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Goldsmith & Eggleton Announces Carbon Black Masterbatch Plant Enhancements

WADSWORTH, OH — March 14, 2024 – Goldsmith & Eggleton LLC (G&E), a Ravago company, is excited to announce the completion of a year-long improvement plan for its carbon black masterbatch (CBMB) plant. These improvements have been designed to minimize the handling of carbon black and rubber in the mixer, improve ergonomics, and increase batch-to-batch consistency.

These improvements include the installation of a new internal mixer, automation of the material feed line, improved air filtration, and PLC-controlled weigh-up systems.

The line itself was reconfigured to improve process flow and reduce the amount of handling of raw materials. This has netted improved efficiencies in the plant, better ergonomics, and improved consistency in the mixing process.

The turnaround with the new mixer is anticipated to achieve a measurable increase in throughput, allowing G&E to continue offering growth opportunities within its current customer base as well as expanded opportunities for new customers.

Rob Eggleton, Business Manager of Goldsmith & Eggleton, states, “We have always been dedicated to servicing the rubber industry and supporting growth within this dynamic marketplace. These improvements will allow us to continue to produce high-quality rubber masterbatch products while maintaining a clean and safe working environment for our employees.”

The improvements to the plant are part of a long-term strategy to offer the marketplace with innovative polymer solutions with a focus on sustainability and a circular economy. In 2023 G&E achieved QA-CER system 2 certification.

“To achieve QA-CER status, all plant functions, manufacturing, technical, sales, management, and raw material procurement were audited for meeting sustainability metrics and the support of a circular economy,” said Eggleton. “Complying with the sustainability metrics allows us to certify the products we bring to market are 100% recycled rubber. The certification validates that our recycled products will satisfy our customer’s commitment to meeting their sustainability goals.”

HB Chemicals is the exclusive distributor of Goldsmith & Eggleton Ravaflex polymers and masterbatches. For further information, please contact your HB Chemical representative. For more information on Goldsmith & Eggleton, visit www.goldsmith-eggleton.com.

About Ravago
Since its foundation in 1961 by Raf Van Gorp, Ravago has provided a superior distribution, resale, compounding, and recycling service for plastic and rubber raw materials serving sophisticated functions that improve the sustainable quality of life. Ravago serves nearly 50,000 customers with multiple products and services. The company’s growth has been possible thanks to its 8,000 employees, and the values it represents: human focus, professionalism, entrepreneurship, and humility. For more information, visit ravago.com

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Ravago to realign business under HB Chemical

Companies become stronger together in rubber industry

WADSWORTH, OH — December 7, 2022 – Ravago will be realigning the rubber business of both Channel Prime Alliance (CPA) and Goldsmith & Eggleton (G&E) under HB Chemical on January 1, 2023.

“The goal of this consolidation is to offer the rubber industry a diverse range of products, all sourced from one company, without sacrificing the excellent customer service for which CPA, G&E and HB Chemical are known,” said Joe Moran, Vice Present of HB Chemical.

Ravago will be combining prime polymer distribution, Ravaflex recycled elastomers, carbon black masterbatch, global rubber trading, and HB Chemical’s extensive rubber chemicals product line to create an enhanced approach to servicing its customers and supply partners.

“This realignment will allow for a more complete product offering and focused sales approach to our customers,” said Rob Eggleton, Business Manager, Goldsmith & Eggleton LLC. “The combined expertise of these teams under one roof will enable our customers to streamline their raw materials sourcing.”

All G&E sales and customer service inquiries, including for the new Ravaflex line, will move from CPA to HB Chemicals. The G&E manufacturing facility will remain on location in Wadsworth, Ohio. Channel Prime Alliance headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, will continue its operation focusing on thermoplastic resin distribution. HB Chemical will manage the new combined rubber business out of its office in Twinsburg, Ohio.

About Ravago
Since its foundation in 1961 by Raf Van Gorp, Ravago provides a superior distribution, resale, compounding, and recycling service for plastic raw materials serving sophisticated functions that improve the sustainable quality of life. Ravago serves nearly 50,000 customers with multiple products and services. The company’s growth has been possible thanks to its 8,000 employees, and the values it represents: human focus, professionalism, entrepreneurship, and humility. For more information, visit www.ravaflex.com or contact communication@ravago.com.

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Ravago Company, Goldsmith & Eggleton Achieves Belgian Quality Association QA-CER Recycled Content Certification

ORLANDO, FLORIDA — August 26, 2022 – Goldsmith & Eggleton (G&E), a Ravago company announced that its been awarded the Belgian Quality Association QA-CER System 2 certification for Recycled Content. The certification’s scope assessed the processing, quality, and management systems for the production of recycled rubber polymers. The BQA QA-CER Recycled Content guarantees the validity of the recycling process through to the finished product to support the principle of sustainability. The QA-CER System 2 assesses the technical specifications of G&E’s product, internal and external documentation organization, and overall product management.

Goldsmith & Eggleton was evaluated on its ability to satisfy specific requirements such as transparency, material traceability, documented information, and commitment to a circular economy. Each department received a perfect score – Management, Production, Purchasing, Quality, & Sales. All sections were “in conformity” with the standard set by BQA.

“Achieving the QA-CER certification was a cross-functional effort from our team members. We demonstrated to the BQA  auditors that all materials starting with incoming feeds are used to produce a 100% recycled, sustainable finished product,” said Michael Batman, Quality Manager who is responsible for the overall management of their ISO system, product controls, maintenance and distribution of documented information, “We are committed to being a part of the growing need for a circular economy.”

With a focus on providing recycled products to the market, he adds, “We are committed to reducing the environmental impact of our company, keeping waste from landfills, and continuing improvements in recycling technologies.”

G&E markets its recycled rubber under the brand name Ravaflex, a premium brand of reprocessed elastomers, which is uniformly manufactured globally through various Ravago manufacturing facilities.

This achievement reinforces Ravago’s overall commitment to recycling and contributing to a clean environment.

The Belgian Quality Association QA-CER Recycled Content is recognized and validated by the Circular Plastics Alliance led by the European Commission. The CPA is taking action to boost the market for recycled plastics and working to deliver systemic change.

About Goldsmith & Eggleton

The mission of Goldsmith & Eggleton (G&E) has been to create unique polymer-based solutions that offer its customers value, quality, and a competitive edge. G&E offers quality rubber masterbatches and reprocessed elastomers that meet and exceed its customers’ expectations. Channel Prime Alliance is the exclusive distributor for G&E products. For more information, visit www.goldsmith-eggleton.com and www.channelpa.com.

About Ravago

Since its foundation in 1961 by Raf Van Gorp, Ravago provides a superior distribution, resale, compounding, and recycling service for plastic raw materials serving sophisticated functions that improve the sustainable quality of our life. Ravago serves nearly 50,000 customers with multiple products and services. Our growth has been possible thanks to the 8,000 employees that make up our family, and the values we represent: human focus, professionalism, entrepreneurship, and humility. For more information, visit www.ravaflex.com or contact communication@ravago.com.

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Ravago consolidates reprocessed elastomer brands creating the global product standard, Ravaflex™

Ravago BalesORLANDO, FLORIDA — June 27, 2022 — Ravago has announced the global rebranding of its premium brand of reprocessed elastomers under one common product standard, Ravaflex™. The brand name itself means sustainability, reliability, performance, quality, and value. Ravago manufactures reprocessed rubber in Belgium, Saudi Arabia and the United States and is the industry leader in high-value reprocessed elastomers. Ravaflex is manufactured to exact customer specifications, which creates a consistent, quality product, offering cost reduction and sustainability solutions.

“We are creating a global brand identity, unifying the rubber manufacturing assets of Ravago under one brand name – Ravaflex,” said Rob Eggleton, Business Manager of Reprocessed Elastomers, Channel Prime Alliance, a Ravago Company. “Standardizing specifications, testing procedures, packaging and so forth will enhance our ability to provide seamless service to our customers on a global scale.”

Kris Brouwers, Ravago Business Director said, “We are excited to be rolling up the G&E blended polymers brand manufactured by Goldsmith and Eggleton LLC into the common brand, Ravaflex. It’s a new chapter in our ever-evolving company, and we look forward to its future growth and success.”

Ravaflex is a family of reprocessed elastomers, including Butyl, Halobutyl, EPDM, PBD, NBR and SBR. The brand unification provides global reach, deliverability, and product consistency within Ravago’s manufacturing assets in the US, Belgium, and the United Arab Emirates.

About Ravago
Since its foundation in 1961 by Raf Van Gorp, Ravago provides a superior distribution, resale, compounding, and recycling service for plastic raw materials serving sophisticated functions that improve the sustainable quality of our life. Ravago serves nearly 50,000 customers with multiple products and services. Our growth has been possible thanks to the 8,000 employees that make up our family, and the values we represent: human focus, professionalism, entrepreneurship, and humility. For more information, visit www.ravaflex.com or contact communication@ravago.com.

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Goldsmith & Eggleton Introduces Raw Materials Handling Line

WADSWORTH, OH — February 25, 2021 – Goldsmith & Eggleton (G&E) has introduced its new raw materials handling line as part of the company’s modernization initiative following last year’s renovation of its polymer laboratory facility. This new line will provide a high degree of automation to the process, eliminating much of the hand labor involved in material preparation common in a recycling/reprocessing facility.

“We are excited to continue innovating and creating solutions that lead to efficiencies and maintain high product quality standards”, said Rob Eggleton, Business Manager of Reprocessed Elastomers, Channel Prime Alliance, a Ravago Company.

This new raw materials handling line begins with an automated size reduction of feedstock before it is introduced into the reprocessing equipment. The feedstock is conveyed into weight loss feeders controlled precisely by a programmable logic controller (PLC) providing better product management to meet customer specifications. After weigh up, the polymer is conveyed through an internal mixer, then homogenized, dewatered and filtered. Finally, all material is conveyed to an automated, PLC controlled baler and bale wrapping station. While the fundamental reprocessing technology remains unchanged, G&E delivered industry-leading innovation on a new way to further enhance the process’ automation and product quality.

The new line was part of G&E’s modernization initiative which included a complete lab renovation adding upgraded pieces of equipment such as an RPA Elite and 3 MV1 Mooney machines as well as a new ash oven. The project also entails a restoration of the lab mill, physical remodel of the laboratory space and the updating of the information systems. The goals of the improvements are to adhere to the 5S philosophy, implement continuous improvements and assure that customers receive the highest quality product.

About Goldsmith & Eggleton
The mission of Goldsmith & Eggleton (G&E) has been to create unique polymer-based solutions that offer its customers value, quality and a competitive edge. G&E manufacturer’s quality rubber masterbatches and reprocessed elastomers that meet and exceed its customers’ expectations. Channel Prime Alliance, a Ravago Company, is the exclusive distributor for G&E products. For more information, visit www.goldsmith-eggleton.com.

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Ravago Supplying Key Materials for COVID Response

Materials distributed by the firm are used in many products used by medical responders treating COVID-19 patients.

Ravago Americas says it and its subsidiaries are positioned to meet the challenge of
materials demand related to COVID-19.

Orlando, Fla.-based Ravago’s distribution units include Amco Polymers, Burcham
International, Channel Prime Alliance, Entec Polymers, Genesis Polymers and Muehlstein; as well as its own chemicals and manufacturing units. In an April 13 news release, officials said that all of these businesses “are helping to meet the urgent demand for polymers and chemicals used in critical products for the diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19 for protection of those on the front lines.”

Products using materials distributed by Ravago include test kits, diagnostic consumables, ventilator components and personal protection equipment (PPE), including face shields. Ravago’s chemicals unit also is providing ingredients used in hand sanitizers and other critical products to help slow the spread of the virus.

Officials said that Ravago “is in constant contact” with suppliers, warehouses and logistics teams to manage the changing dynamics of the outbreak while addressing high demand for polymers and chemicals from key medical OEMs and contract manufacturers.

“Ravago has been a key supplier to the medical and packaging industries for decades and we are humbled to do our part to help combat this pandemic,” CEO Jim Duffy said in the release.

“With our extensive network of distribution centers throughout North and South America, we are able to position essential products close to where they are needed for key medical customers to respond to intense market demand for diagnostic tests, medical devices and PPE as fast as possible,” he added.

Ravago employs 7,000 worldwide and sells more than 12 billion pounds of resins and
compounds per year. The firm’s compounding and recycling facilities have more than 2
billion pounds of annual production capacity.

Channel Prime Alliance is the exclusive distributor of G&E products.

As seen in Plastic News

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Goldsmith & Eggleton Announces Laboratory Renovation

New equipment, information systems
and streamlining enhances technical services and customer support

Goldsmith & Eggleton (G&E) is excited to announce the renovation of their polymer laboratory facility. As part of a modernization initiative at the G&E facilities, the renovation adds upgraded pieces of equipment such as an RPA Elite and 3 MV1 Mooney machines. Additionally, a new furnace and ash oven have been installed. The project will also entail a full renovation of the lab mill, physical remodel of the laboratory space and the updating of the information systems. The goals of the improvements are to adhere to the 5S philosophy, implement continuous improvements and assure that customers receive the highest quality product. The newly remodeled lab will also provide enhanced technical support services to G&E’s customers and sales team. “The quality of the lab and what it delivers to our business is critical. We had a vision to make the lab as efficient as possible through technology, and to park our new equipment in an environment that highlighted our recent investments,” said Gina Undicelli, a Chemical Engineer that carries the role of Quality Manager and oversees the lab operations and its systems. Another aspect of the renovation of the lab will be to modernize the information systems, infrastructure and data collection. The lab will be virtually paperless. All test results and reporting will be directly exported from the equipment to a database, eliminating written forms. Digitizing the processes reduces the chance of human error and aids in data storage and retrieval. The modernization will create efficiencies and streamline the operations of the lab.

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Goldsmith & Eggleton Honored to Celebrate 50 Years as a Part of the Rubber Industry

Goldsmith & Eggleton (G&E) is honored to celebrate 50 wonderful years as a part of the rubber industry. G&E started as a family business, grew with extremely dedicated employees, suppliers, customers and partners, and expanded our footprint within the Ravago Holdings America family. The company truly values all those close relationships and attributes its success to them – its people. Their continued loyalty and hard work ethic are the driving factors why G&E has been an enduring leader in the industry. Throughout the years, Goldsmith & Eggleton has evolved with the rubber industry, adapting to its changes and embracing the vibrancy of the industry itself. 

This success dates back to 1968 when Allan Goldsmith and Bob Eggleton formed G&E to service a growing market need for distribution of raw rubber materials. Shortly after the company was formed, Joe Fagan and Marvin Weintraub joined as equal partners along with Dick Data who served as Operations Manager. It quickly outgrew its first location in downtown Akron and relocated to Gilchrist Road on the east side. During that time, G&E opened branch offices in Chicago, New Jersey, Atlanta and Barcelona, Spain, and business began to evolve from resellers of off-specification and scrap polymers to distributors of prime Rubber, Rubber Chemicals and Thermoplastic Resins.

In the mid-1980s, G&E began leasing a manufacturing complex in Wadsworth, Ohio, which became the company’s first serious entre into the reprocessing business. In 1991, a catastrophic fire at the Akron site forced the company to purchase and relocate to the site in Wadsworth, Ohio, where it continues to operate a Carbon Black Masterbatch plant and reprocessing facility today. In 2012, G&E was purchased by Ravago Holdings America, and subsequently has aligned with Channel Prime Alliance as their sole distributor. For 50 years, G&E’s family of dedicated employees and suppliers worked tirelessly to maintain the highest level of customer satisfaction, giving our customers quality work, products and providing a welcoming family environment. This video truly exemplifies 50 years of G&E’s wonderful history through its people, expertly showcasing its legacy.

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G&E Growth Leads to 24-Hour Production at Wadsworth Manufacturing Plant

Goldsmith & Eggleton (G&E) is pleased to announce the Wadsworth, Ohio-based reprocessed rubber manufacturing facility began 24-hour operations, in early 2017. The increase in production and addition of 16 staff members will provide quicker turnaround for customers and allow G&E to continue to broaden its reprocessed rubber product portfolio.

The need to increase their capacity is a result of upward sales of reprocessed rubber coming in through Channel Prime Alliance, G&E’s sales and customer service partner.  G&E welcomes our new employees and looks forward to helping them grow their careers and continue our efforts as an employer of choice in the rubber industry.

Get Quicker Turnaround on your Reprocessed Rubber and Get a Quote Today.