NEWTON, Iowa—Thombert is entering a new era as two members of the third generation of the Smith family have moved into top executive posts at the company.

NEWMARKET, Ontario—AirBoss of America's defense and first response products business has entered 2020 as a much larger, more diverse operation than it had been in 2019.

NEWTON, Iowa—An innovative leader in the polyurethane industry and one of the early members of the Polyurethane Manufacturers Association, Walt Smith has stepped down from his posts as CEO and chairman of Thombert.

While a few key leaders have come and gone, since the beginning one always has remained at the very top as a mainstay to guide the ever-expanding business on a steady course: P. Gren Schoch.

FAIRLAWN, Ohio—Continental's ContiTech North American branded aftermarket belt business has hit new heights in the past several years, gaining more market share and improving brand awareness in the process.

COLDWATER, Ohio—Recycled rubber compounder DRI Rubber has grown rapidly in a short span thanks partially to an acquisition and a plant expansion, along with the addition of more machinery and personnel.

HANOVER, Germany—Despite a decline in the automotive hose sector and heavy investments to significantly expand its operation, Tristone continued to head upward in the first nine months of 2019.

GROVE CITY, Ohio—Tigerpoly has made steady gains in the marketplace during the last several years and is searching for a way to enlarge its entire operation, which would put it in a better position for future growth.

NEWMARKET, Ontario—AirBoss of America's defense products business has been growing at a fast pace during the last two years and the operation is in a good position to continue on that path in the foreseeable future.

SAGINAW, Mich.—Specialty Manufacturing Inc. has expanded its capabilities and work force again, thanks primarily to its continued growth in the silicone market.

NEWMARKET, Ontario—AirBoss of America's efforts to remain on a profitable course while making significant investments to expand its plants and upgrade its capabilities are continuing to pay dividends.

PLYMOUTH, Mich.—Freudenberg Sealing Technologies has gained significant ground in the mobile machinery market with its most advanced cassette seal.

SOUTH BEND, Ind.—Norres North America has made major growth strides during the last four and a half years and has plans in place to continue that upward climb for a long time to come.

WALBRZYCH, Poland—Tristone Flowtech Group's production complex in Walbrzych is growing rapidly as is the company's capabilities to produce more rubber hose and plastic pipes.

LA HABRA, Calif.—It's all in the family at Vip Rubber & Plastic, founded by Howard Vipperman Sr. in 1961. And it appears the firm intends to keep it that way.