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UNIROYAL CHEM-TEXTS
Vol. 3, 1969 No. 10
PUBLISHED FOR THE PEOPLE OF UNIROYAL CHEMICAL
The Small Plant In A Big Plant
Exterior of Chemical Pilot Plant is deceptive in appearance. Inside it’s a maze of piping, reactors, and equipment to make new products.
The Chemical Pilot plant, a story brick building in the Chemical yard, is almost lost among the 142 plant buildings that comprise the Naugatuck plant. Not very impressive from the outside, the pilot plant contains some of the most modern equipment in the chemical industry. Inside is a maze of complex piping, sophisticated reactors, and control systems.
Makes Chemicals For Plant
The pilot plant, operated by the Research and Development department, serves as a small scale plant to evaluate new processes and manufacture other products. It also produces low volume chemicals where it would not be economical to build a plant and manufactures several intermediate chemicals which cannot be purchased commercially but are required for the plant’s overall operations. New experimental chemicals are also made by the pilot plant for evaluation by our customers, universities, and the agricultural industry to help develop new markets for us.
“Alar” Made In Plant
A large production run of Alar Tech was recently completed. This new growth regulent prevents apples from dropping off the trees and increases their storage life. An alar-like chemical produced by the pilot plant is Cyclohexanone, another agricultural chemical, used in the manufacture of Omite*, a new insecticide.
SAFETY IS MY RESPONSIBILITY
Ben Pranulis, left, and Fran San Angelo operate basket centrifuge that increases their storage life. Another chemical produced by the pilot plant is Cyclohexanone, an agricultural chemical, used in the manufacture of Omite*, a new insecticide.
Improves Safety And Production
The pilot plant contains some of the most modern, expensive equipment in the chemical industry to help us produce better quality products. A year ago a newly purchased Centrifuge Dryer was installed, the only one of its kind here in Naugatuck. Its purpose was not only to increase the production of Alar, but also to handle the solvent recovery in the process safely with a new mechanical seal agitation and automatic temperature control was recently installed to improve product quality and make the operator’s job easier.
Good Morale, Housekeeping
Good morale is hard to define but it’s clearly evident among the people who work in the pilot plant. A cheerful, cooperative atmosphere exists and the worker-supervisor attitude helps take the boredom out of the daily routine of the job that everyone experiences. Also noticeable when you enter the pilot plant is the good housekeeping condition of the area. Materials and drums are properly arranged and rubbing is free of trash and rubbish.
Working in the plant which operates three shifts around the clock are Joe Founder, Bob Emanuel, Hans Defelson, Fran Pikula, Dan Pinto, John Layden, Julius Cohen, Marcel Herbert, Chris Owens, Al Grella, Tony Ciffone, Fran SanAngelo, Jerry Ferguson, Ben Pranulis, Casimiro Pereira. Other members of the group are Don Bates and Julius Rek, foreman; and Bronnis Zaluslkas, materials supervisor. Group Leader for the Chemical Pilot Plant is Colin Walker.
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FROM THE FACTORY MANAGER
DEAR FELLOW EMPLOYEES:
Have you ever thought about what you are doing to make tomorrow better than today, either for yourself or for others? It seems to me that much of what we will be or will do tomorrow is largely dependent on what we learn today. No longer can one enjoy for a lifetime the benefits of a formal education. It has often been said that an engineer’s technical knowledge is half obsolete ten years after he graduates. This is true to varying degrees for all of us. Education and learning has become an ongoing lifetime experience.
It is rather strange to realize that while the need for self-improvement and individual growth has never been more clearly recognized, television and other diverse entertainment tempt us into becoming well entertained vegedatas. How well will these vegedatas grow in tomorrow’s climate of change?
As we pause at this time of the year to give thanks to God for the blessings of the past and present, let’s each take time to plan for our future. For example let’s consider:
1. What can I do to extend or broaden my knowledge through formal education or by my own self-improvement?
2. What can I do to prepare myself for a bigger job?
3. What can I do to better understand our political and economic system?
4. What can I do to involve myself in the life of my church and my community?
5. What can I do to better understand who I am, and where and what I am going?
Sincerely,
John D. Evans
Packages Under Study
Al Manzi holds 5 gallon can for Solo’s a new weed killer. The new container has a special finish inside to prevent leaking and a hard surface to reduce scratch marks.
Editor’s Note: Before the tests announced at Engineering Superintendents. Al Manzi initiated this test program on improving our packages.
Although we may produce the highest quality products, these products will not be purchased by customers unless the package is delivered in an excellent condition and with a neat, clean appearance. Our packaging chemical business relies heavily on neat and specific the best linings for these chemicals. As a result, our production costs increase, the profit on the product is lost, and most important, perhaps we lose a customer.
Container failures result in high costs of damages, repackaging and lost customers. We initiated a program of testing with our container suppliers to evaluate and specify the best linings for these chemicals. In addition, we will be doing random checks on production as a contained evaluation laboratory. Samples of containers furnished by suppliers will undergo long range testing with all of our agricultural chemicals. In addition, the effects of containers as supplied to growers compared to the same empty containers under laboratory conditions will be evaluated.
The responsibility of clean, properly palletted and stenciled packages still lies with the production groups, materials department, and engineering. Careful handling of packages are handled by several departments, and finally the customer, everyone is responsible for the appearance of the package. No matter how well a package is constructed, if it arrives at a customer’s plant torn or dented, he will return it. As a result our production costs increase, the profit on the product is lost, and most important, perhaps we lose a customer.
$3,235 Awarded Employees For Suggestions
De La Rosa, Iannuzzi, Owens Get Top Amounts
[Image of three employees receiving awards]
Carmine received more than $200 this year for his suggestions on job improvement and safety.
Since the last issue of Chem-Texts, $3,235 was awarded to employees for their suggestions. Out of the 449 suggestions considered, 218 received a cash award or Honorable Mention for an average of one out of every two suggestions rewarded with extra cash.
High Awards
Top award winners were Lou De La Rosa with $105, Carmine Iannuzzi with $105 and Norman Owens who also received $105.
Other high cash awards went to J. Dayner, $70; R. Volonsky, $. Lantiere, E. Enamati, E. Collins, Jr., R. Frattangelo, M. Enright, A. Marques, G. Ravescroft, A. Brodeur, A. Piolli, R. Tucker, C. Moruska, M. Macci, R. Volz, E. Loeffler, B. Rossi and J. McCarthy.
Honorable Mentions
Honorable Mentions for their suggestions went to A. Jackson, J. Wojtcizak, J. Mitter, R. Lockwood, J. Auerbach, L. Parkin, D. Rowell, J. Sullivan, R. O’Neil, A. Wein, F. Phillips, W. Campbell, R. Gronin, J. Gandolfo, M. Yachnyk, D. Conner, S. Lantiere, J. Siclola, Jr., F. SanAngelo, J. Semasko, L. Rinaldi, G. Iannuzzi, W. Ingram, E. Atwood, R. Lyden, C. Parks, D. Pratt, J. Kankel, F. Pikula and M. Smith.
Chemical Plant
Employee Awards
Chemical plant cash awards went to J. Gandolfo, B. Zukauskas, J. Pignatowski, A. Cellupica, D. Boyles, H. Rich, D. Pozella, P. De Pasquale, A. Urban, N. Tiscione, F. Gagne, W. Mychnyk, F. Ferguson, A. Krampez, J. Carello, E. Cheney, M. Anderson, O. Chinaelli, W. Meeks, P. Mitchel, T. Golebieski, C. Harrison, C. Petroff, J. Roberts, G. Bellino, R. Feeney, J. Ferreira, D. Memillo, E. Johnson, Z. Roszi, R. Palarino, J. Cardella, G. D. Mitchell, K. Heilinsk, E. Semaskevich, F. Pikula, F. SanAngelo, B. Herbert, J. Ferguson, M. Knapp, L. Schultz, J. Kankel, G. Monahan, R. Ruginis, J. Grabowski, T. Ward, N. Vescera, S. Mazanec.
Synthetic Plant
Employee Awards
Synthetic plant employees receiving cash awards of lesser amounts were the following: F. Phelan, F. Miller, J. Sullivan, F. Henriques, W. Stenson, A. Kazemekas, J. Lawton, A. Haury, J. Wojciak, R. Pulbro, E. Anderson, M. Marro, H. Nixon, E. Root, T. Kloc, F. Merandy, G. Gizipo, J. Burkas, H. Slason, A. De Vita, D. Bedard, T. Carr, D. Dorato, D. Nelson, R. St. John, J. Mello, H. Reskauskas.
Under the New Idea Plan which becomes effective December 1, 1969, the Honorable Mention awards will be discontinued.
Old Suggestions
Will Be Processed
All suggestions submitted under the old suggestion system will be reviewed as quickly as possible and awards made on their merits. Under the new Incentive or Plan, the red tape and delay in handling suggestions will be eliminated. The old suggestion boxes will be removed as soon as possible according to Mike Dodd, the Idea Plan Coordinator. Any old suggestion should be forwarded within the next few months.
SAFETY IS MY RESPONSIBILITY
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Here is the text extracted from the document image, preserving the layout and structure as much as possible:
Vol. 3 No. 10 CHEM-TEXTS Page 3
Production Goal Topped By Synthetic Plant’s “C” Crew
The Synthetic Processing
C crew averaged 9.2 charged
batches of latex daily for one
full week, surpassing the 9
batches processed by the A
crew recently. This production rate is a significant step
in improving our competitive
position by manufacturing a
lower cost product.
The latex business today
is a highly competitive business with large chemical companies as Dow, Goodyear,
General Tire, Firestone, Shell
and Goodyear competing with
us for the same markets and
customers. Efficient production of a quality latex, and
prompt customer service are
essential factors in keeping
and improving our present
business and ultimately better
job security. Like ourselves,
our customers are “shoppers”;
they shop for the best products at the best price.
Although the C crew went
over the goal, it required the
combined effort of the A and
B crews to achieve it. Continued production of 27 batches a day requires the fullest
effort of every person in the
Synthetic plant, as every employee in every department
plays an important role in its
success.
No Lost Time PLANT URW LOCALS ELECT OFFICERS
Accidents In
October
by Sal Aloise
During the month of October we had no lost time accidents, but we did not get
away free completely. Injuries did occur during the
month, however, which were
of a serious nature.
In rear left to right are Ralph Pilbro, Howard Slason, Rocco Magnano,
Foreman, and Joe Morrison. Left to right in front, Jerry McCabe, John
Kennedy, and Bill Vasillis.
Other “C” crew members are as rear left to right, Leonard Dumonski,
Fred Miller, Fernando Rodriquez. At Happy: Left to right front are
Frank Dowling and Frank Giordano, Ass’t. Dept. Foreman.
8 Serious Injuries
During October we had
eight serious injuries, all of
which could have been prevented: one eye injury; 4
sutures; and 3 work changes.
With more effort and
more concern, we can and will
prevent careless accidents. If
everyone helps, we will have
an injury-free plant in which
to work.
“There is an old saying that
‘repetition is the essence of
learning’. Only by constantly
repeating to ourselves that
‘safety is my responsibility’
will each employee have a
greater concern for his own
safety and the safety of his
fellow employees. No matter
what is done in the plant to
improve safety conditions,
accidents will happen unless
every employee continually
reminds himself that ‘he is
responsible for his own and
his fellow employees’ safety.’
Rubber Causes
Minor Fire
An accumulation of rubber in the housing of a digester caused a fire recently
through spontaneous ignition.
The rubber had worked out of
the gasket around the agitator
drive shaft and accumulated
in the housing, between the
drive motor and the digester.
Alert Employee
Prevents Damage
An alert employee used a
dry powder fire extinguisher
to put out the fire and completely covered the rubber
accumulation, preventing a
reflash before the housing was
cleaned out.
Good Housekeeping
Prevents Fires
The fast removal of such
rubber accumulation is extremely important in the prevention of fire. Good housekeeping around the digesters
and floor-line drives is the
only way to prevent spontaneous ignition of rubber
oil and grease from coming
in contact with the extremely
hot operating equipment.
SAFETY IS MY RESPONSIBILITY
New URW Local 218 officers are from left, Don Boyles, secretary,
Don Persuti, vice-president: Joe Reszutiak, president, and John
Hoey, treasurer.
Officers of Local 308 will hold office for next two years. From left
are Charlie Roland, Vice President; Leon Raskauskas, President; and
Rocco Manilla, Treasurer. Standing is Archie Civello.
Named Trustees for the
Local were Frank Wasilesky
and Harry Grant.
Leon Raskauskas was
elected President of the
United Rubber Workers Local
308 representing the Synthetic plant wage employees.
Charlie Roland was elected
Vice-President, Archie Civello, Secretary; and Rocco
Manilla, Treasurer.
Elected to the Executive
Board were Henry Hook,
Edith Evans, Bill Frum, Frank
Maffia, Frank Commendator,
Julius Cerutti and Harry
Arendholz.
Uniroyal Gets
$1,478,000 Contract
Uniroyal received an Air
Force contract of $549,000 for
tubeless aircraft tires as a supplement to a previous contract
of $938,000 for a total award
of $1,478,000.
Big tire orders depend
strongly on the quality of
the chemicals made at the
Naugatuck plant, and help
keep us in business.
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Page 4
CHEM-TEXTS
Sales Set Record; Profits Drop 10.5%
Sales of Uniroyal, Inc. set new records for the thirty-nine weeks ending September 26, 1969, but profits failed to keep pace with sales and took a 10.5% drop.
Sales for the nine month period totaled $1,165,502,000, compared with $1,060,659,000 reported for 1968. Profits were $38,184,000, equivalent to $1.33 a share of common stock, 10.5% lower than the $42,650,000 or $1.55 a share for 1968.
The third quarter sales for 1969 were $368,869,000 compared to $341,874,000 for 1968 and net income was $8,292,000 equivalent to 27 cents a share compared with $13,768,000 or 45 cents a share last year. Third quarter earnings in 1969 were based on a greater number of shares outstanding.
Profits were hurt by increasing inflationary factors, including rising costs for wages and raw materials, as well as higher interest rates on borrowed capital.
The Company also encountered abnormally high production costs for new tire constructions and greater start-up expenses for new and expanded production facilities.
Contact Lenses
Are Unsafe
by Bob Short
Many employees are not
fully aware of the dangers in
wearing contact lenses in the
plant.
Chemicals and dusts
which enter the eye and work
their way behind the lens cannot be washed out until the
lens is removed. Very often
permanent damage to the eye
can result before this can be
done.
There is a rule which is
included in the Laboratory
Safety Manual stating: Contact Lenses are not to be
worn in the plant. For your
own safety and to prevent
injury to eyesight, it is extremely important to observe
this rule.
Dividend Declared
Uniroyal declared a dividend of 17-1/2 cents a share
on its common stock. It will
be payable December 24 to
stockholders of record on
November 24.
This payment will bring
total dividends paid on the
stock in 1969 to 70 cents a
share.
Approximately 65% of the
Naugatuck plant employees
are stockholders or participants in the Stock Purchase
Plan.
Clergy Visit Parishioners
During a recent plant tour, local clergy had a chance to see their
parishioners at work. Talking a coffee break during the tour they chat
with Neil Melore, Industrial Relations Supervisor. From left are John
Letts YMCA Director, Rev. Clark Kuntzeler, Rev. Robert Hankins, Rev.
James Daughran and Melore. With back to camera is Rev. Robert
Baker.
Luggage Ideal Xmas Gift
Sabia, Buckingham Retire
Smart looking luggage,
ideal for Christmas gifts, is
made from Kralastic ABS, a
tough impact resistant plastic,
a product of the Chemical
Division. Manufactured by
several quality luggage companies, the cases can withstand the roughest abuse a
traveller can give them.
Davidle which is the Consumer and Industrial Sales representative for ABS sheet
material, displays a sight of
aluminum and just oneseventh the weight of steel.
Frank Sabia, center, is congratulated by Kirk Kendall upon retirement after 27 years. Left to right are Ed Piocha, Kendall, Sabia,
Don Fuller, and Mike Santone.
Ralph Buckingham is congratulated on his retirement by Sal Falcone.
From left are Gene Reale, foreman, Tony Malone, Buckingham, Falcone, Tony Galietta and Ovila Fortier.
Latest News
Bulletins Issued
To keep employees informed on the latest news in the
Plant, in the Division and in
the Company.
The Employee’s Sales.
room at the Footwear plant
carries most of the luggage
which is available in a wide
range of colors.
SAFETY IS MY RESPONSIBILITY
CHEM TEXTS
PUBLISHED BY THE INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS DEPARTMENT
UNIROYAL CHEMICAL, NAUGATUCK, CONN. 06770
EDITOR: William F. Layette
UNIROYAL Chemical
Naugatuck, Connecticut 06770
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit No. 10
Naugatuck, Conn. 06770
RETURN POSTAGE GUARANTEED
Model demonstrates the steel-like strength of Kralastic ABS, a plastic made by Uniroyal Chemical.
Uniroyal News Bulletins are
now being issued weekly or
semi-weekly. Watch for them
on the Bulletin Boards at the
three plant entrances, in the
canteens and in your department.
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