Grand River Rubber & Plastics Blog

A Leader, Not a Follower: Rhonda Smith’s 40-Year Journey

Posted by Alan Blankenship on Apr 16, 2026 12:33:14 PM

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.

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Topics: employee feature

The Power of Partnership

Posted by Kellie West on Mar 12, 2026 1:58:59 PM

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Topics: Lathe Cut Gaskets, Manufacturing Partnerships, OEM Manufacturing, Custom Gaskets

Sales Team Spotlight: Meet Kellie West

Posted by Alan Blankenship on Feb 6, 2026 12:35:00 PM

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.

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Topics: employee ownership, employee feature

Powering Performance: How Lathe-Cut Gaskets Keep Transformers Running Strong

Posted by Kellie West on Dec 15, 2025 2:16:06 PM

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.

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Topics: Lathe Cut Gaskets

Improving Chemical Pump Performance with Lathe-Cut Gaskets

Posted by Kellie West on Jun 26, 2025 10:01:13 AM

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.

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Topics: Lathe Cut Gaskets

Lathe-Cut Gaskets: A Reliable Sealing Solution for Fluid Transfer Systems

Posted by Kellie West on May 6, 2025 3:14:39 PM

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.

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Topics: Lathe Cut Gaskets

Meet Grant Mercer, Materials Engineer

Posted by Alan Blankenship on Apr 16, 2025 11:28:17 AM

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.

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Spotlight on Success: Meet Melissa Oeffner

Posted by Alan Blankenship on Mar 3, 2025 6:52:13 PM

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.

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The Essential Role of Lathe-Cut Gaskets in Small Appliances

Posted by Kellie West on Feb 5, 2025 2:11:53 PM
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Topics: Lathe Cut Gaskets

The Critical Role of Rubber Rollers and Chopper Cots in Chopper Guns

Posted by Kellie West on Dec 11, 2024 3:27:18 PM

What is a Chopper Gun?

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Topics: chopper gun