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UNIROYAL
CHEM-TEXTS
Vol. 4, 1970
PUBLISHED FOR THE PEOPLE OF UNIROYAL CHEMICAL
1970 Success Depends On Each Employe
If you were going on a
long vacation you would care-
fully plan in advance and con-
sider everything necessary
for a safe and rewarding trip
for yourself and your family.
Operation of a large
chemical plant requires the
same deliberate planning in
advance to assure progress,
produce products competi-
tively, improve safety and to
secure the jobs of every em-
ployee.
To implement the plans
of the plant for 1970, millions
of dollars will be invested by
the Company proving its con-
fidence in the skills and abili-
ties of the people at Naugatuck. Mere spending of money
will not do the job alone; only
the fullest use of every em-
ployees efforts in every de-
partment is needed to justify
these expenditures. With a
positive attitude and concern
by each employee to do his
full share, 1970 will be a year
of progress.
Departments Depend
Upon Each Other
Each department outlined
plans and goals for the year
for its own group. But the
success of these plans require
the cooperative effort of all
departments. Progress de-
pends upon every employee’s
fullest cooperation to work
in a unified effort with all the
departments in the plant’s
operation.
The following summarize
the major plans for depart-
ments to make 1970 a year of
progress.
Chemical Production
Product quality and pro-
duction must be improved to
satisfy our customers’ de-
mands. Their purchase of our
products are critically im-
portant to the operation of
the plant.
To help us improve this
situation, the new Control
Center will schedule products
by priority; help improve pro-
duct quality and utilize equip-
Improvements in house-
keeping by all employees is
of vital importance to main-
tain safe working conditions
and to keep quality standards
of latex production at a high
level.
Engineering
The engineering depart-
ment’s plan in ’70 will be to
assist all departments in the
repair and maintenance of
equipment to prevent down-
time and insure the capacity
to supply customers with pro-
ducts on schedule.
Efficient operation of
machinery and equipment re-
quires regular lubrication by
members of the mechanical
crews to prevent excessive
wear, even overheating and
damage to vital parts. It is
necessary to produce the pro-
ducts for our customers.
Several major plant im-
provements are scheduled in
the Synthetic and Chemical
plants.
George Allen, ass’t general foreman discusses new Polygard facilities
for Bldg. 109. From left are Allen, Mike Yuchynk, Dolphi Gabriel,
dept. foreman, and Benny Kontaygoe.
ment to its fullest capacity.
This new operation requires
everyone’s cooperation to im-
prove our performance in
1970.
Special concern is given to the
department that better safety
and housekeeping standards
can only be accomplished by the
individual person doing his
share.
Plans have been approved
to expand the Polygard®
Antioxd and Reanol® facilities
to meet increased market de-
mand for these chemicals.
Reclaim Production
Reclaim faces a challeng-
ing year but with the vigorous
participation of every em-
ployee in attaining produc-
tion goals the challenge can be met
to operate the plant effici-
ently and remain in business.
A new Control Center
will be set up to schedule
product types more efficiently
and to help improve the qual-
ity of reclaim.
Good housekeeping is
critically important in Re-
claim to prevent fires from
dust accumulation around
machines and for general
safety. Concern for good
housekeeping in Reclaim re-
quires every employe’s help
to keep the area in a clean
condition.
Lighting fixtures and the
lint collection systems are
scheduled to be improved for
better safety, housekeeping
and work conditions.
Synthetic Production
New equipment will be
installed to increase the ef-
ficiency of our latex oper-
ations to increase production,
produce higher quality latexes
to keep pace with competition
and provide job security.
Contract Talks
To Start
Plant and union officials
of Uniroyal’s 19 United Rub-
ber plants meet in
New York City on March
to begin negotiations on con-
tract agreements which ex-
pire April 20th.
Ron Mitchinson, indus-
trial relations manager, will
represent the Naugatuck
Chemical plant. Joe Reszutek, president of URW
Local 218, will represent the
218 employees in the Chem-
ical and Synthetic plants and
the Research Lab.
URW Local 218, representing
the 201 employees of the
Synthetic plant.
Negotiations will cover
wages, pension, the master
contract, insurance, sever-
ance pay agreements and sup-
plemental unemployment
compensation.
United Givers Give 3 Awards
Left to right holding United Givers awards are Leon Reszutek,
URW Local 218 president; Eric Johnson, plant campaign chairman;
and Joe Reszutek, URW Local 218 president.
At its annual meeting,
the United Givers awarded a
plaque in recognition of Uni-
royal Chemical employee’s
generous contributions.
Plaques were also awarded
to URW Locals 218 and 308’s
for their active support of
the drive.
Employees’ contributed
$21,000, the highest ever
pledged, in our plant, nearly
a third of the industrial divi-
sion’s goal.
The corporate gift of the
plant was the highest of any
local firm in Naugatuck and
Beacon Falls.
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FROM THE FACTORY MANAGER
DEAR FELLOW EMPLOYEE:
Recently I was pleased to announce to the general public that our Management has approved funds to construct waste pre-treatment facilities at our plant. This expenditure of close to $300,000, along with successful negotiations of an agreement with the Borough of Naugatuck to provide secondary treatment of our wastes, will bring us a long way in meeting our obligations to help clean up the Naugatuck River.
However, I am very much concerned that each of us realize our individual part in doing the total job to control pollution. No matter what Management does or spends on pollution control facilities, these actions will never be effective unless every employee shows a personal concern to eliminate pollution in his activities.
We all have to face up to our individual responsibilities to avoid spills, careless dumping of spoiled materials and excessive flushing of processing areas. In practice, we have to operate on the basis that the drain is the very last alternative for disposal.
We can not wait for the new treatment plans before we start to operate in this manner. We have to learn right away that water pollution control is not just another project – everybody must do their part – we are all coming on to the job!
John D. Evans
“Mountain Moved”, Improves Safety, 3 Acres Added
by Pete Thomas
What was once a “mountain” in the middle of the plant has been moved to the rear during the past nine weeks and is now three acres of flat usable land.
Falling rocks on the steep banks on the west side of Buildings 73, 107W and 106 made it impossible to get heavy equipment into this location from the plant yard area or at the top of the bank.
In the discussions with five different contractors about this problem, an agreement was made with the Waterbury Sand and Gravel Company to remove and level the top of this high bank between Building 75 and the Synthetic Pilot Plant at no charge to Uniroyal Chemical for the privilege of keeping all the gravel to process.
$615 Awarded For Suggestions
Zates line in Bldg. 89 which will increase productivity, provide a smoother operation and improve product quality.
Marty Hebert was awarded $85 based on his suggestion to reduce cycle time on the CHO still in Bldg. 72 by hookup.
Other high awards went to Charlie Ferguson, $150, Carmine Ianuzzi, $100, and Walter Wronski, $75. Cash awards were also received by Pete Shreder, Dan Cleary, Tim Clark, John Emanuel, Sam Molinari, Jerry Ferguson, Ken Ferreira, Mary Marques, Al Krampetz, Mike Yurchyak, Len Recchia, Charles Rolland, Dan Donato, Ray Jennings, Andy Molnar, Jean Burke and Ben Tomaszeski.
Honorable Mentions went to Frank Patt, Ted Hubbell, Tony Rebelo, Bob Lockwood, and John Thompson.
These awards were made on the old Suggestion System. Bernie Daily, the New Idea Plan coordinator, is making every attempt to clear up all outstanding Suggestions and at the same time speed up the red tape and delay in handling the new Idea Plan.
There’s been a major improvement in handling Ideas; some because of their complexity require more time; others take less time. Ideas are worth $1,000 … and more.
The minimum award is $25.
Scoop digs away “mountain” between Bldg 75 and Synthetic pilot plant.
Land Now Usable
When this project is completed, the plant will be able to bring in a crane at the top of the leveled bank to remove the large loose rocks which created a safety hazard.
We will also have three acres of level and suitable for future use.
Pete Thomas checks the finished job which will improve plant safety.
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HOPKINS PREDICTS A TOUGH, CHALLENGING 1970
Frank Hopkins, vice president of the Chemical division, reviewed 1969 Chemical sales for the division and predicted a tough, competitive year in 1970 in a talk to the Uniroyal Chemical Management Club.
1969 pound sales were higher than 1968 but profits were affected by price reductions, particularly in rubber chemicals; better raw material costs; tougher competition; foreign imports; and higher production costs.
Only increased volume and reduction in costs will help us keep pace with the prices customers are willing to pay for our products.
1970 Tough
First 6 Months
The downward trend in the chemical business is expected to continue for the first six months of ’70. The slack in automotive sales will affect our chemical and reclaim business at Naugatuck.
Price erosions, foreign imports, and tougher competition will continue to hurt our sales.
You Never Can Tell!
by Byron Hunter
While researching a new chemical blowing agent, I had previously taken the decomposition temperature on a small sample in a melting point tube and found the decomposition temperature to be 194°C.
Continuing the experiment, I prepared a larger amount of material and dried it over the weekend at 70°C. To ensure complete drying, the product was placed in a 130°C oven. Unexpectedly, the material suddenly decomposed after two hours in the oven. The force of the decomposition blew open the oven door, and filled the laboratory with smoke. Fortunately, no one was standing near the oven, otherwise they might have been injured.
Actually, the force of the decomposition was not great and the oven was not damaged. But within two minutes the fire inspectors responded to the call, checking the area for hazardous vapors and fumes.
When working with new chemicals it is extremely important to use extra precaution and safety and to advise people in the area that you are testing a new material whose properties are not fully known.
You never can tell when the unexpected will happen while researching a new compound, particularly a new blowing agent.
No Lost Time Accidents In January
Safety started off in 1970 with no lost time accidents occurring during the month.
There’s an old saying that 1970 can be an accident free year if every employee commits himself to making the plant safe for himself and other employees.
Most accidents can be prevented by carefulness in performing a job and a constant awareness of the unexpected happening.
There are still many employees in the plant who do not wear hard hats, safety glasses and the proper protective equipment on the job, exposing themselves to serious injury.
They not only risk their own safety but the safety of their fellow employees.
Scholarship Announced
by Sal Aloise
Uniroyal Chemical Management Club offers a $250 scholarship, which is available to a son or daughter of a Chemical Division employee with at least 2 years of service with Uniroyal.
The scholarship is open to any student in the graduating class of a high school or college prep school who plans to attend a college or university education. Applications may be obtained from the Industrial Relations Department, Bldg. 218.
Phil Paul is chairman of the Scholarship committee. Applications must be returned and mailed to Dr. Phil Paul, Bldg. 81, on or before April 1, 1970.
Nine Join Wise Owl Club
by Sal Aloise
Nine employees were awarded membership in the Wise Owl Club during the year 1969. Membership in the Club is highlighly prized: Your Eyesight.
Recent memberships in the Club were Urbano Genga, Kevin Kelley, Tony Malotic, Lawrence Parks, Adam Soboleski, Frances Benedit, Howard Nixon, Ben Tomaszeski and Raymond Jenkins.
These employees saved the sight of one eye, and in some cases, the sight of both eyes because they were wearing their safety glasses on the job when the unexpected happened.
If they had not taken a chance and not worn them, tragic loss of both from careless eye protection may have resulted.
The plant pays the cost of the frames and the cost of prescription safety glasses. If you need a pair visit the nurse at the Chemical or Synthetic plant hospital.
can put us in a position to
take advantage of our locations in this product area.
Recent latex developments for paper coating should gain a larger share of this huge market.
Odors, Fumes Pose a
major problem in Naugatuck
and steps must be taken to
improve environmental control.
Every employee’s help is
needed to report odors and
their source to their foreman
or supervisors to initiate action to control pollution of
the air.
No Lost Time
Accidents
In January
Safety started off in 1970
with no lost time accidents
occurring during the month.
There’s an old saying that
1970 can be an accident
free year if every employee
commits himself to making
the plant safe for himself and
other employees.
Most accidents can be
prevented by carefulness in
performing a job and a constant awareness of the unexpected happening. There
are still many employees in
the plant who do not wear
hard hats, safety glasses and
the proper protective equipment on the job, exposing
themselves to serious injury.
They not only risk their own
safety but the safety of their
fellow employees.
Scholarship
Announced
by Sal Aloise
Uniroyal Chemical
Management Club offers a
$250 scholarship, which is
available to a son or daughter
of a Chemical Division employee with at least 2 years
of service with Uniroyal.
The scholarship is open
to any student in the graduating class of a high school or
college prep school who plans
to attend a college or university education. Applications may be obtained from
the Industrial Relations Department, Bldg. 218.
Phil Paul is chairman of
the Scholarship committee.
Applications must be returned
and mailed to Dr. Phil Paul,
Bldg. 81, on or before April 1,
1970.
Nine Join
Wise Owl
Club
by Sal Aloise
Nine employees were awarded membership in the Wise Owl Club
during the year 1969. Membership in the Club is highlighly prized: Your Eyesight.
Recent memberships in the Club were Urbano Genga, Kevin Kelley, Tony Malotic, Lawrence Parks, Adam Soboleski, Frances Benedit, Howard Nixon, Ben Tomaszeski and Raymond Jenkins.
These employees saved the sight of one eye, and in
some cases, the sight of both eyes because they were wearing their safety glasses on the job when the unexpected happened.
If they had not taken a chance and not worn them, tragic loss of both from careless eye protection may have resulted.
The plant pays the cost of the frames and the cost of prescription safety glasses. If you need a pair visit the nurse at the Chemical or Synthetic plant hospital.
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## Page 004
Maxi Coats Go Marvinol
25 Year Club Holds Dinner
The 25 Year Club will hold a dinner at the Waverly Inn in Cheshire on Friday evening, March 20, at 6 P.M. Employees with 25 years service and more, both active and retired, are invited to attend the dinner as guests of Uniroyal Chemical.
Forty eight new members will be initiated into the 25 Year Club at this year’s dinner. Presently there are 568 members in the club which honors employees for their loyal and long years of service.
Maxi coats and maxi-chic Eskiwool with brass trim on their sophisticated moc toes and popular high vamps are right in style with today’s with-it fashions. The honey-crushed patent vinyl coat has both style and warmth.
The warm, water-repellent Eskiwool are knee-high, with soles and chunky heels that keep you in step with fashion all the way.
Leading women’s clothes manufacturers use the Chemical division’s Marvinol vinyl for their superior quality and the real leather look they give to clothing. The Eskiwools are made by the C and I division.
Much of the research and development on Marvinol vinyl used in clothing and home furnishings is done at the TSSC here in Naugatuck by a team of qualified technical people: Charlie Buckley, Al Heinrichs, Mary Marques, Phil Morin, Carl Ruggles, Bill Stephenson, Lou Triano, Bob Tyler, and Arnold Werner, manager.
1970 Success . . .
(continued from page 1)
The design and construction of the new pretreatment and waste water facility as part of the plant’s environmental program to control pollution by building up the causes of air pollution by buildings to determine methods to control the discharge of dust and odors into the air.
Materials Handling
Redesigned and standardized packages will improve the package appearance of our products. These improvements will be wasted on the extra cost packaging, handling and filling. Damaged drums, dirty packages and dented cans can result in returned shipments and costly repackaging which affects our sales and profits.
Warehousing and trucking costs will be studied to give our customers faster and better service.
A clean plant and building is a good place to work and only good housekeeping practices by every person in their work and locker areas can attain this goal.
Purchasing
This group will continue the implementation of chemical and synthetic raw materials’ orders and inventory control by electronic data processing (EDP) to obtain material at the lowest cost and to provide the necessary materials on time for production operations.
The testing program on can liners for agricultural chemicals will be continued to give our customers quality products in the best packages.
Industrial Relations
Training programs will be conducted for foremen and supervisors; and a new orientation program for new employees will be given when they are hired.
Cafeteria and food services throughout the plant will be studied to improve service, particularly the hot food and vending machines.
A Contact and Evaluation program for salaried employees has started and every employee will be interviewed on a two level basis.
To keep employees informed on plant news and plans, the plant paper Chem Texts, and News Bulletins will be issued on a regular basis.
Industrial Engineering
The red tape and delays in reviewing ideas will be eliminated under the new Ideas Paper. Prompt attention will be given to all ideas submitted by all employees.
A Year Of Progress
By understanding the ways of your job, the importance of your job, and by showing a real, personal involvement in your job, 1970 will be a year of progress.
Monahan, Marinello Retire
OVER 50 YEARS OF SERVICE was the unique distinction Joe Monahan achieved with Uniroyal Chemical. At left is his wife, Ms. Joe, an assistant to Frank Hopkins, vice president, started work at 15 and spent 35 years at the Naugatuck plant.
Bill Marinello started work at 13 with the Rubber Reclaiming Company before it was purchased by Uniroyal Chemical. Congratulating Bill at retirement are (l. to r.) Al Pistareili, foreman, Marinello, Marie Brown and Larry Rinaldi.
CHEM TEXTS
PUBLISHED BY THE INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS DEPARTMENT
UNIROYAL CHEMICAL, NAUGATUCK, CONN. 06770
EDITOR: William F. Lavelle
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit No. 10
Naugatuck, Conn. 06770
RETURN POSTAGE GUARANTEED
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