CHEM-TEXTS – Vol. 3 No. 2 – Page 2

Page 002

CHEM TEXTS

Page 4

The $475.00 Cup

SUGGESTION PLAN AWARDS

Gene St. John had an idea some time back about the use of the small gel cups used in the laboratory for testing purposes. Part of Gene’s job was buying laboratory equipment and material; however, not satisfied with the products available on the market, he set about the task of designing an inexpensive cup that would do the job, equally well. Much of the work was done at home. The result was a suggestion award of $475.00 based on savings when Gene’s efforts paid off.

Jacinto DaSilva of the Chemical Production department was awarded $60.00 (the balance of an $85.00 award) for his idea to change the method of washing Octamine which reduced the amount of material going to the sewer. An original award of $25.00 was made last January for this suggestion – the balance of the award is based on actual experience in material savings.

The above 2 awards were the highest out of a total of 49 suggestions considered during a recent meeting of the suggestion committee. Twelve (12) cash and nine (9) Honorable mention awards were made totaling $725.00. Other awards were:

Joseph Moniz – Digesters –
Honorable Mention

Joseph Moniz – Digesters –
$25.00


Harry Rich – Labs – $15.00
Ed Day – Labs –
Honorable Mention
Dom Angiolillo – Labs –
$15.00
Frank Wasilesky – Mech.
Stores – $15.00
N. Salinardi – Mech. –
Honorable Mention
Carmine Ianuzzi – Mech.
Honorable Mention
(3rd – $10.00)
W. Frum – Mech. – $25.00
Charles Drapko – Chem. Prod.
$15.00
George Ravenscroft, Jr. –
Mech. – $35.00
Carmine Ianuzzi – Mech. –
Honorable Mention
G. Hennessey – Chem. Prod.
$15.00
Jacinto DaSilva – Chem. Prod.
Honorable Mention
Bill Leary – Mech. –
Honorable Mention
W. Detlefsen – Chem. Prod. –
Honorable Mention
A. Giancarlo – Mech. –
Honorable Mention
A. Gedraitis – Mech. – $15.00
G. Hennessey – Chem. Prod. –
Honorable Mention

The overall figures this year represent a reduction in suggestion plan activity due to the recent strike.

Through August 1967 a total of 201 suggestions have been considered with 64 awards totaling $1,620.00 being made. During this same period there were also 23 Honorable Mention awards.


NEW SAFETY EYE PROTECTION PROGRAM TO BE STARTED

A study of first-aid cases revealed a substantial number of eye injuries, many of them potentially serious. To combat this problem the use of safety glasses will be expanded throughout the plant to include all production, maintenance and laboratory areas and all personnel who work or visit these areas.

We will expect each person to wear safety glasses at all times during his working shift except in office, rest or locker room areas. For those who require prescription glasses the company has a program of providing safety frames and lenses.

For those who do not ordinarily wear glasses we maintain a stock of “planos” that can be worn by anyone and can be obtained through his foreman. For those who have a fitting problem we will provide professional help.

We believe this program is a step forward in our continuing efforts to provide an ever safer work place. We look toward full cooperation from all of our Uniroyal Chemical people and the Safety Department is ready to help in any way it can.


Do Safety Glasses Work? The photo above shows what happened when a 1/4″ thick glass bullseye ruptured and flying glass, under great pressure, struck a fellow employee. The safety glasses cracked but did not shatter. Think about what could have happened if he did not have Safety Glasses on.


Here’s a real old timer for you — Naugatuck Chemical 1905. We are told (by an old timer, of course) that the buildings in the center of the picture are #1 and #2 buildings which are still standing. The fence running along the railroad track is located where #7 building is now located. Just about the time this picture was taken, construction was starting on #30 building (the old sulfuric acid facility) which is now the Chemical machine shop.


Two Recent Accidents Mar Record

Here is a brief description of two lost-time accidents which occured during the last week in August…We outline them here in the hope that having read what can happen, you will work with care.

An operator in the pilot plant was running material through a granulator when a cloth being used to contain the dust fell down. When the operator attempted to tuck the cloth back into place, his hand pushed too far into an opening in the back of the machine. The arm on the flywheel caught his left middle finger against the body of the granulator smashing the tip, resulting in a partial amputation.

A truck driver was helping in the loading of 16 inch diameter pipe. Two sections were already on opposite sides of the truck to balance the load. When the truck driver moved to one side of the truck, one section of pipe rolled across the truck body and crushed his right ankle against the other section, causing a fracture.


CLEANER AIR WEEK

[IMAGE: Logo showing “CLEANER” with numbers 12, 9, 3, 6 around it and text “ROUND THE CLOCK”]

OCTOBER 23-29


From an Unexpected Quarter

An old rifle-bought to be part of a firearms collection – went off in the hands of its owner and severely injured a person nearby. No one had even thought to find out whether or not the rifle was loaded!

On the job, we are trained to be on the lookout for all the “normal” hazards. Its the totally unexpected condition that sometimes fools us.

Even if you have the best accident-prevention program in the world, remember this: safety in a department depends largely on the alertness of every individual who works there.


FIRE DEPARTMENT ASKS COOPERATION FOR WINTERIZING

With the thoughts of summer vacation still fresh in our minds and several weeks of pleasant weather still ahead, it may be a little difficult to think seriously about winter weather and freezing temperatures. Our plant fire department, however, has to think about it as this is the time of year when they begin preparing their equipment for winter. Certain valves must be shut – outside sprinkler systems filled with anti-freeze; air valves controlling other outside fire protection piping must be checked to be sure it is in proper working order. All plant structures must be inspected to make sure all openings, broken windows, etc., are closed up. This is where you can help by making sure all windows and doors in your work area are in good condition and above all, make sure they are closed up at night. An open window next to a sprinkler line can cause a freezeup even if the building is heated.

A little preventative care and maintenance by all of us can save a great deal in loss or replacement of vital fire protection.


1967 SAFETY BOX SCORE 8 MONTHS THROUGH AUGUST 31

1967 1966
Lost-Time Injuries 8 12
Serious Injuries 37 40
Total 45 52

The fact that our injuries are somewhat less than last year’s record high total is no reason to relax our safety efforts. In August we doubled our previous total of 4 lost-time injuries. In addition, we had 8 serious injuries and several near-miss incidents.

Near-misses are warnings of something gone wrong! If you had one recently it could as easily have been an accident. Don’t take that chance – work safely.


SALESROOM NOTICE

The employee salesroom on Rubber Avenue has announced a special mattress sale from September 15 through October 13, 1967.

Mattress and box spring

Twin and full size — $ 66.00
Queen size 60×80 — 92.75
King size 72×84 or 76×80 — 133.25


UNIROYAL Chemical
Naugatuck, Connecticut 06770

U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit No. 10
Naugatuck, Conn. 06770

CHEM-TEXTS – Vol. 3 No. 3 – Page 2

Page 002

Page 2 CHEM-TEXTS Vol. 3 No. 3


FROM THE FACTORY MANAGER

DEAR FELLOW EMPLOYEE:

Are you a professional? In sports the professional is one whose proficiency and skill enables him to earn his living through his participation. The professional is characterized by his pride in his efforts. In a similar sense, we are professionals earning our living by supplying our customers with chemicals, reclaim, and polymers. But do we always demonstrate the proficiency and skill required in our jobs? Do we have the pride of workmanship characteristic of the professional?

Remember a professional always gives his best and always tries to win. He puts team goals and team effort ahead of his own personal desires. He believes the whole team wins together and he takes pride in realizing that the true recognition for his effort is in the team winning.

The same thing is true in our plant – we all win when we satisfy our customers’ needs in the most efficient manner possible. Anything less than this – we aren’t professionals!

[Signature]

John D. Evans


Chemical Control Center Reviews Quality, Productivity, and Costs

[IMAGE: Sam Gillette, left, listens as Walt Frankenberger, in charge of the Chemical Control Center, reviews the previous day’s production with Jim Cronin, right, superintendent of chemical production.]

by Walt Frankenberger

The Chemical Control Center (CCC) in Chemical Production was established 18 months ago to increase productivity, improve the quality of our products and to decrease costs. The center was set up by Walt Frankenberger who organized the procedures for operating it.

By weekly and daily review of production pounds, quality, and costs, the Center controls productivity and spots downward trends in the plant which require adjustment. The CCC also reviews on a monthly basis the performance against set standards of every chemical made by the plant during the previous month and year to date. This evaluation is based on raw material usage, yield and productivity expressed in pounds per hour. A report is then given to the responsible foreman and process engineer so that corrective action can be taken, if necessary.

For daily control, a daily batch card is used for reporting the date and number of batches made each day. The cards are turned in daily to the center, logged, and sent to EMIC for further processing.

The number of batches for the major chemical products are plotted on control boards, shown in the photo, where they are compared to a set standard and on which a rolling average is maintained. When the number of batches drop below the standard, the person in any business.


73 Employees Awarded $1455 For Suggestions.

Wojtczak Receives $70. Mayo’s Idea Brings $50.

[IMAGE: Looking at the checks awarded for their suggestions are l. to r. Elmer Anderson, Joe Wojtczak, and Bob Lockwood who received a total of $157. for their ideas.]

by Kirk Kirkendall

Suggestions for improving the plant’s overall operations can provide benefits which go beyond the money received for a suggestion award. Contributing suggestions and ideas involves a person in the successful operation of the plant and brings a personal satisfaction to his job. No matter what you may think of your suggestion, don’t hesitate to send it in. It may turn out to be an important one.

73 employees recently received $1,455. for their suggestions out of the 150 suggestions which were reviewed. The highest single award of $50 went to Fred Mayo. Joe Wojtczak received $70 for several suggestions. John Painter, a consistent winner, got $65; Ed Bazenas $55; Al Urban of Reclaim $50 and Bob Lockwood of Synthetic Production $47.50.

Receiving $40 for their suggestions were Fernando Henriques, R. Fratangelo, Ed Semaskvich and Elmer Anderson. Joe Moniz of Reclaim obtained $35 for his idea on improving the cleaning of Sweco screens; J. Gallucci $30 for a safety suggestion, and $30 to W. Anderson, Fred Engle, J. Lawton, J. Wawer and J. Gandolfo.

$25 awards were received by H. Rich, J. Wawer, J. Matcheson, J. Brown, L. foreman gives a detailed explanation of the causes for the lost production.

Since daily control was initiated, rubber chemical production has consistently improved over production prior to September 1968. The quality of rubber chemicals has also improved through the Center’s operation. By improving production and quality, the Center helps to provide better service to our customers, the most important person in any business.

[IMAGE: Fred Mayo received $50. the highest single award. (Photo by Kirkendall)]

Rinaldi, G. Brezak, L. Dumonski and J. Butkus.

$20 awards went to E. Smith and F. Pikula, and J. Butkus and J. Painter.

Thirty-three employees received or split $15 for their


New Curalon

(con’t from page 1.)

thane elastomers; developed the product, Vibrathane, the tradename for our polyurethane elastomers. Our Research and Development technology in rubber chemicals led to the development of Curalon L whose use should grow at a 20 per cent rate annually.

Polyurethane elastomers cured with Curalon possess high resistance to wear and tear and have excellent shock absorption properties. Because of these properties, they are used for grain chute linings, industrial truck tires, gears, mountings and printing rolls where they outlast rubber 3 to 4 times longer.

Project engineers of the new plant were Neil Klarfeld and Jim Garrigan. Lou Kaiser is the process engineer, responsible for the manufacturing operation.


ideas: Lois Devino, C. Iannuzzi, F. Maher, A. Hanley, Ray Gogolewski, J. Hoey, J. Mahoney, J. Lynch, K. Urbsaitis, N. Tiscione, A. Krampetz, G. Monahan, J. Banno, R. Ruginis, D. Pardal, B. Zukauskas, J. Grosso, E. Johnson, R. O’Neil, E. Root, J. Objinski, A. J. Happy, R. Bell, T. Ciarello, J. Slasienski, J. Lynch, A. Gedraitis, G. Ravenscroft, C. Parks, R. Steward, Laura Soares, V. Kloc – Bob Lockwood, and L. Haas – J. Wawer.

Honorable Mentions, which automatically bring a $15 award for the third suggestion submitted, went to J. Mahoney, F. Dingle, P. Masone, H. F. Carroll, M. Hebert, B. Pranulis, R. Lestage, E. Anderson, J. Wojtczak, F. Henriques, C. Miele, J. Lawton, F. Phelan, J. Butkus (2), J. Painter, K. D. Nelson, R. O’Neil, C. Hiser – D. Cleary, G. Brezak and L. Reeser.

Every suggestion submitted receives serious consideration by the Suggestion Awards Committee. Some suggestions require more time to study than others to evaluate them, which is oftentimes the reason for some delay. Suggestions worthy of consideration are any that increase production, improve quality, eliminate duplication or waste, improve packaging, simplify your work procedure, eliminate paper work, improve customer service, reduce costs, improve production, and better our safety conditions.

Suggestion forms are available around the plant. If unavailable, your Foreman or Supervisor will be glad to obtain them for you.


Save Your Blood For June 12

by Bob Shortt

June 12 has been reserved as Uniroyal Chemical’s day for blood donations. Because of its convenient facilities, the Bloodmobile will be held at St. Michael’s Parish House in Naugatuck. Our quota is 150 pints.

Employees have donated generously since the visits started in 1957 when 190 pints were given. Since then, we have averaged about 170 pints each visit.

Blood is in great demand today. By contributing, you can help be sure that blood is available for you or your family. Let’s try for the 190 pints again.

CHEM-TEXTS – Vol. 2 No. 5 – Page 4

Page 004

Page 4 | CHEM TEXTS | Vol. 2 No. 5


Employees Receive $1,453. In Awards For Recent Suggestions

Dom Persutti Submits Nine Suggestion Winners

Eighty-two suggestions received cash awards or honorable mentions in the last three months, amounting to a total of $1,453.00.

The highest award of $170.00 went to L. Schiller; with F. Raymond receiving $100.00; and K. Anderson and K. Nelson splitting another $100.00 award for their suggestion.

D. Persutti was the top idea man submitting 9 suggestions, receiving $75.00 in awards and 4 honorable mentions. J. Sullivan and W. Campbell each submitted 4 suggestions and were awarded $45.00 and 1 honorable mention for their ideas.

Other employees who received high awards for their suggestions were J. DiSantis, $53.00; W. Adamski, $50.00 and Mary Marques, $30.00.

$25.00 awards went to W. Breton, F. Henriques, D. Bedard, F. Chiodo, A. Calder, E. Root, E. Bazenas, and A. Patskan.

$15.00 awards were given to R. Shipman, F. Carriero, G. Ravenscroft (3 awards), R. Harrison, C. Iannuzzi (3 awards), W. Fruin, S. Molnar, J. Grosso, T. Lee, T. Turner, A. Gedraitis, F. Commendatore, D. Pratt (2 awards), B. Torrey, J. Dayner, L. Fortier, W. Stenson, A. Civitello, L. Raskauskas, A. Kazemekas, F. Sordi, E. Root, C. Miele, F. Surmanck, F. Bendler (2 awards), R. Ruginis, J. Mahoney, E. Bazenas, E. Johnson, G. Monahan, B. Pranulis, R. Harrison, J. Hoey, and A. Silva.


[PHOTO CAPTION]
Lou Schiller of R. & D. received $170.00 for his suggestion that Teflon bearings be used on Mooney machines to reduce costs.


[PHOTO CAPTION]
Ken Anderson, left, and Ken Nelson of the Synthetic Mechanical Dept. received $50. each for suggesting that the hydraulic jet pump’s speed be reduced by one-third to reduce maintenance costs.


[PHOTO CAPTION]
George Ravenscroft who works in the Instrument Dept. was awarded $30.00 for a safety and maintenance suggestion.


[PHOTO CAPTION]
Ed Bazenas of the Mechanical Dept. received two awards for suggestions on equipment improvement in Bldgs. 80 and 109.


Honorable Mentions were received by L. Bissonnette, J. Grosso (2), J. Ferguson, C. Iannuzzi, J. Rek, D. Donato, E. Rott (2), L. Anderson, E. Bazenas, P. Masone, W. Fruin and G. Monahan.

Any employee can participate in the Company — wide Suggestion System plan. The suggestion should be original and represent thinking beyond that expected on the job.

Your ideas can cover such areas as new or better products, improved quality, better packaging, savings of production time, better working conditions, safety conditions, scrap reductions, material savings, simplified working procedures, and many other possibilities.

Suggestion System forms are located conveniently throughout the plant.

SAFETY IS MY RESPONSIBILITY


SAFETY SLOGAN

Contest #5

Date:___

Name ___________

Address _________


Dept.____________

My suggestions are:

1._________


2._________


3._________


4._________


5._________



Ray Pekock Wins $25. For Safety Slogan: Contest Open To All Members Of Family

“Safety First, Make It Last” was the winning safety slogan submitted by Ray Pekock. Other employees entering the contest with interesting slogans were Lynda Harris, Marjorie Lasky, James Hartnett, who won the contest previously, Lynda Nappiello, Cynthia Haggerty, Bill Schmelke, another contest winner, Richard Fratangelo, Tom Basile, and Barbara Gabriel.

More and more interest has grown in the contest with more than a 100 safety slogans submitted. Many of the slogans have come from members of employees’ families. Any member of an employee’s family is eligible to win the $25. award.

The rules for the contest are simple. All slogans should be sent to the Safety Dept., Bldg. 84 where they will be judged by three members of the plant’s Safety Committee.

  1. Each member of the family may submit as many slogans as they want.
  2. The entry must be 10 words or less.
  3. An entry can be re-submitted in new contests provided it has never won.
  4. The decision of the 3 judges is final.
  5. All employees can enter except the plant staff and members of the joint union-management safety committee.
  6. If you don’t use the form, be sure you include all of the necessary information on your entry.
  7. The contest closes Dec. 20.

CHEM TEXTS

PUBLISHED BY THE INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS DEPARTMENT
UNIROYAL CHEMICAL, NAUGATUCK, CONNECTICUT

UNIROYAL Chemical
Naugatuck, Connecticut 06770

RETURN POSTAGE GUARANTEED

U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit No. 10
Naugatuck, Conn. 06770