CLEVELAND—Last year at the Rubber Division exhibition Rhein Chemie Rheinau GmbH wanted to increase its presence on the bladder market.
The leadership in North and South America may have changed, but the goal remains the same.
Christopher Mitchell—who took over as president and general manager of the Lanxess A.G. subsidiary's North and South American operations in September—said his initial focus will continue to be to upgrade the company's facility in Little Rock, Ark. Rhein Chemie acquired the factory when it bought Tire Curing Bladders L.L.C. in March of 2012.
"We have a lot of work to do.," Mitchell said.
"We acquired a plant that needs attention. The previous owners simply did not have the resources to invest in the plant. When we took it over we knew we had some challenges there," according to the executive.