Achieving the impossible: Tragedy spurs creation of new solvent

AKRON (From the Jan. 27 issue of Rubber & Plastics News)—Jim Finefrock was working the midnight shift at Blair Processing Co. in July 1971, when a tragedy occurred that started his journey in developing "the impossible." Finefrock's co-worker, who was installing a rubber lining inside a tank car, was killed when the tank burst into flames. The solvent-based metal primer the employee was using to put the rubber lining in the car was flammable. More than 30 years later, Finefrock, head of research and development at Blair Rubber Co. (no connection to Blair Processing Co.) since 1987, tells the story with tears in his eyes.