--- title: Blog | Alan Blankenship description: Grand River Rubber & Plastics Company was established by the acquisition of the Ashtabula Division of Geneva Rubber in 1976. In January, 2011 the owners sold the company to their employees. Grand River specializes in lathe cut washers, tubular gaskets and flat drive belts. Sales in 2010 were over 39 million with a work force of 200 employees. Grand River Rubber is an ISO 9001 registered company. --- [![Grand River Rubber & Plastics Co.](https://www.info.grrp.com/hubfs/GrandRiverRubber_August2018/images/Grand-River-Rubber_Logo_2C_H-1.png)](https://www.grandriverrubber.com/) - Search - [Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/grand-river-rubber-%26-plastics) - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/Grand-River-Rubber-Plastics-125889584133675/) - [Twitter](https://twitter.com/grandriverrp) - [Youtube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpF_QpJvOxPDSmYGxkAezxA) - Products - [Lathe-Cut Gaskets](https://www.grandriverrubber.com/products/lathe-cut-gaskets/) - [Sweeper Belt](https://www.grandriverrubber.com/products/sweeper-belt/) - [Pail Gaskets](https://www.grandriverrubber.com/products/pail-gaskets/) - [Materials](https://www.grandriverrubber.com/products/materials/) - [Rubber Materials Selection Guide (ASTM)](https://www.info.grrp.com/astm-selection-of-rubber-materials-guide-1) - [About](https://www.grandriverrubber.com/about/) - [About Us](https://www.grandriverrubber.com/about/) - [Employee Ownership](https://www.grandriverrubber.com/about/employee-ownership/) - [Company History](https://www.grandriverrubber.com/about/company-history/) - [ISO 9001-2015 Certified](https://www.grandriverrubber.com/wp-content/uploads/0136717_ENG_Grand-River-Rubber-Plastics.pdf) - [Frequently Asked Questions](https://www.grandriverrubber.com/about/faq/) - [Privacy Policy](https://www.grandriverrubber.com/about/privacy-policy/) - [Cancellation Policy](https://www.grandriverrubber.com/about/cancellation-policy/) - [Contact](https://www.grandriverrubber.com/contact/) - [Contact Us](https://www.grandriverrubber.com/contact/) - [Get Quote](https://www.info.grrp.com/get-started) - [Blog](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog) - [Employment](https://www.grandriverrubber.com/employment/) Search # Grand River Rubber & Plastics Blog ## Alan Blankenship ### Recent Posts ## [Celebrating Cheryl Hellmer's Nearly 25 Years at Grand River](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/celebrating-cheryl-hellmers-nearly-25-years-at-grand-river) Posted by [Alan Blankenship](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/author/alan-blankenship) on Jul 8, 2026 12:07:44 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.info.grrp.com/hubfs/undefined-Jul-08-2026-03-55-45-2240-PM.jpeg)](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/celebrating-cheryl-hellmers-nearly-25-years-at-grand-river) For nearly 25 years, Cheryl Hellmer has been one of the friendly faces helping keep Grand River running smoothly. Since joining the company in July 2001, she has worn many hats and built a reputation as someone who can tackle just about anything that comes her way. Whether she is processing invoices, supporting employees, planning company events, organizing fundraisers, or answering questions outside her office door, Cheryl is always ready to lend a helping hand. As she prepares for her well-earned retirement at the end of August, we're taking a moment to celebrate her nearly 25 years of dedication, service, and friendship at Grand River. *Learn more about Cheryl and her experiences at Grand River!* [Read More](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/celebrating-cheryl-hellmers-nearly-25-years-at-grand-river) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/celebrating-cheryl-hellmers-nearly-25-years-at-grand-river#comments-listing) Topics: [employee ownership](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/employee-ownership), [employee feature](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/employee-feature) ## [A Leader, Not a Follower: Rhonda Smith’s 40-Year Journey](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/rhonda-smiths-40-year-journey) Posted by [Alan Blankenship](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/author/alan-blankenship) on Apr 16, 2026 12:33:14 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.info.grrp.com/hubfs/undefined-Apr-16-2026-04-10-36-0775-PM.jpeg)](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/rhonda-smiths-40-year-journey) 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.* [Read More](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/rhonda-smiths-40-year-journey) 6 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/rhonda-smiths-40-year-journey#comments-listing) Topics: [employee feature](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/employee-feature) ## [Sales Team Spotlight: Meet Kellie West](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/sales-team-spotlight-meet-kellie-west) Posted by [Alan Blankenship](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/author/alan-blankenship) on Feb 6, 2026 12:35:00 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.info.grrp.com/hubfs/undefined-1.jpeg)](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/sales-team-spotlight-meet-kellie-west) 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.* [Read More](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/sales-team-spotlight-meet-kellie-west) 2 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/sales-team-spotlight-meet-kellie-west#comments-listing) Topics: [employee ownership](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/employee-ownership), [employee feature](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/employee-feature) ## [Meet Grant Mercer, Materials Engineer](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/meet-grant-mercer) Posted by [Alan Blankenship](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/author/alan-blankenship) on Apr 16, 2025 11:28:17 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.info.grrp.com/hubfs/Picture.jpg)](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/meet-grant-mercer) 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. [Read More](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/meet-grant-mercer) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/meet-grant-mercer#comments-listing) ## [Spotlight on Success: Meet Melissa Oeffner](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/meet-melissa-oeffner) Posted by [Alan Blankenship](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/author/alan-blankenship) on Mar 3, 2025 6:52:13 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.info.grrp.com/hubfs/M.%20Oeffner%201.6.25%20(1).jpg)](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/meet-melissa-oeffner) 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.* [Read More](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/meet-melissa-oeffner) 1 Comment [Click here to read/write comments](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/meet-melissa-oeffner#comments-listing) ## [Meet Robin Palm, Accounting Assistant/Vacation Replacement](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/meet-robin-palm) Posted by [Alan Blankenship](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/author/alan-blankenship) on Dec 5, 2024 3:07:23 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.info.grrp.com/hubfs/Robin%20Palm%20Photo.jpg)](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/meet-robin-palm) 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. [Read More](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/meet-robin-palm) 1 Comment [Click here to read/write comments](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/meet-robin-palm#comments-listing) ## [Meet Kim Freeman, Product Specialist & Recent Retiree](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/meet-kim-freeman-product-specialist-recent-retiree) Posted by [Alan Blankenship](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/author/alan-blankenship) on Jul 5, 2024 12:42:55 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.info.grrp.com/hubfs/Kim%20Freeman%202.jpg)](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/meet-kim-freeman-product-specialist-recent-retiree) 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! [Read More](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/meet-kim-freeman-product-specialist-recent-retiree) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/meet-kim-freeman-product-specialist-recent-retiree#comments-listing) ## [Meet Tony Vencill, Product Specialist](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/meet-tony-vencill-product-specialist) Posted by [Alan Blankenship](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/author/alan-blankenship) on Jun 6, 2024 12:20:04 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.info.grrp.com/hubfs/Tony%20Vencill.jpg)](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/meet-tony-vencill-product-specialist) 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. [Read More](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/meet-tony-vencill-product-specialist) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/meet-tony-vencill-product-specialist#comments-listing) ## [Meet the Roberts: Teammates in Business and in Life](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/meet-the-roberts-teammates-in-business-and-in-life) Posted by [Alan Blankenship](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/author/alan-blankenship) on May 20, 2024 1:47:44 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![The Leonards](https://www.info.grrp.com/hubfs/Roberts%203.jpeg)](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/meet-the-roberts-teammates-in-business-and-in-life) 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.  [Read More](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/meet-the-roberts-teammates-in-business-and-in-life) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/meet-the-roberts-teammates-in-business-and-in-life#comments-listing) ## [Meet the Leonard Trio: Generations of Grit](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/meet-the-leonard-trio-generations-of-grit) Posted by [Alan Blankenship](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/author/alan-blankenship) on Apr 9, 2024 10:17:38 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![The Leonards](https://www.info.grrp.com/hubfs/Leonards.jpeg)](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/meet-the-leonard-trio-generations-of-grit) 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. [Read More](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/meet-the-leonard-trio-generations-of-grit) 1 Comment [Click here to read/write comments](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/meet-the-leonard-trio-generations-of-grit#comments-listing) [All posts](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/all) [Next](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/author/alan-blankenship/page/2) ### Subscribe to Email Updates ### Recent Posts ### Posts by Topic - [Lathe Cut Gaskets (29)](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/lathe-cut-gaskets) - [employee ownership (13)](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/employee-ownership) - [Work at Grand River Rubber (8)](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/work-at-grand-river-rubber) - [die cut gaskets (5)](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/die-cut-gaskets) - [sweeper belts (4)](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/sweeper-belts) - [employee feature (3)](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/employee-feature) - [orings (3)](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/orings) - [quality policy (3)](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/quality-policy) - [COVID-19 (2)](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/covid-19) - [NSF/ANSI Standard 61 (2)](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/nsf-ansi-standard-61) - [On-Site Health Clinic (2)](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/on-site-health-clinic) - [drum & pail (2)](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/drum-pail) - [materials (2)](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/materials) - [molded gaskets (2)](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/molded-gaskets) - [o-rings (2)](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/o-rings) - [Custom Gaskets (1)](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/custom-gaskets) - [Drug & Pail (1)](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/drug-pail) - [EDPM gaskets (1)](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/edpm-gaskets) - [Grand River Rubber & Plastics Expansion (1)](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/grand-river-rubber-plastics-expansion) - [ISO 9001 certification (1)](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/iso-9001-certification) - [Manufacturing Partnerships (1)](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/manufacturing-partnerships) - [Manufacturingjobs (1)](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/manufacturingjobs) - [OEM Manufacturing (1)](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/oem-manufacturing) - [Quailty Policy (1)](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/quailty-policy) - [Rubber & Plastics News (1)](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/rubber-plastics-news) - [Vacuum Flat Belt (1)](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/vacuum-flat-belt) - [chopper gun (1)](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/chopper-gun) - [dynamic applications (1)](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/dynamic-applications) - [food grade applications (1)](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/food-grade-applications) - [oil and gas (1)](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/oil-and-gas) - [product spotlight (1)](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/product-spotlight) - [santoprene (1)](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/santoprene) - [seals (1)](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/seals) - [static applications (1)](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/static-applications) see all ### Grand River Rubber & Plastics **2029 Aetna Rd, Ashtabula, OH, 44004** **([Map](https://maps.app.goo.gl/iSL6jYM49VJ79sMm6))** **Phone: [(440) 998-2900](tel:4409982900)**   | [![](https://www.grandriverrubber.com/wp-content/uploads/logo-iso.png)](https://www.grandriverrubber.com/wp-content/uploads/0136717_ENG_Grand-River-Rubber-Plastics-3.pdf) | [![](https://www.grandriverrubber.com/wp-content/uploads/logo-ims.png)](https://www.fda.gov/food/federal-state-local-tribal-and-territorial-cooperative-human-food-programs/interstate-milk-shippers-list) | [![](https://www.grandriverrubber.com/wp-content/uploads/logo-esop.png)](https://www.grandriverrubber.com/about/employee-ownership/) | [![](https://www.grandriverrubber.com/wp-content/uploads/logo-ecovadis.png)](https://resources.ecovadis.com/ecovadis-solution-materials/ecovadis-medals-and-badges) | [![](https://www.grandriverrubber.com/wp-content/uploads/logo-googlerating.png)](https://www.google.com/search?q=Grand+River+Rubber+%26+Plastics&rlz=1C1GCEA_enUS1012US1012&oq=gr&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqBggBEEUYOzIGCAAQRRg8MgYIARBFGDsyBggCEEUYOzIGCAMQRRg5MgYIBBBFGDwyBggFEEUYPDIGCAYQRRg8MgYIBxBFGDzSAQgzMjk2ajBqMagCALACAA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&sei=97OcaZveM8-fptQPy6mQ2AY#lrd=0x8832202aeb8e47f5:0x6d99a5aaf1946e66,1,,,,) | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | © Grand River Rubber & Plastics Co. 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