Lake Erie Rubber prepares for more growth, adds jobs

ERIE, Pa.—It's been a little more than a year since Jon Meighan purchased Lake Erie Rubber & Manufacturing in Erie, and already the owner is looking to hire more professionals at his custom rubber molding and manufacturing company.

Business has continued to grow at Lake Erie Rubber, Meighan said, which has allowed the company to expand its work force. So far he has moved two press operator positions from part- to full-time status and hired two additional full-time operators to help with the increased workload.

The firm makes a variety of custom rubber molded products.

"We're maintaining our management staff but I could see a need for us to grow there as well in the future," Meighan said. "We're still looking for experienced press operators (for hire) but it's difficult. The job market is so strong right now."

Meighan said that many experienced press operators and personnel have retired during the last several years throughout the industry, and once last decade's recession hit, working in the manufacturing sector was seen largely as a low-paying job with few career opportunities. Now with demand rising, Meighan said new employees often require more training because any viable candidates likely have little experience in the field.

"I talk with (owners and executives) of manufacturing firms frequently and a lot of them are struggling with capacity given how fast the economy is growing," Meighan said. "It's hard to get (applicants) in the door. We're happy to train them because we have no choice."

Lake Erie Rubber uses lean guiding principles to drive continuous improvement in safety, quality, delivery and cost for its customers. Its clients traditionally have operated in the rail and mining industries. Given Meighan's connection to his former employer General Electric, Lake Erie Rubber has already been providing products to GE. It also serves the oil and gas and construction industries.

The firm currently has nearly 25,000 square feet of manufacturing space, and that space may be used in multiple shifts around the clock in the near future. Meighan is looking to add at least one additional foreman by the end of 2018, and sees a need for more experienced foremen in 2019. He also hopes to add another shift to his plant. If needed, he would consider expanding his plant space, but that would come deeper into the future.

"A lot of other manufacturers here in Erie are in the same boat in that we're pretty busy but also struggling at times to find employees despite having more work," Meighan said. "It's a good problem to have."

Other growth areas for Lake Erie Rubber include adding clients in the marina, agricultural and safety industries. The ability to diversify its offerings for other industries will be a key to keeping the plant floor busy. Since Meighan came on board, he has focused efforts on quick quote turnaround, shorter lead times, and continuous improvement and lead processes. All new hires are made aware that average lead time for jobs is six weeks.

"We have a culture here that rewards employees (with a profit sharing program) so everyone buys into our processes," he said.