--- title: Blog | Alan Blankenship (4) 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. (4) --- [![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 ## [Grand River featured in Rubber & Plastics News](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/grand-river-features-in-rubber-plastics-news) Posted by [Alan Blankenship](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/author/alan-blankenship) on Jul 23, 2020 9:45:00 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![Rubber & Plastics News, Grand River Rubber & Plastics Feature](https://www.info.grrp.com/hubfs/20200722162710.jpg)](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/grand-river-features-in-rubber-plastics-news) [Read More](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/grand-river-features-in-rubber-plastics-news) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/grand-river-features-in-rubber-plastics-news#comments-listing) Topics: [Rubber & Plastics News](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/rubber-plastics-news) ## [Grand River Rubber & Plastics Gifts Employee-Owners Easter Meals from Local Market](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/grand-river-rubber-plastics-employees) Posted by [Alan Blankenship](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/author/alan-blankenship) on Apr 11, 2020 8:28:00 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.info.grrp.com/hubfs/GRRP%20Easter%20Dinners.jpg)](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/grand-river-rubber-plastics-employees) [Read More](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/grand-river-rubber-plastics-employees) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/grand-river-rubber-plastics-employees#comments-listing) ## [Grand River Rubber & Plastics COVID-19 Response](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/grand-river-rubber-plastics-covid-19-response) Posted by [Alan Blankenship](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/author/alan-blankenship) on Mar 23, 2020 2:36:19 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.info.grrp.com/hubfs/Grand%20River%20COVID-19%20Blog%20Graphic.jpg)](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/grand-river-rubber-plastics-covid-19-response) | An Important Message for Grand River Rubber & Plastics Customers Regarding COVID-19 and Its Impact On Our Production During our 44 year history, Grand River Rubber & Plastics has withstood a variety of challenges and uncertain times. Like each and every one of you, we are adjusting to our new normal amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. On Sunday March 22nd,  the State of Ohio issued a shelter in place order that will take effect at 11:59 p.m. on Monday March 23rd. As part of this order, all non-essential businesses are required to temporarily shut down. We wanted to let our valued customers know that Grand River Rubber & Plastics is an essential manufacturer (as defined by the Department of Homeland Security) and we will continue to manufacture product and fulfill your orders to the best of our ability. Below is an update of the steps we are taking at our facilities to maintain the health of our workforce so that we can continue to supply essential products to our customers: We have educated our workforce on COVID-19 and have asked them to follow the CDC recommendations. We have increased our cleaning/disinfecting schedule for all bathrooms and employee common areas. Cleaning occurs at the end of each shift for items handled in the manufacturing process (air guns, hand tools, etc.) Hand sanitizer have been placed throughout our facility. Flyers promoting hand washing and other healthy lifestyle practices to stem the spread of germs have been posted. We have staggered our shifts to reduce the number of people in the facility and help minimize contact between our employees. Our manufacturing layout provides for space between individual workers that meet the social distancing requirements. Our supply chain team is working closely with our supplier base to ensure there is no disruption in service. As we are critical to your operation, our suppliers are critical to our operation. We are fortunate to have a dedicated workforce that is committed to enforcing the CDC recommendations in our facilities.   Our thoughts are with those whose lives have been affected by COVID-19, and all who are dealing with the hardships brought on by all the disruption the pandemic is causing. Please let us know how we can best support you and your customers as we navigate operating our businesses through this global crisis. We hope you and your families remain safe and healthy. Product Manager Grand River Rubber and Plastics 2029 Aetna Road Ashtabula, Ohio 44005 440-998-2900 Ext.# 154     | | --- | [Read More](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/grand-river-rubber-plastics-covid-19-response) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/grand-river-rubber-plastics-covid-19-response#comments-listing) Topics: [Lathe Cut Gaskets](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/lathe-cut-gaskets), [Drug & Pail](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/drug-pail), [orings](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/orings), [molded gaskets](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/molded-gaskets), [die cut gaskets](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/die-cut-gaskets), [COVID-19](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/covid-19), [sweeper belts](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/sweeper-belts) ## [Elite broadens scope with Wayne County Rubber purchase](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/elite-broadens-scope-with-wayne-county-rubber-purchase) Posted by [Alan Blankenship](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/author/alan-blankenship) on Oct 10, 2018 2:01:31 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![Capture](https://www.info.grrp.com/hubfs/Capture.jpg)](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/elite-broadens-scope-with-wayne-county-rubber-purchase) ***Published by [Rubber & Plastics News ](http://www.rubbernews.com/article/20181009/NEWS/181009938/elite-broadens-scope-with-wayne-county-rubber-purchase)By [BRUCE MEYER ](http://www.rubbernews.com/staff/Bruce-Meyer) 10/9/18*** [Read More](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/elite-broadens-scope-with-wayne-county-rubber-purchase) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/elite-broadens-scope-with-wayne-county-rubber-purchase#comments-listing) ## [How China Tariffs Are Impacting Your Gasket Prices](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/how-china-tariffs-are-impacting-your-gasket-prices) Posted by [Alan Blankenship](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/author/alan-blankenship) on Sep 10, 2018 2:24:11 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![china tariffs](https://www.info.grrp.com/hubfs/china%20tariffs.jpg)](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/how-china-tariffs-are-impacting-your-gasket-prices)   [Read More](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/how-china-tariffs-are-impacting-your-gasket-prices) 2 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/how-china-tariffs-are-impacting-your-gasket-prices#comments-listing) Topics: [Lathe Cut Gaskets](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/lathe-cut-gaskets) ## ["All-In-This-Together" Culture Drives Quality Improvement At Grand River Rubber](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/culture-drives-quality-improvement) Posted by [Alan Blankenship](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/author/alan-blankenship) on Oct 6, 2017 1:12:27 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![18952733_1328470027208952_6696097445313208160_n](https://www.info.grrp.com/hubfs/18952733_1328470027208952_6696097445313208160_n.jpg)](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/culture-drives-quality-improvement) October is [National Manufacturing Month](http://www.mfgday.com/) and also [National Employee Ownership Month](https://nationaldaycalendar.com/employee-ownership-month-october/).  Grand River Rubber & Plastics is a proud 100% employee-owned manufacturing company. Employee ownership is an integral part of our DNA. Throughout the month of October, we will be interviewing our employee owners about working at Grand River Rubber and what employee ownership means to them. [Read More](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/culture-drives-quality-improvement) 1 Comment [Click here to read/write comments](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/culture-drives-quality-improvement#comments-listing) Topics: [quality policy](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/quality-policy) ## [Lathe cut gaskets vs. O-rings—One in the same or wildly different?](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/lathe-cut-gaskets-o-rings) Posted by [Alan Blankenship](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/author/alan-blankenship) on Jun 26, 2017 12:20:57 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![Lathe cut gaskets sample pack.jpg](https://www.info.grrp.com/hubfs/Lathe%20cut%20gaskets%20sample%20pack.jpg)](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/lathe-cut-gaskets-o-rings) A common misunderstanding we hear from our customers is asking for O-rings when they really require lathe cut gaskets. Many times, our manufacturing clients believe that O-rings and lathe cut gaskets are the same. Below, learn the main differences between lathe cut gaskets and O-rings and discover why lathe cut gaskets are favorable in many applications. [Read More](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/lathe-cut-gaskets-o-rings) 2 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/lathe-cut-gaskets-o-rings#comments-listing) Topics: [Lathe Cut Gaskets](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/lathe-cut-gaskets), [o-rings](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/topic/o-rings) ## [Grand River Rubber Only Lathe Cut Gasket Manufacturer Recognized on IMS List](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/grand-river-rubber-only-lathe-cut-gasket-manufacturer-recognized-on-ims-list) Posted by [Alan Blankenship](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/author/alan-blankenship) on May 16, 2017 6:04:18 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.info.grrp.com/hubfs/grand%20river%20building.jpg)](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/grand-river-rubber-only-lathe-cut-gasket-manufacturer-recognized-on-ims-list) Grand River Rubber is proud to be the only lathe cut gasket manufacturer recognized on the [Interstate Milk Shippers (IMS) Certified Manufacturers List of Single Service products.](https://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceRegulation/FederalStateFoodPrograms/ucm2007965.htm) IMS was established by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration to ensure manufacturers and milk shippers are in compliance with the FDA and U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) guidelines. The Single Service Products list specifically classifies companies who manufacturer single-service containers and closures for milk and milk products. [Read More](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/grand-river-rubber-only-lathe-cut-gasket-manufacturer-recognized-on-ims-list) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/grand-river-rubber-only-lathe-cut-gasket-manufacturer-recognized-on-ims-list#comments-listing) [Previous](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/author/alan-blankenship/page/3) [All posts](https://www.info.grrp.com/blog/all) ### 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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