Specification Rubber puts employees in position to prosper

ALABASTER, Ala.—Specification Rubber Products is employee-oriented at its core—from the Employee Stock Ownership Program implemented by its parent company, American Cast Iron Pipe Co., to the unity that accompanies a union shop.

The 100-percent ESOP is important, company officials say, because it encourages personal ownership of every job and service provided to the company—and, if the company is profitable, the program can yield a nice nest egg for retirement, one that comes with deferred tax benefits (Uncle Sam gets his when the employee retires).

The union, USW Local 324M, provides another layer of solidarity at the 62-person rubber firm, and Specification Rubber's health benefits, team-building events, community outreach and success in a slew of other categories earned it the top spot in Rubber News' Best Places to Work list for 2021.

Such company camaraderie, in part, is why Specification Rubber has been able to buck the poor hiring and retention trend that has gripped so many industries today.

The company's voluntary turnover rate was 5 percent last year, during one of the most challenging years for hiring and retention in recent memory.

And the tenure of many of its 62 employees is evidence of that.

David Conner, a Class A fast grip press operator, has been with Specification Rubber for 37 years.

"I have no complaints against this company, and it has been great working here," he told Rubber News. "It has been a blessing for me to work here and do what I can do to make it better."

Elfrida McClain's 44-year run—the company itself began 53 years ago—has Conner trumped in water cooler conversation. McClain began as an hourly wage employee and worked her way up to manager, in manufacturing support and scheduling.

"I love the people, I love the company, and I love the benefits," McClain said. "This company allows you to grow personally and professionally."

Others have been employed for much less time, like Yulidia Amador, an injection press restrained joint operator who has been with Specification Rubber for one year.

"This company has been phenomenal," she said. "It challenges you to become better. It has shown a side of me that I am able to do things that I never thought I could do."

Tanner Clement has been on board for three months as an injection press operator.

"Spec Rubber has been such a great company to be a part of," he said. "Our management team works hand-in-hand with us so that we can learn best practices."

Customer Service Manager Paige Harkins, a nine-year employee, said the company's encouragement of continuing industry education and leadership training puts employees in a position to prosper.

"I have loved my time here at Spec Rubber," she said. "I have grown so much personally and professionally and have been blessed to be a part of this organization.

"A manufacturing environment is wonderful to work in because everyone must work together for a common goal."