AKRON—Goodyear has re-elected 12 board members for another year through voting during the company's annual meeting.

The COVID-19 pandemic is proving just how essential rubber, and the products made from the material, are to the country and the world.

WASHINGTON—A consortium of nine automotive-related trade groups is calling on the nation's governors to standardize the definition of "essential" businesses and workers in a bid to ensure their members' ability to continue operating in an uncertain economic climate.

MINNEAPOLIS—Precision Associates will make "several essential rubber components" for a ventilator project being spearheaded by General Motors.

ROVERETO, Italy—With Italy in lockdown due to COVID-19, Marangoni Retreading Systems will rely on operations in Germany to continue servicing customers.

NEWARK, Del.—Polymer Technologies is providing essential service by producing rubber parts needed by a variety of industries during this critical time. The firm is urging its suppliers to remain open to help meet production needs.

FINDLAY, Ohio–Unionized workers at Cooper Tire have a new four-year labor agreement after previously turning down a proposed settlement.

COLUMBIA CITY, Ind.—Rubber testing equipment company MonTech USA remains open as the COVID-19 pandemic worsens.

With unprecedented steps being taken by local, state and federal governments in an attempt to control the spread of the virus, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers tips about how both employers and employees can deal with the mental side of the crisis.

Rubber companies are trying to navigate the chaos caused by the coronavirus while seeking to maintain operations and keep their employees safe. And, while many are sheltering at home and isolating themselves, manufacturing companies face the challenge of needing staff on hand to create products.

COLOGNE, Germany—Lanxess is postponing its upcoming annual shareholders meeting as COVID-19 continues to rapidly spread in Germany, the company said.

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C.—Organizers of the 2020 Clemson University Global Tire Industry Conference have rescheduled the gathering for Sept. 1-3.

FAIRLAWN, Ohio—The Tire Society's annual conference still is slated for September, and the group is making contingency plans in case members are not permitted to meet in person.

BEAUMONT, Texas—More than 40 workers at a specialty chemicals plant in Texas are seeking their first union contract.

NEW YORK—Automotive suppliers and manufacturers are among the industries most likely to feel the economic impact from the coronavirus outbreak, according to a new report from Moody's Investor Services.