
Jefferson Rubber Works is a leading manufacturer for over thirty- five years of custom precision, injection molded rubber products. Jefferson Rubber’s staff brings a broad spectrum of expertise and insight to every job. The company offers complete in-plant engineering services, from prototype design to finished product. For more information call 508-791-3600 or visit the Jefferson Rubber Works website: www.jeffersonrubber.com.
About Bounce Imaging
Bounce Imaging develops sensor technology to help keep first responders safe by allowing them to safely view hazardous environments remotely and at low cost. For more information visit http://bounceimaging.com/
To increase market presence and customer support, Jefferson Rubber Works Inc. has been actively recruiting independent sales representatives in multiple territories and in multiple market segments.
We are looking for rep firms experienced selling to OEM’s markets in industries including medical, industrial, automotive, hydronics and government. Experience in rubber molded products is preferred. For more information contact Christen Holmberg at 508-791-3600.
Worcester, MA – Jefferson Rubber, a custom rubber molding manufacturer, is celebrating the achievement of going 57 months with no lost time and 53 months without any ‘Lost-Time-Incidents’ (LTI), in which a contractor or employee is forced to take time off work due to an accident.
The rubber molding supplier achieved the milestone by conducting safety workshops, correcting potential hazards and emphasis on leadership and proactive reporting. The company achieved the safety record while increasing production and sales levels and adding new employees over the last year.
“Safety is a top priority”, said Company President Dave Pentland. “Achieving this safety record is a testament to our employees and management as they continue to extend their abilities to work safely while achieving production goals,” Pentland said. “It has been very satisfying to increase sales in this demanding market while reaching new safety milestones. We expect to see that trend continue into next year.”
About Jefferson Rubber Works, Inc.
Jefferson Rubber Works is a leading manufacturer of high precision, custom injection, rubber molding products and has been for over thirty years. Jefferson Rubber’s staff brings a broad spectrum of expertise and insight to every job. The company offers complete in-plant engineering services, from prototype design to finished product. For more information call 508-791-3600 or visit the Jefferson Rubber Works website: www.jeffersonrubber.com.
