Grand River Rubber & Plastics Blog

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’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.

Meet Robin Palm, Accounting Assistant/Vacation Replacement at Grand River Rubber & Plastics. Robin has been working at Grand River Rubber & Plastics since 2021, and has 29 years of experience in the accounting industry. She is resourceful, flexible, and enjoys applying her critical thinking skills to her job each and every day. Read below as Robin shares a little about herself and her experience at GRRP.

Equipped with 38 years of experience in the industry, Kim Freeman is hardworking, knowledgeable, and has a heart for her family. Please join us in congratulating Kim on her well-deserved retirement!

There’s no such thing as a typical workday at Grand River Rubber and Plastics. For Tony Vencill, Product Specialist, that lack of monotony only energizes him each and every day. Tony previously worked at Plastpro, Inc., a fiberglass door manufacturing company, and joined the Grand River team in 2012, and he hasn’t looked back since.

Do couples that work well together at home also thrive together in the workplace? Well, for Kevin and Monica Roberts, that’s absolutely the case. Kevin, Machine Setup Lathe Cut, and Monica, Quality Assurance Specialist, both share a passion in their home life and for their work at Grand River Rubber and Plastics. Kevin joined the team in June of 2004, while Monica came on board in November of 2023. 

At the heart of Grand River Rubber & Plastics beats a legacy that spans generations. Meet James Leonard, Bayonet Operator for the last 21 years, and his two sons, Jesse, Controls Engineer, and Joey, Bayonet Operator, a trio bound not only by blood but by their shared dedication to excellence in manufacturing.