Grand River Rubber & Plastics Blog

Oil filters play a critical role in keeping engines running efficiently and reliably. As oil circulates through an engine, it lubricates moving parts, reduces friction, and helps regulate temperature. During this process, the oil picks up contaminants such as dirt, metal particles, and other debris generated during normal operation. If left unfiltered, these contaminants can circulate through the engine and contribute to increased wear and reduced performance.

Rhonda Smith has been a part of the Grand River Rubber & Plastics team since June 19, 1986 and nearly four decades later, she’s still going strong. She began her career in D&P fabrication, but Rhonda isn’t someone who stays still for long. Over the years, she explored several other departments including bayonets, grinding, printing, sweeper belts, and eventually CTL, where she has now worked for more than 20 years. “I’ll stay the rest of my time in CTL,” she says. “I like what I do.” Read more about Rhonda’s journey at GRRP below.

At Grand River Rubber & Plastics, our sales team plays a vital role in connecting customer needs with our manufacturing expertise and few people embody that commitment more than Kellie West. Kellie brings responsiveness, collaboration, and deep industry knowledge to every interaction. Get to know Kellie, her role, and what makes her an essential part of the sales team.

At Grand River Rubber & Plastics, we manufacture precision lathe-cut rubber gaskets engineered to perform in demanding industrial environments, including the transformer industry. Whether in high-voltage (HV) or low-voltage (LV) applications, our gaskets help maintain bushing integrity, prevent leaks, and extend the life of electrical equipment.

Chemical pumps, like centrifugal and positive displacement pumps, depend on precision engineering and durable materials to ensure reliability in harsh applications and operating conditions. Lathe-cut gaskets provide robust sealing solutions that enhance efficiency and extend the life of the pump. Learn more about lathe-cut gaskets below.

In fluid transfer systems, a secure and leak-proof seal is essential to maintaining efficiency and safety. One of the most reliable sealing solutions available today is a lathe-cut gasket. These gaskets play a fundamental role in a wide range of applications, from industrial pumps to couplings and adapters.

At Grand River Rubber & Plastics, we’re proud to highlight the talented individuals who bring innovation, dedication, and teamwork to our workplace. Today, we’re excited to introduce Grant Mercer, a Materials Engineer who joined us in April 2024. With a strong background in chemical engineering and nearly a decade of experience in the rubber industry, Grant brings valuable insight and a fresh perspective to our Technical Department.

Meet Melissa Oeffner, a dedicated and passionate Process Engineer at Grand River Rubber & Plastics, where she has been contributing her expertise since 2001. With a rich educational background and a versatile career path, Melissa is a key player in the company's success. She’s known for her adaptability and commitment to excellence. Read below as Melissa shares a little about herself and her experience at GRRP.