Skip to main content
Sister Publication Links
  • European Rubber Journal
  • Plastics News
  • Tire Business
Subscribe
  • Login
  • Register
  • Subscribe
  • News
    • Automotive
    • Tire
    • Non-Tire
    • Suppliers
    • ITEC
    • Silicone
    • Online Exclusive
    • Latex
    • Technical Notebooks
    • Executive Action
    • Government/Legal
    • Opinion
    • Rubber Division IEC
    • Blogs
    • Sustainability
    • Products
    • Wacky World of Rubber
  • War in Ukraine
  • Custom
    • Sponsored Content
    • White Papers
  • Resources
    • Directory
    • Classifieds & Mold Mart
  • Data
  • Events
    • RN Events
    • RN Livestreams/Webinars
    • Industry Events
    • Past Events
    • Rubber News M&A Live
    • 2022 Hose & Belt Manufacturers Conference
    • 2022 International Silicone Conference
    • 2022 International Tire Exhibition & Conference (ITEC)
    • 2022 Women Breaking the Mold
  • Advertise
  • DIGITAL EDITION
MENU
Breadcrumb
  1. Home
  2. News
July 26, 2004 02:00 AM

A loss compounded

Edward Noga
  • Tweet
  • Share
  • Share
  • Email
  • More
    Print

    Mike Rouse's decision to sell his company is a tragedy heaped upon a tragedy.

    Rouse Polymerics International Inc. was the scene of one of the worst disasters to befall a company in the rubber industry. An explosion and fire on May 16, 2002, killed five and injured seven, and ultimately sent the producer of recycled rubber compound to bankruptcy court.

    Like any basic industry, the rubber business has had its share of industrial accidents. It was a dirty, dangerous business decades ago, where physical risk was just part of the job.

    That's long changed in this country and throughout most of the world. Safety is a top priority, period.

    Accidents like that at Rouse Polymerics do occur. Similiarly, an explosion and fire at West Pharmaceutical Services Inc.'s Kinston, N.C., site in 2003 caused six deaths and dozens of injuries. That's why they call them accidents-unexpected and unintentional events. Fortunately, they are a rarity.

    At West, a much-larger business, the firm has been able to recover. It moved production to other plants, built a new facility not far from the destroyed site, and rehired Kinston workers who were displaced.

    Rouse Polymerics hasn't been as lucky. The company built a smaller factory at the Vicksburg, Miss., location, run by a handful of employees rather than the 100 it previously had, and narrowed its business focus. Lawsuits from accident victims and their families, a neighboring business damaged in the accident and a supplier drove Rouse Polymerics to bankruptcy court protection.

    Now Mike Rouse is trying to sell the business.

    It's a real shame. Rouse isn't just a guy who ran a rubber recycling company. For years he's been out front in trying to develop and promote the field, a real ``Mr. Recycling.'' One example: Rouse was the driving force behind the creation of a rubber recycling group within the ACS Rubber Division.

    Rouse could move onto other things, but hopes to serve as a consultant when his company eventually is sold. Keeping his knowledge and passion for rubber recycling within the business would be a good thing.

    Noga is editor of Rubber & Plastics News.

    Letter
    to the
    Editor

    Rubber News wants to hear from its readers. If you want to express your opinion on a story or issue, email your letter to Editor Bruce Meyer at [email protected].

    Most Popular
    1
    Continental to build $40 million hose plant in Mexico
    2
    Wacky World of Rubber: The true story behind the rubber match
    3
    One killed, two injured in shooting at WeatherTech facility
    4
    European rubber recycling gaining 'unprecedented traction'
    5
    Back on track: Firms post higher sales in Rubber News rankings
    SIGN UP FOR NEWSLETTERS
    EMAIL ADDRESS

    Please enter a valid email address.

    Please enter your email address.

    Please verify captcha.

    Please select at least one newsletter to subscribe.

    Get our newsletters

    Staying current is easy with Rubber News delivered straight to your inbox, free of charge.

    Subscribe Today

    Subscribe to Rubber News to get the best coverage and leading insights in the industry.

    SUBSCRIBE
    Connect with Us
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • Twitter

    MISSION

    To serve companies in the global rubber product industry by delivering news, industry insights, opinions and technical information.

    Contact Us

    2291 Riverfront Pkwy, Suite 1000
    Cuyahoga Falls,
    OH 44221

    Customer Service:
    877-320-1726

    Resources
    • About Us
    • Digital Edition
    • Staff
    • Advertise
    • Order Reprints
    • Privacy Policy
    • Privacy Request
    • Terms of Service
    • Careers
    • Ad Choices Ad Choices
    • Sitemap
    Partner Sites
    • Tire Business
    • European Rubber Journal
    • Plastics News
    • Plastics News China
    • Urethanes Technology
    • Automotive News
    • Crain Brands
    Copyright © 1996-2022. Crain Communications, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
    • News
      • Automotive
      • Tire
      • Non-Tire
      • Suppliers
      • ITEC
      • Silicone
      • Online Exclusive
      • Latex
      • Technical Notebooks
      • Executive Action
      • Government/Legal
      • Opinion
      • Rubber Division IEC
      • Blogs
        • Products
        • Wacky World of Rubber
      • Sustainability
    • War in Ukraine
    • Custom
      • Sponsored Content
      • White Papers
    • Resources
      • Directory
      • Classifieds & Mold Mart
    • Data
    • Events
      • RN Events
        • 2022 Hose & Belt Manufacturers Conference
        • 2022 International Silicone Conference
        • 2022 International Tire Exhibition & Conference (ITEC)
        • 2022 Women Breaking the Mold
      • RN Livestreams/Webinars
      • Industry Events
      • Past Events
      • Rubber News M&A Live
    • Advertise
    • DIGITAL EDITION