October 2016
Executive who began working on the floor brings start-to-finish, top-to-bottom understanding of the latest products and technology to changing global market.
Kent Elastomer Products Inc., (KEP) – an EPA award-winning, leading U.S. manufacturer and distributor of elastomer and latex tubing for the medical, dental, food, sports and leisure, and other industries – has named longtime employee John Danes to Vice President of Operations.
Lean-Certified and Knowledgeable
Danes began his career at Kent Elastomer Products in 1987. As he worked through the ranks, working and raising a family, he also earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Management and an MBA from Malone University. Over time, Danes has learned thoroughly each phase of product development and customer service. He is lean-certified and frequently participates in leadership and team-building training.
“John’s product knowledge and commitment to customer success led to his promotion from Executive Director of Latex Operations to Vice President of Operations,” states Bob Oborn, President of Kent Elastomer.
Values Relationships with Clients, Co-Workers & Community
The same value that Danes places in building strong relationships with coworkers and clients is also what he invests in his community. A resident of Palmyra, Ohio, Danes is a past president of the Portage Hot Stove community group. “I have enjoyed organizing athletic teams, coaching and watching children grow through the system.” He is the co-founder of No Child without a Gift, nonprofit group that provides holiday gifts for underprivileged children.
From his early years as an hourly employee, then a floor supervisor, to today as an executive, Danes has helped Kent Elastomer evolve from a rubber latex tubing manufacturer into a diversified supplier of thermoplastic elastomer tubing, dip-molded products, PVC tubing, non-latex Free-Band® Tourniquets and more – all proudly and efficiently USA-made.
About Kent Elastomer Products, Inc.
Kent Elastomer Products, a Meridian Industries company, was founded in 1960 and is a leading U.S. solutions provider for the global medical market, as well as dental, food and beverage, sports/recreation, laboratory, and industrial markets worldwide. Kent Elastomer is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of precision-engineered, natural rubber latex and thermoplastic tubing. The company emphasizes continuous improvement, lean leadership training and communication.
Our headquarters, latex and custom-dip operations are located in Kent, Ohio. Extrusion operations and assembly are located in Mogadore, Ohio. Assembly, quality and shipping operations are located in Winesburg, Ohio.
We have received Encouraging Environmental Excellence Silver and Gold Awards from the Ohio EPA in 2014 and 2015. Since 2006 Kent Elastomer has held over 700 lean events.