Kent Elastomer Wraps Up Its First United Way Campaign

Kent Elastomer Products Inc. recently wrapped up its inaugural United Way campaign, raising more than $4,900 between its Kent headquarters and its facilities in Mogadore and Winesburg, Ohio.

“We are fortunate to have companies in Portage County like Kent Elastomer Products” said Steve Kleiber, president and CEO of United Way of Portage County. “It means a lot to have local business behind our efforts to help people in Portage County.”

The agency kicked off its 2011-12 campaign season in early September. Forty-three programs are funded by United Way of Portage County, including its own free 211 Portage service.

Bob Oborn, president of Kent Elastomer Products, said the company has been part of the Kent community for more than 50 years.

“We thought it was important to show the company’s commitment to our Portage County community. We feel the same way about the communities we are in with our other two locations,” Oborn said.

“Our mission statement says our success will be measured in part by our positive contributions to the community. We take this responsibility seriously. This was our first year of an organized campaign; we feel we will do better next year,” he added.

The company was founded in 1960 as Kent Latex Products Inc., which specialized in dipped natural rubber latex tubing. According to its corporate profile, ownership transferred in 1979 to Meridian Industries Inc.

The addition of extrusion manufacturing capabilities in 1988 brought thermoplastic elastomers to a growing line of tubing products. Ten years later, the company changed its name to Kent Elastomer Products to reflect its evolution into more than just a latex tubing manufacturer.

Kent Elastomer acquired Precision Latex Products Inc. in 2001, adding to its diversification and solidifying the company’s position as a major supplier of dip molded parts. In 2006, the firm again expanded its range of products when it acquired the dip molded product line from Hospira Inc.

The company, which employs about 160 people at its three facilities, serves a variety of markets worldwide, including the medical, dental, food/beverage, sports/recreation, laboratory and industrial markets.

Kent Elastomer employees are involved in other organizations besides United Way. For example, Don Leeper, senior vice president of finance and administration, serves as a board member for both the Kent Area Chamber of Commerce and Leadership Portage County.

Kent Elastomer is also a longtime supporter of Freedom House in Kent, a temporary shelter for homeless male veterans.

Anyone with questions or who would like to make a donation to United Way can call Kleiber at 330-297-1424, ext. 112, or email him at steve@uwportage.org.