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UNIROYAL
CHEM-TEXTS
Vol. 4, 1970 PUBLISHED FOR THE PEOPLE OF UNIROYAL CHEMICAL No. 8
Polygard Facilities To Expand
Design drawings are near completion for the expansion of Polygard® facilities in Bldg. 109. The major equipment has been ordered and 75% of the necessary piping materials are on order for the project which will increase the production rates of the chemical. The project is part of the plant’s continuing program to stay competitive in a tight chemical market, keep business at the plant and keep chemical production employment at a full level.
Used In Rubber
Polygard is one of the most effective nondiscoloring and nonstaining stabilizers for synthetic rubber in commercial use today. Without Polygard protection, degradation occurs during the finishing, processing and vulcanization, resulting in a shorter service life of the final rubber product.
As a chemical, Polygard is able to use, having the approval of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in products used for packaging or handling food.
New Stainless Steel Lines
The major work done during the summer shutdown of the building was the installation and replacing of 2 Hold tanks from the second to the third floor. The piping from the bottom of the four vessels which will eventually become strippers was re placed with much larger stainless steel lines. The transfer pump was relocated and the discharge lines relocated and replaced with 3″ and 4″ stainless steel piping.
Fume Control Devices
When completed in early 1972, the expanded facilities will have environmental control devices to control fume emissions as part of the plant’s policy on the installation of new equipment and engineering controls.
MIP Plan To Start
Instead of the 1970 stock purchase plan slated to start August 1, Uniroyal will expand the Monthly Investment Plan (MIP) to all employees interested in purchasing Uniroyal stock, at the market price, on a regular payroll deduction basis.
Under the plan, which is operated by Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner and Smith, Inc., employees can sign up for regular payroll deductions. There are minimum and maximum deductions which will be indicated with other information, in plan brochures available shortly. Merrill Lynch will purchase Uniroyal stock at the market price and keep individual accounts for each employee. Employees will receive regular statements from Merrill Lynch showing how much stock has been purchased for their accounts.
H.S. Diploma Obtainable
It’s still possible for a person who left high school for one reason or another to obtain a high school diploma without going back to school.
To qualify for a diploma, a person must be 18 years or older and successfully complete the General Educational Development (GED) test battery which is available through many community colleges and adult education programs. The GED test battery covers the main subject areas taught in high school.
Employees Prevent Fire
A cooperative fire fighting group: in front–Pat Tortorici, left to right–Charlie LeBlanc, Millie Brown and Al Morey. Absent from photo–Charlie Rinaldi.
Mimic Brown, Larry Rinaldi, Charlie LeBlanc, Al Morey and Pat Tortorici, acted quickly in extinguishing a small fire in an air screen machine that the sensitive sprinkler system did not operate and the sounding of the plant fire alarm was not required.
The incident occurred when the canvas dust wrapper around the machine ignited and burned. John Needham, left, shows Eric Johnson the High School Equivalency diploma he received upon successful completion of tests. Other employees plan to take the test in September.
Chemical Control Center, The First In Chemical Division
Group photo of Chemical Control Center personnel. From left to right are Fran Egan, Clark Makinson, Tom Dowling, Millie Finsel, Matt Matthewson and Walt Frankenberger.
By Walt Frankenberger
First anniversary. First in the Chemical Division. And in some aspects, the first in any Uniroyal plant. The Chemical Control Center is part of the plant’s innovative approaches to stay on top, keep business at the Naugatuck plant, increase the output of equipment, reduce waste and cost, and provide customers the best service in the chemical industry.
The Center is the one location in chemical production from which foremen can get accurate, up to the minute schedules for production of chemicals in order of priority to fill customers orders.
Monitors Data
The Center monitors data on all departmental activities, and by weekly and daily review of production, quality, cost, waste, and mechanical failures, the Center controls productivity and can provide prompt adjustments to prevent lost production.
By coordinating the ordering of raw materials, packages, and warehousing, foremen can devote more time to production and less to procurement and other ancillary duties.
(Cont’d on page 4)
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FROM THE FACTORY MANAGER
DEAR FELLOW EMPLOYEE:
I’m certain that the vast majority of us know and appreciate the fact that UNIROYAL CHEMICAL is a good place to work. Sure, we all have our gripes and inconveniences but when we really think about it we’ve got it pretty good. As only one example, the other day I was looking at the average earnings for all production workers in Connecticut and was struck by the fact that our average is $3.31 per hour as compared to $4.00 per hour in our plant. When the effect of premium rates for overtime is considered, the State average is $3.43 per hour and our average is $3.39 per hour.
Beyond pay and the importance of our superior benefit plans, there is the question of what kind of place is it to work? I believe you will agree with me that a very important factor is the “atmosphere” or “climate.” Like productivity, safety, and housekeeping and quality, each of us must be responsible for “climate.” We do this every day by our attitudes, our cooperation and our ability to communicate with each other. To help us recognize this responsibility each of us must listen, as well as talk. Each of us must recognize that others have problems, as well as ourselves.
Concern for the customer, concern for the fellow employee and yes, concern for the job produces results.
Best regards,
John D. Evans
Many Apply For Kaynor
Kaynor Tech offers a broad program of excellent trades courses.
More than 45 employees have applied for the training program to qualify candidates for skilled trades openings in the plant. The 2-year trades courses program will cover: Fundamentals of Arithmetic, Measurements, and Engineering Drawing in the first year.
The second year is tentatively planned to cover: Introduction to Pipe Fitting; Electricity; and Construction Trades.
Successful completion of the program as judged by Kaynor Tech’s instructors will give the candidates the chance to qualify for semi-class trades openings in accordance with present contractual requirements of seniority and qualifications.
Employees applying for the program are: C. Andrews, F. Ahl, R. Bedard, W. Carreira, R. Cheverier, A. Gilcone, F. Douty, J. Dewing, R. Rennant, J. Ferguson, K. Ferreria, F. Gagni, H. Garahan, T. Gladding, T. Griffin, A. Huypy, P. Hunt, S. J. Hurtenit, M. Hebert, G. Hennessey, J. Hose, C. Jackson, J. Kenny, R. Kubick, H. McIsaac, J. Mello, D. Monnillo, F. Miller, E. Molnar, R. Morelo, J. Morrison, J. Needham, H. Nixon, J. Oliveira, R. Osim, D. Polzella, J. Poduone, L. Rechio, F. Santangelo, M. Seymour, F. Simatocki, J. Sordi, J. Sullivan, B. Tomaszeski, L. Watson and E. Zeinit. Other names were unavailable at press time.
$2,634 Awarded For Ideas
by Bernie Daily
$849, one of the highest awards ever given an employee for a suggestion, was presented to Annie Mannion for her late husband’s suggestion to use Kunkle safety valves and springs as standard equipment in the plant. Her husband, Earl, who suffered a heart attack while they were vacationing in Maine, was a first class piper in the mechanical department.
The Kunkle valves and springs reduced material costs, were easier to install and far safer in their operation and are now used throughout the plant.
Other high awards went to Ed Bazenas and Marcel Hebert, who each received $75 for their two suggestions. Fred Miller received $50 for two ideas, and Nelson and Stan Dashak were awarded $50 each for their single ideas and R. Lockwood’s three ideas netted him $50.
An Urban Gisol was an initial award of $50 with his ideas listed under study for a possible higher amount.
$35, $25, $15 Awards
Cash amounts of $35, $25, or $15 were awarded to J. Gandolfo, F. Mayo, W. Cavage, M. DeSousa, D. Beaulieul, W. Chartier, A. Galletta, J. Tully, L. Rizzo, E. Root, J. Rebeghil, M. Carty, F. Surmanek, W. Tabaka, W. Krayeski, F. Guerra, D. LaVorgna, F. Henriques, F. Bendler, H. Pasek, C. Tabore, D. Polzella, J. Enamait, W. Anderson, G. Ravenscroft, J. Barno, O. Huntley, M. Rosa, J. Matcheson, A. DaSilva, C. Molcart, D. Masone, A. Hanley, L. Clark, T. Lee, A. Moura, C. Boland, R. Pronowst, K. Anderson, J. Hunt, A. Lanouette, W. Parks, F. Malfa, F. Pikula, H. Rich, W. Scott, C. Jannuzzi, N. Tessone, J. Chase, R. Lestage, T. Smiegel-ski, J. Cardella, N. Brummet and F. Sordi.
Letters And Mentions
Commendation letters and Honorable Mentions for their ideas and suggestions went to J. Poudrier, C. Wierzbicki, J. Sichenzia, D. Pratt, A. Kasprzak, E. Molnar, J. Painter, J. Butkus, J. Sullivan, J. Gallucci, J. Josa, W. Hill, Jr., L. DelaRosa, F. Rehel, R. Fratangelo, J. Fargasso, L. Taranovich, J. Douty, T. Mo.F. Emmait, F. Engle, R. Malz, Jr., J. Mucha, J. Finke, D. Polzella, T. Huybell, M. Sweeney, F. Commendatore, F. Rosa, M. Yelchnyk, B. Tomaszeski and C. Zawacki.
Ideas pay from $25 to $1000 and higher and are given immediate attention and prompt action by Bernie Daily, coordinator of the Idea Plan, and by the departmental investigators.
Lubrication Program Set
by Ian Racicowski & A. Lamoureux
The new oil room in the Reclaim Plant is the latest step in the continuing program of the engineering and mechanical department to upgrade lubrication techniques and service throughout the plant.
Since contamination is the greatest enemy of oil, a clean storage and dispensing area for lubricants is essential to maintaining high quality service. In addition to being a cleaner area than the previous oil room, the new oil room is centrally located in the Reclaim plant and easily accessible for drum deliveries.
Equipment lubrication is recognized as a critically essential service and serious efforts are being made to maintain a high quality service. A lubrication program is now being developed for the chemical plant.
The lubrication equipment to be store in the new oil room includes the following:
1. The new lubrication cart which employs modern lubrication equipment.
2. Lubrication records as required by the lubrication schedule for the reclaim plant.
3. A central automatic dispensing station, now being installed for the Farval lubricators used in the mill rooms.
Al Manzi, Mechanical Department Superintendent, presents check to Mrs. Bernie Daily, left, Idea Plan Expediter, as they look on approvingly.
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Here is the extracted text from the document image, preserving the layout and structure as much as possible:
Vol. 4 No. 8 CHEM-TEXTS Page 3
Know Your Benefits:
Some Questions And Answers On
Uniroyal’s Matching Gift Program
by Mill Makoski
To provide and insure a college education for our own children
and the many children who can’t afford one, Uniroyal, Inc., has set
up the Matching Gift Program.
Today colleges need help more than ever before since tuition
charges cover only a part of the cost of an education. These colleges
need help from companies, foundations, and individuals whether
college graduates or not.
Q. What is the matching gift
program?
A. It is a program Uniroyal offers to all employees whereby
the Company will contribute to
institutions of higher education,
amounts equal to contributions
made by employees.
Q. What amounts will Uniroyal
match?
A. The minimum amount is
$25. The maximum gift for each
employee is $1,000 per year.
Q. What employees are eligible?
A. All active employees on regu-
lar full time jobs or on an
authorized leave of absence with
at least one year of service.
Q. What educational institutions
are eligible?
A. All colleges and universities
which grant degrees and which
are recognized by a recognized
agency or are actively
seeking such an accreditation are
eligible.
Q. How should an employee
apply for the matching gift to an
educational institution?
A. The employee obtains an ap-
plication form from the institution
to which he wishes to contribute.
He completes this form and sub-
mits it to the Uniroyal Industrial
Relations Department. Uniroyal
will then match the employee’s
gift.
“I’d Hate To Be Blind”
Attending a “Let’s Pretend” session at which you experience the feeling of being blind are from
left, Martha Karbowicz, Jacqueline Mala, Laura Soares, Eleanor Chmielinski, Deolinda Pardal,
Geneviève Whitehil, Mary Waltons, Bob Harrison, Norm Owens, and Dave Davis. Uniting “feeling
blind” were Bill Schmelke, Ed Balanda, Harry Rich, Rose Wasoka, Bill Smley and Alex Keniausis.
by Martha Karbowicz &
Jacqueline Mala
“Being blind must be un-
bearable . . . being in total dark-
ness for the rest of your life.
“If you were born blind,
you would accept life as it is
because you know nothing else.
But . . . to be born with your
sight and then to lose it by
carelessness is a great tragedy.”
“In the “Let’s Pretend”
meeting, it was a terribly depres-
sive feeling to try doing every-
day ‘take it for granted’ things
like brushing your teeth, lighting
a cigarette, or looking at a per-
son by just ‘feeling’ your way.
“One thing, your sense of
Plant, Leader
In Chemicals
Uniroyal is considered the world’s leading manufacturer of chemicals. Over 700 chemicals are made by
the division. 50 of them are made at the Naugatuck plant.
Virtually every tire on the
road, including Goodyear, Fire-
stone, Goodrich, General and
other leading tire brands, use
one of the antioxidants, anti-
ozonants, stabilizers or softeners
made in Chemicals Production.
Recently, the combined ef-
forts of Chemical and Synthetic
Rubber Divisions brought new
business to the plant when they
shipped an order of Antioxidant
451 to a new customer who
urgently needed the chemical to
prevent a shutdown. The cus-
tomer, a well known rubber
manufacturer, has since pur-
chased several carloads of 451
which is made in Bldg. 17.
Safety is My Business
Bilez Named
VFW Commander
Tony Bilez, a member of the
VFW for 22 years was named
Commander of Post 1260 in
Naugatuck. Elected officers in
the Post were Gus Hocke-
nknecht, chaplain; Charlie Con-
verse, service vice-president; and
Frank Semplesnki, junior vice
president. 100 Chemical Plant
employees belong to the VFW.
smell is very keen. Someone lit a
cigarette while we were blind-
folded and our sense of smell
really picked up the odor much
faster than under normal condi-
tions . . . but unfortunately
smell doesn’t help you see.
“In case of such an accident
happening, the program gave
some very interesting points, for
instance: feeling the warmth or
coldness of the light bulb, count-
ing the number of steps to a
doorway or stairway, most im-
portant, placing your arm across
yourself in case you bump into
something to ease your fall.
“But these helpful hints
only proved how unbearable it
must be to be blind, especially from a careless accident.
Thank God I can see! . . . I’d
hate to be blind.”
Employees (Cont’d from page 1)
rubber dust on it.
Preventing this fire requires
good housekeeping in the area;
proper maintenance and keeping
ventilation slots free from clog-
ging when doing work or in an
emergency situation. The fire was stopped as it was
small and could have been more
serious if Bianchi, Rundle, Fosdyck
and Tortoris and De Balbo had not
extinguished it so quickly.
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Electrical
Power
Improved
Chemical
Control
Center
(Continued from page 1)
accurately plan the movement of
materials through their buildings. By checking the Lab data
on in-process material, the drying and grinding of off-spec
products, still in the manufacturing process, can be eliminated
and the extra cost of reworking
an off-spec product saved.
Priority System
One of the biggest hangups
in production can be mechanical
or equipment failure, but by
establishing a product priority
system, the breakdowns of
the most important products can
be kept running. Tom Downing
coordinates all mechanical activity with Clint Houstoncitect and
Leo Napello, and when necessary all required mechanical
overtime, especially if the product has a “Top” priority to meet
customer needs.
By keeping accurate records
on production and finishing, a
department is kept in close control
of its performance against its schedule, and failures or changes are
more easily made in the schedule to keep customer demands.
Accurate monitoring of raw
material receipts and monthly inventory reports have eliminated much waste and resulted in dollar
savings.
Center’s Staff
In charge of scheduling and
coordinating with the D/S department is Marty Mathewson,
with Frances Engel coordinating
the purchase of all raw materials
to insure sufficient inventory of
materials for operation of the
plant. Clark Atkinson, in charge
of the computer program for the
Center, is now mapping out a
Synthetic Kepler Retires To Alaska
“B” Crew
Hits Goal
Getting a quality tire to
the customer on time that meets
his demands in a highly competitive market is no easy job but
the Synthetic “B” crew achieved
a production goal of 8 charged
batches of latex a shift for an
entire month.
The latex market has
slumped considerably the past
twelve months due to a drop in
the carpet industry, so every
pound of latex business is
needed to keep the plant operating on a full schedule.
Efficient, steady production
of a quality Naugacyde latex is a
major step towards improvement
of our competitive position, in
keeping manufacturing costs
down, and keeping our customers satisfied.
Reaching this goal required
the full effort of all crews and in
this case, the “A” and “B”
contributed significantly to the
“B” crew’s achievement of the
month long goal.
Members of the “B” crew
are John Needham (now in the
mechanical department), Jerry
Perkins, Fred Sirmance, Fred
Miller, John Cook, Bill Boyle,
John Lawton, Horace Hermansdorfer, Toney Richard, Bob Lockwood, Earl Root, Al Karekekas,
Steve Perkins, foreman, and Fred
Engle, asst. foreman.
Computerized inventory system.
Keeping the records and statistics straight and the information
flowing smoothly is a Millie
Truell’s primary responsibility
in the Center.
The Center now completing
its first full year of operation,
has been highly successful in
helping improve production and
quality and keeping manufacturing costs down to a competitive
level, with the final result of the
Center being job security for all.
MIP Plan
(Cont’d from page 1)
purchased with the amount deducted from the payroll and the
total amount of stock that has
been purchased by the employee
to date.
Uniroyal will pay the brokerage commissions on the stock
purchased under the plan, except for any purchases made
with dividend payments.
Non salary employees can
obtain a copy of the plan and
sign-up forms from Jack Dunn;
salary employees from Alice
Egan and Kay Desceoteaux.
Safety Is My Responsibility
Phil Kepler retired after 27 years, auctioned off
his home, and set out for Alaska. Wishing him
good luck from left are Joe Viles, Alice Viles, Don
Holmes, Phil and Davie Nelson of the Synthetic
department.
High School
you must be: 1) a former member of a school class which has
graduated from high school; 2)
at least 18 years old; 3) a Connecticut resident for 6 months
just prior to the examination; 4)
out of full-time day high school
one academic year.
Subjects to Test
In the tests, emphasis is
placed on your intellectual
power rather than detail content
and on your ability to understand, evaluate, and to think
clearly. Five subject areas are
covered in the tests: Grammar,
Social Studies, Natural Science,
Literature, and Mathematics.
Exam Blows Up
Many, out of school for
several years, are overly concerned about being prepared to
take the examination. For an
individual who needs only a
“slight brushup,” several books
are available in bookstores.
Many schools have adult education courses to prepare you for
the exam.
How To Apply
An application must be
filled out in person before a
designated official in your local
school system.
The exam is given every
month (except July or August)
on the 2nd and 3rd Saturday of
the month at Waterbury State
Technical College for people in
this area.
A $5 fee is charged applicants. No fee is required for
veterans with an honorable discharge, for either the exam or
the diploma.
Employees To Take Tests
Union members passed tests
in June with high marks
after several years in the service
and a little homework.
Jesse Silva will take the test
in September. Clarence Jackson
plans to take it after a short
review of the subjects.
For further information on
how to get a high school diploma, talk to your foreman or
supervisor, or call Bill Lavelle,
Ext. 624.
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
UNIROYAL CHEMICAL
Naugatuck, Connecticut 06770
RETURN POSTAGE GUARANTEED
The startled expression is the result of Bill being told he could have a
vacation just like everybody else. He was so anxious to go, he left
this issue at the mercy of others; so, this is the result. Bill does an
outstanding job with Chem-Texts–have a restful three weeks, Bill!
Vol. 4 No. 8
Editor Lavelle Makes It
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