Skip to main content
Sister Publication Links
  • European Rubber Journal
  • Plastics News
  • Tire Business
Subscribe
  • Login
  • Register
  • Subscribe
  • News
    • Automotive
    • Tire
    • Non-Tire
    • Suppliers
    • Silicone
    • Online Exclusive
    • Latex
    • Technical Notebooks
    • Executive Action
    • Government/Legal
    • Opinion
    • Rubber Division IEC
    • ITEC
    • 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)
  • Advertise
  • DIGITAL EDITION
MENU
Breadcrumb
  1. Home
  2. News
April 16, 2007 02:00 AM

A good example of opportunity in the rubber field

  • Tweet
  • Share
  • Share
  • Email
  • More
    Print

    The rubber industry has had difficulty steering college-bound students into the field. Here's an excellent example that there are opportunities in the business.

    His name is Kris Weide. Just in his early 30s, he's running his own start-up company in the rubber industry, a 10-person shop called Sierra Polymerics L.L.C., in Verdi, Nev.

    Weide's story-which appears in this issue-shows the education provided by the Ferris State University Elastomer Engineering Program, combined with industry experience and a big dose of ambition, makes for an interesting career choice. This by a man who originally wasn't interested in entering the rubber industry.

    Weide was the first student to graduate from the Ferris State program. Like every graduate that followed him, he had job offers waiting for him when he got his degree. Unlike many people, however, he also had a dream of ownership.

    Four years and a couple of jobs later, he started his own custom rubber molding shop. It's even in a sunny locale outside Reno, one of the desires of a person who had tired of Michigan winters.

    The need for fresh blood in the rubber industry, particularly in the technical area, is obvious to many in the business. There's no argument among rubber industry senior executives that hiring qualified people is difficult today, and a prospective major problem tomorrow.

    The trouble Ferris State has experienced in attracting students is indicative of the overall recruiting problem in the industry. Rubber companies and trade groups have provided financial and moral support to the program, and every student who graduated received job offers, with an average starting salary of $50,000.

    Nevertheless, few college-bound students have been entering the Ferris State program.

    Difficulties in the rubber industry's image, real or imagined, continue to plague the business. Ferris State, the Rubber Manufacturers Association and individual companies are trying to address that problem. Weide's story gives them another tool to do so.

    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
    Parker-Hannifin to sell Avon, Ohio-based unit for $440 million
    2
    Wacker aims to increase global silicone capacity
    3
    Hankook christens tire proving grounds
    4
    John Carroll explores silicone's history in keynote presentation
    5
    Succession plan, investments build foundation for RubberForm's future
    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
      • Silicone
      • Online Exclusive
      • Latex
      • Technical Notebooks
      • Executive Action
      • Government/Legal
      • Opinion
      • Rubber Division IEC
      • ITEC
      • 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)
      • RN Livestreams/Webinars
      • Industry Events
      • Past Events
      • Rubber News M&A Live
    • Advertise
    • DIGITAL EDITION