Leader Views
Polyisoprene: Misunderstood Alternative to Natural Rubber
People often think “natural” means safe and "synthetic” somehow means dangerous – but that’s not always the case. After all, both arsenic and mercury occur naturally and can be quite deadly while man-made vaccines save countless lives. This kind of misconception has...
Natural Rubber Latex: A Beginner’s Guide
Rubber is like the superhero of the elastomer world. You encounter it every day in common products like car tires, shoe outsoles and garden hoses – but you’d never guess its secret identity! Is it man-made? Is it from another planet? Is it trying to save the world...
February 2024 Anniversaries
February Anniversaries As February is the month to celebrate love and affection, we’d like to say a heartfelt thank you to our wonderful employees on their KEP work anniversaries! Each team member brings unique skills and talents to our company – and we couldn’t do...
The Evolution of Kent Elastomer Products – Secrets of our Success
The Evolution of Kent Elastomer Products A History of InnovationWe began as Kent Latex Products 63 years ago. President John F. Kennedy was in the White House, and the Vietnam War was in full swing. Over time, people experienced negative reactions and sensitivity to...
Meet Tina Allen – Extrusion Tender
Meet Tina Allen Tina Allen is an Extrusion Tender at our Mogadore facility. She’s been with us for almost three years, and we’re thankful to have her on our team! Tina’s role at KEP includes staging shipping loads, unloading trucks and managing outside vendors. She...
The Best Orthodontic Color Band Combinations for Braces
Braces are often a necessary evil for creating great smiles – and the experience doesn't need to be all bad! For the supplier, orthodontic bands can provide a steady and recurring source of profit. For the patient, they get their teeth aligned and have an opportunity...
KEP Says Goodbye to President Bob Oborn
KEP Employees recently participated in a heartfelt video to say goodbye to long-time President Bob Oborn. In their words, KEP is more than an elastomer manufacturer. Testimonials about Bob’s tenure and character reveal the compassionate human element of KEP. We care...
Meet Jermaine Moxley Junior!
Meet Jermaine, KEP's Custom Dip Operator! Jermaine has worked at our Kent facility for the past three years, and we are so thankful to have him on our team! In his role at KEP, he dips parts in various compounds and then strips them off the forms after they cure. We...
January 2024 Anniversaries
We’re starting the new year with gratitude by celebrating our wonderful employees on their KEP work anniversaries! Every new year brings new changes, but we can always depend on these team members. Each one of these employees brings something important and unique to...
What is Crimped Tubing and How Can it Help Your Industry?
What is Rubber Crimping? Is there ever a time convenient for a hose or tube not to work? No matter the industry, when a tube malfunctions or doesn’t connect properly, it spells trouble. Crimping rubber tubing provides a more reliable and robust connection compared to...
Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals: Understanding the Needs
Ongoing Issues Regarding Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing Manufacturing quality products for the medical industry is crucial for saving lives and treating illnesses. However, producing these items still operates as a business. While the primary goal is essential,...
Meet Leo Maxfield
Meet Leo Maxfield! Meet Leo Maxfield, a Maintenance Electrician who has been with KEP for 8.5 years! In his role, Leo performs maintenance and troubleshoots issues on equipment that is used to produce KEP products. A good day at work for him is one where he can leave...
KEP Welcomes John Danes As New President
KEP Welcomes John Danes As New President Big news – John Danes was named president of Kent Elastomer Products and assumed the role on November 1, 2023, replacing Bob Oborn who served in the role since 2011. Both are longtime employees and are well-known to most of us...
December 2023 Anniversaries
Celebrating December Anniversaries We can’t let the holiday season pass without celebrating our December anniversaries! Each one of these team members plays a vital role in making KEP your trusted manufacturing partner. Thank you to Carlos Johnson for 26 years of...
November 2023 Anniversaries
November 2023 Anniversaries We have so much to be thankful for this season – from the bountiful blessings of family, friends, and good health to the unwavering dedication and hard work of our colleagues at KEP. This exceptional team is the backbone of our success!...
Meet Trevor Stephenson!
Meet Trevor Stephenson! Meet Trevor Stephenson, an Operator at our Kent Facility! For the past five years, Trevor’s responsibilities have included operating machinery, gauging tubing, and making corrections for quality. This enables KEP to provide top-notch products...
Materials in Bioprocessing: Building Blocks of Quality and Innovation
Materials in Bioprocessing In the dynamic realm of bioprocessing, the choice of materials plays a pivotal role in shaping the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of the biopharmaceutical industry. From stainless steel to plastics, each material used in...
October 2023 Anniversaries
October 2023 Anniversaries From corn mazes to pumpkin picking and so much more, what are your favorite activities this month? One of ours is giving a shout-out to our employees celebrating anniversaries! In October, we’re celebrating a total of 64 years of dedicated...
Meet Shane Divine!
Meet Shane Divine! Meet Shane Divine, a Brominator at our Kent Facility for the past six years and counting! Shane always has his eye on the details, because he knows that spotting potential issues early is the best way to ensure high-quality processes and products....
September 2023 Anniversaries
September 2023 Anniversaries Fall brings new changes and challenges, and as we welcome them into business, we also welcome the loyalty and dedication of our team members. This month, we are celebrating 13 anniversaries, with a combined total of 239 years of loyalty...
Meet Linda Hitchcock!
Meet Linda Hitchcock! Meet Linda Hitchcock, an Assembly Operator at our Winesburg Facility! Linda has been with KEP for 3 years and says one of the best things about her role is all the friends she has made. We love when the camaraderie of working together leads to...
August 2023 Anniversaries
August 2023 Anniversaries As students head back to school to continue their learning, we are grateful to have a team of life-long learners to celebrate this month. Between our nineteen August anniversaries, we have a total of 282 years of dedication, growth, and hard...
July 2023 Anniversaries
July 2023 Anniversaries Every win is a team win – that’s why we’re so thrilled to have a loyal, hardworking team. Congratulations to Darlene Hines and Shirley Shrock on 48 years with our company! We are also celebrating Doris Airwyke’s 35th year with KEP, 20 years...
Meet Jesus Martinez!
Meet Jesus Martinez! Meet Jesus Martinez, a Material Handler and Translator that has been with KEP for the past 1.5 years! Jesus strips tubing and loads/unloads tubing and mandrel. We also appreciate that he is willing to translate whenever needed. A good day at work...
Meet Doll Sanchez!
Meet Doll Sanchez! Meet Doll Sanchez, a valued KEP employee who has been with us for the past year! She currently works in Bulk and Lacing Inspection and has also helped with training/translating for new employees. When at work, Doll values good communication with her...
June 2023 Anniversaries
June 2023 Anniversaries This June, we are proud to have 22 KEP work anniversaries to celebrate! Charles Brady is finishing up 41 years with our team, and Bradley Walker just hit the big 4-0 milestone. Thank you to Cindy Franks and Dixie Marchand for 25 years of...
2023 State Champs
Congrats, Lady Tigers! We are proud to share that Brock Lauvray, who has been with KEP for 19 years, has led the Lady Tigers Strasburg softball team to their second consecutive Division IV State Championship Title! With this state-run in 2023, the Lady Tigers have...
New Reeler Offers More Capabilities
New Reeler Offers More Capabilities And Benefits To Customers We are thrilled to introduce KEP’s latest offering - spooled medical, biopharma, and food grade tubing! Our new packaging option allows for longer lengths of tubing to be purchased on one spool, ranging...
May 2023 Anniversaries
May 2023 Anniversaries We are blooming with gratefulness for our May anniversary employees! KEP wouldn’t be the same without these incredibly hard-working team members. Congratulations to all on your hard work. And a special shout out to Dorothy Stein on reaching 44...
Meet Tammy Goolsby!
Meet Tammy Goolsby! Meet Tammy Goolsby, a KEP T-Band Department Processor in Winesburg since 10/19/1997! According to Tammy, every day at KEP can be a good day, especially if she has a few simple things: coffee in the morning, a smile, fun interactions with...
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