I find it very hard to believe we're entering the final month of 2021. And I find it harder to believe that the world—including the rubber and tire industry—isn't back to normal yet.
Don't get me wrong, there are signs that we're close, but we're not quite there yet. Our publication and our parent company still are working mostly remotely. I've been splitting my time between home and the office lately, but when I am at the office, I'm usually by myself or with one other person. My wife and I continue to be cautious, and lately I feel like a part of the minority who has yet to have to take a COVID-19 test.
I've traveled to one major meeting, but that was close enough to drive, so I've not flown anywhere since before the pandemic. I have made a few plant visits, but I miss getting out there and seeing people and factories, and hearing first-hand what's going on in the industry. I really am hoping I will be able to step up that activity next year.
As I observe the industry, I see parallels there as well. Just when it seems things are trending steadily in the right direction, COVID-19 cases spike in one region or another. Companies slowly are starting to let visitors back in, but health and safety protocols still rightly take top priority.
Rather than having pandemic-related stories dominate the headlines of Rubber News all year, there have been stories that, in the scheme of things, seem downright "normal." There have been features on companies celebrating milestone anniversaries, with others showing faith by investing in their operations. Other articles have focused on topics such as sustainability and the future mobility that will frame our industry.
It may just be me, but it seems the mergers and acquisitions activity has stepped up this year, particularly during the second half. Just in the last few weeks or so, GRT Rubber Technologies bought Valley Rubber, Michelin's Fenner Precision Polymers purchased Lumsden Corp. and DuPont revealed plans to buy Rogers Corp., among many others.
Still, though, trends either brought on or exacerbated by the pandemic continue to play a key role in many businesses. The chip shortage has worked to depress vehicle production. One only has to drive by the half-empty lots at new car dealerships to see that.
Likewise, recruiting new employees remains difficult for many in manufacturing, and supply chain disruptions aren't going away anytime soon.
So I urge you to enjoy the holiday season, but remain diligent in your efforts to keep yourself and loved ones safe and healthy. And as we take a look at our progress six months from now, may we be that much closer to normalcy.
Meyer is the editor of Rubber News. Reach him at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @bmeyerRPN.