Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin joined Rubberlite Inc., employees and Founder and CEO Allen Mayo for a ribbon cutting and celebration of the Huntington company's latest facility expansion along with 30 new jobs.
"People make a company," Gov. Tomblin said. "The people of Rubberlite have stepped up to challenges and welcomed new opportunities with an attitude that has further stabilized their own employment while opening the door for new co-workers. If the successes of Rubberlite's past expansions are any indication, this project will be one that further strengthens the company and the community while benefitting Rubberlite's customers."
The $5.7 million project was supported by a $3 million loan from the West Virginia Infrastructure and Jobs Development Council. The expansion includes a new building, and upgrades to the current manufacturing process and equipment.
"Rubberlite's official opening of our new 52,000 square foot facility in Huntington represents another success story between our company and the State of West Virginia," said Allen Mayo, CEO of Rubberlite, Inc. "The partnership between the State and Rubberlite dates back to 1986 when the company started with two employees and zero customers. Today, the company has 145 permanent full-time employees in our 300,000 square foot facility in Huntington. These jobs include many technical, engineering and management positions. The state has once again stepped up to assist in the financing of this facility that will house several new high tech production lines. Rubberlite's partnership with the State of West Virginia clearly shows when government and the private sector work together jobs can be created."
Rubberlite is in the process of hiring 30 new employees. The company manufactures engineered rubber and plastic foams that supply a variety of industries including: automotive, electronic, appliance, aerospace, medical and healthcare, footwear, sporting goods, military and equestrian. The Huntington based company exports its products to 40 countries around the world.