Tom Lee

CHEM-TEXTS – 1973 – Page 3

by
Page 003

Vol. 7, 1973 CHEM-TEXTS Page 3

A B.S. 20 Years Later

[IMAGE: Two men standing together, one appears to be congratulating the other, with a framed picture on the wall behind them]

Jack Tierney, right, is congratulated by Harry Witt, Synthetic Production Superintendent on receiving his B.S. degree in Management from the University of New Haven. Tierney returned to college 20 years after graduation from high school and pursued his degree at night for the past 7 years. According to Tierney, he would not have been able to continue his studies without the financial assistance of the Tuition Aid program.

On the wall in the photo is one of Harry Witt’s paintings, “Autumn Gold.” Witt recently completed a course in Oil Painting, sponsored by the Naugatuck High School Adult Education Program.

57 Return To School

by Victor Anderson

Fifty-seven people registered for the Mechanical Trades Program which will be held at the Kaynor Technical School in Waterbury. The two year course in Basic Mathematics, Blueprint Reading, Plumbing, Mechanics and Engineering will be taught by Edwin Schweitzer, an Instructor at the school.

The three hour classes are held from 3:30 P.M. to 6:30 P.M. Tuition and textbook costs are being paid by the plant.

Successful completion of the courses will allow graduates to qualify for second class Piper, Mechanic, and Electricians’ openings when available and in accordance with contract requirements of seniority and qualifications.

In the 1970-72 program thirty-five employees graduated and twenty-three have received positions in the Chemical and Synthetic Mechanical departments.

Local 308 Talks Start

At press time it was learned that URW Local 308 and the Naugatuck Plant management were to begin to negotiate a local supplement agreement of the 3 year master agreement.

Charles Roland, Local 308 President, will head the union representatives and Jesse Crim the plant members.

EPA Chief To Speak

Douglas M. Costle, Commissioner, Department of Environmental Protection will address the Uniroyal Chemical Management Club on Wednesday, Nov. 7 at the Elks Club. Costle succeeded Dan Lufkin as the new EPA chief in August.

He is a graduate of Harvard University and the University of Chicago Law School, J.D.

Golf League Ends

It was youth vs. old age as William Broden and Chester Zawacki won the golf championship.

It was a year that youth took all as the Twilight Golf League completed its third season with William Broden and Chester Zawacki winning the championship cup in a climatic match with George Baktis and Stanley Mazanski at the Lyman Meadow Golf Club.

Last year’s winners Joseph Biernacki and Cyrus Blanchard were eliminated in the early rounds of the tournament and two of the early season favorites, Robert McDermott and Louis Rizzuti, lost their bid to qualify for the golf cup.

Officers for the 1973 season were Stanley Mazur, John Prior, Chester Zawacki, Peter Welch, Edward Rabitor, Howard Kravitz, Thomas Geise, Thomas Ennis and William Broden.

Breen’s

The Biggest Little Store In The Country

Visit our four floors of famous brands for him and her

Ladies’ Dept. Men’s Shop
Couture Coats Manhattan Shirts
Tanner Dresses Botany Suits—Sport Coats
Vanity Fair Lingerie H. Freeman Suits
Joyce—Naturalizer Shoes London Fog Rainwear
Florsheim Shoes
Jaymar Slacks

Lingerie Shop

Vanity Fair
Olga—Barbizon
Schrank Robes
Shadowline

Jr. Sportswear Ski Boutique
Collegetown Sweaters Ski Jackets
White Stag—Skirts, Slacks Warm-Up Slacks
Davis Coats Ski Pants
Peerless Sportwear Ski Sweaters
Gloves & Sweaters

Cosmetic & Jewelry Dept.

Guerlain Yves Saint Laurent
Elizabeth Arden Monet
Nina-Ricci Napier
Chanel Marvella Pearls

CHEM-PROD JOTTINGS

by 7 BUILDING CREW

BLDG. 14: So far this year we have the $180,000 Octamine Flaker AR approved for 94 Building. It will be installed around March 1974.

FINE ORGANICS PLANT: The new plant that we used to call the Solvent Plant has been redubbed the FINE ORGANICS Plant. This will be a new building similar to 100 Building where 57 Building now stands. Construction will begin next year.

SUNPROOF: A new $4,000 refrigeration unit for our Sunproof operation is scheduled for delivery in several weeks. The new conveyor and bagger for Sunproof is in the plant and is being installed.

TIDBITS: People are still asking about Jim Cravo’s “hernia” operation.

65 and 80 Buildings Obituary

by Tom Harrison

It seems hard to believe, but the old soldiers homes of the Chemical Plant (65 and 80 Buildings) are finally being closed down. These 18 “old Men” with an average seniority of 28 years have done an outstanding job.

The production began with the Clave men, led off on days usually by senior man Larry Gabianelli and George Zitzmann, followed by Matt Chlebowski and Charlie Drapko, and closing out the night shift with Bill Detlefsen and Ray Palmer. These men have produced excellent quality Primary MBT at a high yield of 78% (versus Standard yield of 77%). However, it would have to be agreed to by all that “Gabby” made a better batch of spaghetti than MBT and probably more of them too!

Picking up where the Clave men left off, the Floor Operators kept things going. Despite the loss of one of the autoclaves, constant mechanical breakdowns, several injuries and sickness to many of the operators, as well as an accumulation of two years vacation time per year, these operators in most months made and usually acceded the production schedule.

The biggest achievement of the Floor Operators, Walt Breton, Larry Fortier, Henry Kowalewski, Tom Lee, Frank Maher and John Mancuso was the quality record they attained with Thiazole rejection rate of less than 2%. This could only have been accomplished by the men’s extensive experience in making Thiazoles, as well as willingness by all to use this knowledge in working harmoniously together.

After the MBTS, Delac and OXAF slurry was produced in 65 Building, it was then transferred to 80 Building where it was first washed, then dried and ground and finally packaged out. The high quality standards and production rates established by the 65 Building operators were maintained by the 80 Building Dryer Operators: Joe Abraitis, Wilbur Hugar and John Wawer.

After the material was dried, it was next ground and packaged out by the Mill Operators: Ed Copes, John Miller and Leo Vadnais. Through the extra efforts of these operators, neatly stacked pallets were always found on the first floor of 80 Building. These men also recovered over 100,000 lbs. of Delac fines from the filter boxes to not only improve the Delac yield to 89.4% (Standard 88%) but also to reduce pollution to the Naugatuck River.

Not to be forgotten are the two Pipers, Roland Bergeron and Harry Steele, who serviced these two buildings. By working closely with the operators and doing many maintenance jobs on their own initiative (except on Wednesdays) Junior and Harry aided greatly in the production of Thiazoles.

Last to be mentioned but probably the most important member of this group was Tom Engle who was the guiding influence to keep everyone working together.

Gaetz…

(Cont’d from page 1)

“Give Where You Work”

The philosophy of the United Givers is to “give where you work” through the payroll deduction plan and not in your home community. This method has proved the most successful, the most effective, and the least wasteful in helping the UG achieve its goal.

Gaetz is Chief Project Engineer for the Naugatuck plant. A graduate of Penn. State College with a B.S. degree in Chem. Eng. he has held a number of positions in the Engineering department, since he joined Uniroyal Chemical in 1951.

CHEM-TEXTS – Vol. 5, No. 1 – Page 2

by
Page 002

CHEM-TEXTS

Page 2 | Vol. 5, No. 1

FROM THE FACTORY MANAGER

DEAR FELLOW EMPLOYEE:

I’m sure that each of us with a home and family is well aware of how increasingly difficult it is to maintain the standard of living to which we are accustomed, in light of higher overall costs of products and services.

Each month we are faced with regular bills for rent or mortgage, food, fuel, telephone, electricity, gasoline, as well as emergency ones for the doctor, dentist, or automobile repairs. As these costs rise, we do our best to control them by avoiding wasteful use of electricity and water and, in general, by the careful spending of our dollars.

We, at the plant, are faced with similar problems. This year our fuel bill will increase over $600,000; our water bill will increase $35,000; and the cost of electricity will increase $83,000.

We will also have a bill, similar to an emergency one for the doctor, of approximately $3,000,000 for the waste water pretreatment plant.

It will take the fullest cooperation of all employees in order to control and reduce these costs. We must strive to operate in a more efficient manner; prevent accidents and serious injuries; obtain more and higher quality production; avoid waste and off-specification material; and to make suggestions to improve the plant’s overall efficiency.

If each of us uses our time, knowledge, skills and ideas to our fullest capabilities, I’m sure that we will be able to maintain and improve the position of our plant in terms of employment and income.

[Signature: Paul Lyson]

NOW Students Tour Lab.

Dr. Byron Hunter entrances NOW group as he answers question on chemistry. From left are Hunter, Ron Anthony, Ralph Neubig, director, Mike Pittman, Dale Saunders, Mike Davis, Clayt Parker, Trent Saunders, and Nathan Herbert. (M. Makoski photo.)

Young high school students from the North End Opportunity Center in Waterbury saw chemistry in action during a tour of the Research facilities in Bldg. 81 as part of a Boy Scout project to earn their Chemistry Merit Badge. With awed attention and enthusiasm the young chemists watched Dr. Byron Hunter perform miracles with chemical reactions that expanded rubber to twice its normal size. “They asked some sharp questions,” Dr. Hunter commented after the visit.

In the Analytical Control Lab., Anna Radowich demonstrated the methods and techniques used to analyze products manufactured in the plant for quality before being shipped to the customer.

This is the third tour for the NOW group, having visited TSSC and the Agricultural Chemical Research Center previously. According to Ralph Neubig, “informative tours like this interest the students in different careers and pursuing higher education.”

Joe Trangle of the Materials Department transported the group from Waterbury to the plant and returned them home in the plant station wagon.

Six Take Drawing Course

Reviewing an engineering drawing upon completion of the course are from left Dan Cleary, Walt Nystrom, Odell Hines, Ed Bates, Bill Scott, Jim Shea and Bob Smith, instructor for the course.

by Bob Smith

“Reading Engineering Drawings” is much easier for six Chemical Mechanical employees who completed a 21-week course on surfaces and views; dimensions and sectional views; tolerances and finishes; and piping arrangements.

Besides the theory of the textbook, the course was supplemented by drawings of plant buildings, machinery, and processing facilities providing a practical application to the course. Job problems were taken to the classroom for discussion, blackboard work and usually solved.

As a result of the course, greater knowledge of the job brings a fuller sense of satisfaction, individual achievement, and personal responsibility. And usually makes the job easier.

The course was conducted in Bldg. 81 conference room on Wednesday mornings and is the third time it has been given to mechanical department personnel.

$8,900 Awarded

(cont’ from page 1)

employees during a one year period. Under the new plan which eliminates obvious suggestions and the $15 award for three suggestions, the amount attests the quality of the Ideas made during the year.

1,000 Ideas Processed

1,000 Ideas were evaluated, processed and answered during the year by Bernie Daily, Mitch Mazur, and the department coordinators. The delays and red tape of prior years have been eliminated. Ideas are now answered within a week and are held up only for extra evaluation to determine a fair award for them.

Iannuzzi, Idea Man of Year

Idea Man for 1970 was Carmine Iannuzzi, of the Mechanical department who submitted 52 Ideas for which he received $195. Dom Polzella turned in 8 Ideas worth $325. The highest award for the year, $849, went to Ann Mannion, widow of Earl Mannion, for his cost saving uniform valve system.

“Team” Wins $545

Putting their heads together, Bill Krayeski and Walt Tabaka earned $545 for the 38 Ideas they submitted as a “team” during the year. As mechanics, they utilized the experience and skill of their jobs and turned in several high winning Ideas on mechanical improvements in the plant. Another high award team is J. Butkus and John A. Painter who recently received $175.

Other Idea Men

Other employees whose ideas contributed to the more efficient operation of the plant were: L. Clark, $177; T. Lee, $100; J. Enamait, $100; K. Ferreira, $95; F. Henriques, $75; F. Surmanek, $75; J. Ferguson, $75; and J. Gallucci, $75. Robert Lestage, W. Anderson, N. Tiscione, E. Cheney, A. Molnar, D. Bedard, J. Shumak, S. Kropcho, J. Sickola, R. Harrison and (con’t on page 4)

Lost Time

(con’t from page 1)

men’s Compensation amounted to $101,293.

But even more costly is the pain, suffering and financial burden endured by the individual and his family.

The loss in pay to the employees amounted to more than $20,000 during the year. Each accident costs the individual 20% of his earnings.

Affects All Employees

These are the obvious costs to the plant, but the hidden costs create greater problems. An experienced skilled person is replaced by one with less experience and knowledge of the job. Production, yields, and quality are hurt and the cost of making the product increased. As a result a department’s efficiency is reduced and the job security of fellow employees affected.

DEPARTMENT BREAKDOWN—1970

Department Lost Time Accidents Serious Injuries
Chemical Prod. 3 13
Reclaim Prod. 1 21
Synthetic Prod. 0 7
Materials 1 1
Mechanical 1 18
Res. & Develop. 0 6

Anna Radowich shows group a sample of liquid latex. (M. Makoski photo.)

Walt Tabaka left and Bill Krayeski received $545 for 38 Ideas. The “Idea Team” in the Synthetic Mechanical department discuss an Idea prior to submitting it.

CHEM-TEXTS – Vol. 5, No. 2 – Page 3

by
Page 003

CHEM-TEXTS

Vol. 5. No. 2 Page 3

Safety Glasses Save Eyesight of Five Employees

Set Goals; Show Results

The Management By Objective program at the Chemical plant uses results as the major measurement criterion. The purpose of the program is to provide the challenge of individual responsibility; a sense of accomplishment; and personal involvement in the successful operation of the plant during the year.

In the program supervisory personnel and members of their departments mutually define specific goals, individual areas of responsibility, and the results that can be expected on the job. The objectives for each department must fit into the overall objectives of the plant so that each group in the plant works as a unity toward the plant’s and Company’s objectives.

Emphasizes Results

Results, rather than activity, is the measurement by which each person is appraised. Since the individual helps set his own goals, he is accountable for his own achievements.

To be measurable, the objectives are set up as specific as possible in dollars, amounts, times, percentage, quality and other categories.

Four standards are used in the measurement guide which are reviewed quarterly and revised, or new standards and targets set as necessary: 1) Result Areas; 2) Measurements; 3) Commitments; and 4) Supportive Action.

When properly carried out the program provides the individual the incentive to achieve results which he helped set for himself by organizing his time and activities in a logical, systematic method.

Savings Bond Drive Starts

On May 25 a U.S. Savings Bond drive was initiated in the plant to offer all employees an opportunity to purchase Savings Bonds.

In view of the new higher interest rate of 5 1/2%, more people are taking a new look at Savings Bonds as a safe, systematic investment.

For convenience, the Bonds can be purchased by regular payroll deductions.

Presently 35% of the plant’s employees are buying U.S. Savings Bonds through the Payroll Savings Plan.

Application forms for enrollment can be obtained from the Bond Drive Committee members, Foremen, Supervisors or from Gladys Bradshaw, Industrial Relations Department, ext. 517.

Completed forms should be returned to W. Lavelle, Industrial Relations Department.

Don’t drive after taking certain pills, such as tranquilizers or antihistamines. They may have side effects that affect judgment, cause dizziness, sleepiness, and confusion.

SAFETY IS MY RESPONSIBILITY

Safety Award Received

An Award of Merit was presented to the Naugatuck Chemical plant for its “noteworthy safety performance” in 1970. The plant’s lost time accidents dropped from 24 to 6 accidents in 1970. Pictured in the Award presentation are from left, Sheldon Salzman, Factory Manager; Leon Raskauskas, Local 308 President; Joe Rzeszutek, Local 218 President; Bob Shortt, Safety Manager; and Sal Aloise, Safety Supervisor.

Tony Galletta shows Gene Reate how chisel punctured aerosol paint can which exploded in his face.

Without warning, the reaction vessel exploded, and covered the entire area with glass.

During April, safety glasses saved the eyesight of five employees when accidents occurred in different areas of the plant. In each case it was almost certain that the eyesight would have been damaged permanently if safety glasses had not been worn at the time of the accident.

By Tony Galletta

“While I was chiselling slag off an iron flange, the chisel slipped and punctured a hole in an aerosol paint can on the work bench. The can exploded and the tiny particles of aluminum paint covered my face and safety glasses. For a minute I thought I had been blinded.”

“The inside pressure in the can shot the paint 20 feet across the floor and covered the ceiling lights.”

“John Gandolfo said, ‘It’s one of those things that happens once in a million years.’ ”

“With your eyes, that’s all you need . . . just one time. Thank God I was wearing my safety glasses, otherwise I would possibly have been blinded for life.”

by Joe Longo

“I had set up the equipment to run a reaction in the safety cabinet in the Synthetic rubber research lab.”

“The reaction seemed somewhat peculiar, and I asked Dr. Steve Cantor to come over and observe the experiment.

“Without warning, the reaction vessel exploded and a flying object shattered the right lens of my safety glasses. Two overhead fluorescent light fixtures were broken and the entire laboratory area was covered with glass particles.

“It is almost certain that both of us would have suffered severe eye damage or possible loss of sight without our safety glasses.”

A few days prior to the accident, Dr. Tom Brett had held a

Glasses were covered with metallic particles from punctured can.

A glass stopper shattered the right lens of safety glasses.

safety meeting with his group emphasizing the new plant regulations on wearing safety glasses.

Tom Lee of Chemical Production experienced a close call when he was cleaning a 55-gallon baffle drum of sodium MBT. A small amount of the chemical in the bottom of the drum splashed

(Con’t. on page 4)

Fashions In The Plant

Paris, Rome, or London may be the fashion centers of the world but the Naugatuck plant has some style setting fashions of its own. Modelling the styles from left are Ann McAllister R.N., Marge Maye, Steve Arbuckle, Doug Klima, Cynthia Marinaro, and Sandy Bond.

CHEM-TEXTS – Vol. 5, No. 5 – Page 3

by
Page 003

CHEM-TEXTS

Vol. 5, No. 5 Page 3

Gillette, Welch Named To Head Up Idea Plan

[IMAGE: Sam Gillette, right, discusses methods with Pete Welch to improve Idea Plan.]

Sam Gillette, Manager of Methods Engineering, was named Idea Plan Administrator with overall responsibility for the program.

Pete Welch, Industrial Relations, was named Coordinator of the Plan and is responsible for the coordination of it among section Administrators.

In his first few weeks as Coordinator he has already processed a good many Ideas and has initiated new approaches to handle Ideas in quicker time.

Section administrators are Gary Arndt, Pilot Plants; Andy Perrella, TSSC; Lou Coscia, Labs; Ernst Krauss, Chemical Mechanical; Clayt Houseknecht, Synthetic Mechanical; Lee Owens, Synthetic Production; Joe Bucciaglia, Chemical Production; Charles Reich, Reclaim Production; Frank Lynch, Materials; Larry Mambrino, Control; and Hal Lynch, Purchasing.

There is no maximum limit to the amount of awards. If the calculated value of the Idea exceeds $1,000, the Idea is submitted for consideration of a higher award.

GIVE WHERE YOU WORK

Lady Luck Prevents Accident

Lady Luck prevented the possible loss of both hands of an employee while he was repairing the mills in one of the plant’s production facilities.

When he attempted to adjust the rollers, another employee inadvertently started up the machinery. Fortunately, the electrical switch was in a reverse position and the rollers operated in reverse.

In the repair of equipment, the electrical power should be “locked out” on all moving equipment to prevent accidental operation. If the equipment is “locked out” each time, Lady Luck has no control over safety.

The plant has a good control procedure for equipment “lock outs”. This area of employee safety is presently being handled as a priority concern by the Chemical Labor-Management Health & Safety Committee.

Cards Finish In Last Place

by Howard Slason

The Synthetic Cards softball team had a poor season, finishing in the cellar. The team’s finish was attributed to an irregular defense, inconsistent hitting, and injuries.

The “old pro” Charlie Roland carried most of the team’s pitching chores, but inadequate hitting and fielding support hurt his effectiveness.

Vic Kloc led the team in hitting with a .600 average and Mike True led the Cards in home runs.

Employee Honored

The Archdiocesan Medal of Appreciation was awarded to Alex Nole, by Archbishop Whealon of Hartford for his work in the Archdiocese.

He has been a religion instructor in St. Pius X parish for 15 years, and for the past 4 years lay director and curriculum coordinator of the CCD program. He is also president of the parish council.

SAFETY IS MY RESPONSIBILITY

Construction Started

(Cont’d. from page 1)

[IMAGE: Staples High School students collect samples of waste discharge for analysis of contents. The group visited the plant regularly for three weeks as part of an environmental study.]

tanks are rapidly nearing completion.

Committee Responsible

An environmental control committee, composed of 22 members from all plant departments, reviews the progress of the pretreatment plant once a month with the Factory Manager.

This committee uses Logic-Network diagrams which graphically show the progress of each departments’ responsibility and is updated once a month.

The successful operation of the pretreatment plant will depend on individual employees, particularly production and laboratory personnel.

For example, a spill of some materials which are washed down the drain, could disrupt the Chemical pretreatment plant and the Boro of Naugatuck’s secondary treatment plant.

Nine Months

(Cont’d. from page 1)

freeze; slow down in capital spending throughout industry; lower sales and earnings for industrial products; low-cost foreign and domestic competition in footwear and chemical business; heavy start-up costs at the Opelika, Ala. tire plant; and heavy expenses in the development of steel belted radial ply passenger tires.

Unions…

(Cont’d. from page 1)

Chemical Production sewers will be connected together through this line to the new waste water pump station. The line is encased in concrete to prevent uplift during high river water conditions.

Unions…

(Cont’d. from page 1)

term; Cy Blanchard, Vice President; Bob Lestage, Secretary; and Jack Hoey, Treasurer.

Elected to the Executive Board were Henry Hook, Bill Mariano, Frank Wasilesky, Stan Mazanski, Chester Fazziano, Julius Cohen and Edith Evans.

The Election Committee, which supervised the elections and counted the ballots, was Tom Lee, Bob Harrison and Fred Mayo.

ident; Art Calder, Secretary; and Frank Sordi, Treasurer. John Needham received the highest number of votes as a member of the Executive Board. In order of votes received, others elected to the Board were Bill Stenson, Gene Doughty, Ernie Molnar, Jean Burke, John Sullivan, and Joe Arbachauskas.

Chairman of the Election Committee was Walt Tabaka who was assisted by Marie Yaroshefski, and Len Dumonski.

ADVERTISEMENTS

UNIROYAL TIRES

UNIROYAL Belted WIDE OVAL

Snowplow™ WHITEWALLS

DOUBLE/2 BELTS OF FIBERGLASS
DOUBLE/2 POLYESTER CORD PLIES

ADVANCE TIRE SERVICE
510 Meriden Rd.
Waterbury ● 756-2205

FITZPATRICK’S, INC.
78 East Main St.
Ansonia ● 734-5318

MEZZIO’S
792 New Haven Rd.
Naugatuck ● 729-3988

MIDDLEBURY SERVICE CENTER
Route 64
Middlebury ● 758-9977

POUST’S SERVICE STATION
144 Rubber Ave.
Naugatuck ● 729-0433

FEATURES:
– 70 SERIES DESIGN (WIDE OVAL)
– POLYESTER CORD PLIES
– FIBERGLASS BELTS

UNIROYAL HOME & AUTO CENTERS

NEW HAVEN NEW MILFORD BRISTOL
130 Amity Road Boston Post Rd. Farmington Ave. Rte. 6
389-1541 878-6857 582-3176

CANFIELD CORNER PHARMACY

VERA T. ELSENBOSS, Reg. Pharm.
CANFIELD CORNER WOODBURY, CONN
PRESCRIPTIONS SINCE 1907
PHONE 263-2595
MEDIMET PRESCRIPTIONS
CHEERFULLY FILLED

CHEM-TEXTS – 1971-v05-i05-s200

by
Page 200

UNIROYAL CHEM-TEXTS

Vol. 5, 1971 | PUBLISHED FOR THE PEOPLE OF UNIROYAL CHEMICAL | No. 5

Construction Started On New $3,200,000 Pretreatment Plant

Nine Months Sales Up

Net income for the nine months ending October 3, was $33,234,000, equivalent to $1.10 per share of common stock compared with $27,852,000 or 92 cents a share for the comparable period last year, an increase of 19.3%. Earnings were equivalent to $1.04 per common share after adjustment for the potential dilution related to the company’s convertible debentures issued in February 1971.

Sales for the nine months totaled $1,277,000,000, a gain of 8% over the $1,183,-000,000 for the same period in 1970.

Net income of Uniroyal, Inc. for the 3rd quarter totaled $7,130,000, equivalent to 22 cents per common share, a gain of 38.6% compared with $5,143,000, or 14 cents per share, reported for the quarter last year. Sales increased 9% to $400,-000,000 compared with

$366,000,000 for the third quarter of 1970.

Net income for the 3rd quarter and 9 months was adversely affected by the following factors: freeze of price increases; wage increase costs prior to the

(Cont’d. on page 3)

Drive Nears $21,000

by Jim Carroll

The United Givers drive to raise $21,000 for the 16 Agencies in the Fund which provide needed services for families in communities in which most employees live is nearly completed.

Employees have pledged $20,260 to date and only $740 is needed to achieve the plant’s goal of $21,000. The average contribution amounts to $21.40 per employee who donated.

(Cont’d. on page 2)

Unions Elect Officers

[PHOTO: Two images showing union officers]

Joe Rzeszutek, left, was elected President. Cy Blanchard, right, Vice President; and Henry Hook, to the Executive Committee.

by T. Lee and F. Mayo

439 URW Local 218 Union members elected new union officers for a 3 year term.

Joe Rzeszutek was elected President for a seventh

(Cont’d. on page 3)

Charles Roland, right, new 308 President is congratulated by Rocco Manulla, left, Art Calder, right, and Frank Sordi.

by Walt Tabaka

URW Local 308 members elected Charles Roland, President for a three year term. Also voted into office were Rocco Manulla, Vice-Pres-

(Cont’d. on page 3)

by Dick Shaw

Quietly along the Naugatuck River bank, opposite the Synthetic plant, construction of the new $3,200,000 liquid waste pretreatment plant is making rapid progress. Completion is scheduled for the Fall of 1972.

The facilities will pretreat 3,000,000 gallons of waste water a day for discharge into the Boro of Naugatuck’s water pollution control plant for secondary biological treatment. After treatment at the Boro’s plant, the water will be discharged into the Naugatuck River which is classified “C”, and suitable for fish, game and wildlife.

The steel superstructure for the Operations Building is complete and work has started on the interior of the building which will serve as the operational center for the pretreatment facility. A waste water collection pipeline, encased in solid concrete to prevent upheaval and breakage during high water periods, has been installed at the base of the river bank. This pipeline will connect the plant’s discharge outlets to a new pump station currently under construction near the south yard sewer outfall.

Foundations for the two 82 ft. diameter clarification

(Cont’d. on page 3)

[AERIAL PHOTO: Shows pretreatment plant construction site]

The Pretreatment plant occupies an acre of land near the Synthetic reactor area along the Naugatuck river.

987 Join Stock Plan

by Jack Dunn

987 Chemical Division employees exercised their options to participate in the third stock purchase plan for Uniroyal employees.

These employees elected to purchase 59,617 shares of Uniroyal common stock by 46 payroll deductions over the next 2 years.

The purchase price of the stock was $19.3125.

The enrollment figure represents 61% of the Chemical division employees at the Naugatuck location.

18,000 Uniroyal employees

in the U.S. and Canada joined the plan, electing to purchase over 800,000

(Cont’d. on page 4)

[PHOTO: Construction site view]

The $3,200,000 facility will be completed by the Fall of 1972.

CHEM-TEXTS – Vol. 4 No. 10 – Page 2

by
Page 002

Page 2 CHEM-TEXTS Vol. 4 No. 10

FROM THE FACTORY MANAGER | Oxford Office Close to Completion

DEAR FELLOW EMPLOYEE:

Christmas is the season when everyone of us express more than anything during the year, the spirit of giving and concern for our family, friends, and the people we come in contact with each day of our lives. This spirit is particularly reflected by gifts to our families; visits to friends’ homes, and a sharing with others the many joys of the holidays.

In the plant where all of us work so closely together and depend upon each other so completely, this same spirit of giving and concern is vital.

By giving out fullest effort to, and showing the utmost concern for our responsibilities and the people we work with, each of us can individually infuse into the plant a spirit that will really make it a “good place to work.” The plant is not just a mere collection of buildings which house equipment to help us produce products or provide services, it is us, our efforts and our achievements.

Our work takes up more than eight hours of our day, and is a major part of our life. We can make it challenging; we can make it more secure; we can make it safer; we can make it more enjoyable by the same spirit of giving and concern that we display during the Christmas season.

I sincerely hope that you and your family, will enjoy a most happy Christmas and the fullest joy and happiness during the new Year.

Sincerely

Shel Salzman

S. R. Salzman

Construction of the administration building of Uniroyal’s Oxford Complex is on schedule for occupancy in summer. With most of the exterior work completed, and much of the interior ductwork, wiring and piping installed, the first of several buildings to be constructed will house many of the corporate activities presently in New York, EMIC, and Professional Park.

Chlebowski Averts Fire

by Ed Weaving

Matty Chlebowski’s quick action averted a serious fire in the Captax department when he opened a waterfog valve over a mixing tank which contained some undissolved sulfur and carbonbisulphide.

The incident occurred during cleaning operations to remove the sulfur and carbonbisulphide out of the mixing tank. Operators had removed the manhole cover to check the tank’s contents and started to add water through the manhole. The escaping carbonbisulphide ignited, probably from a hot steam pipe, and the flash fire burned a supervisor’s face and ears, which required hospital attention.

Tom Lee, a member of the crew, turned in the fire alarm signal for assistance from the plant protection department. “The fast action and alertness of the entire crew in an emergency prevented more serious damage and injury to the group,” according to Tom Engle, foreman of the building. Members of the crew working on the second shift were Frank Maher, John Mancuso, Charlie Drapko, and Ed Atwood, a piper working on the vessel.

During cleaning operations, tanks with hazardous vapors should always remain closed to

SAFETY IS MY RESPONSIBILITY

prevent their escape. Hot pipes can ignite the vapors and cause a serious fire and injuries to employees working in the building.

Sales Drop;

(Cont’d from page 1)

Strong competition in the chemical, reclaimed rubber, synthetic rubber and latex industries prevent passing on automatic price increases to our customers without the risk of losing their business. The extra costs for operating the plant must be absorbed by increased productivity; prevention of waste; and the reduction of off-spec materials that have to be reprocessed at an extra cost and that substantially affect the plant’s profit on the product.

Broden Named VP

Bill Broden, a Process Engineer in Chemical Production, was named Vice-President of the Uniroyal Chemical Management Club. Broden replaces Jim Phelan who was transferred to the International Division where he will work on agricultural chemical research and development of Chemical Division products in markets outside the U.S.

Black coffee, cold showers, fresh air or other folklore remedies do not sober you up. They just make you a wide-awake drunk.

1,100,000 Man Hours… It Happens

1,100,000 manhours were worked without a lost time accident for the second time this year. The most recent occurred from July to November when 1,100,000 manhours were reached without a lost time accident.

On November 20, the record was broken by a back injury when an operator shoveling residue in a drainage ditch under a fiber separation mill, strained the muscles in his back.

Only four lost-time accidents occurred this year, a major improvement over 1969 when 23 employees were injured and lost time from work.

Serious Injuries

The rate of serious injuries is about the same as last year. To date 56 serious injuries have taken place while 52 occurred in 1969.

Several close calls happened during the year and only safety glasses, safety shoes and safety hats prevented more serious injuries to employees. One employee almost lost his eyesight when a metal splinter hit and broke his safety glasses.

“Won’t Happen To Me”

A “won’t happen to me” attitude still exists among many employees who stubbornly resist

(Cont’d on page 4)

Three Steps Taken To Improve Air

Three steps have been taken by the plant to control pollution of the air. A new tower type scrubber was installed in Bldg. 109 at a cost of $40,000. The scrubber, by washing the phenolic fumes, eliminates the emission of these obnoxious odors into the atmosphere.

A process change in Bldg. 28 where PBNA is manufactured will eliminate the amine odors discharged into the atmosphere by the old process. This change is scheduled for completion by April 1971.

A new Dust Collector has been ordered for one of the mills in Bldg. 50 of Chemical Production. It will collect the fines which presently escape into the atmosphere.

Beretta

(Cont’d from page 1)

General Manager of Canadian chemical operations.

Later he became marketing Vice President for all Uniroyal products sold in Canada, a position he held until appointed Vice President of the Chemical division.

Mr. Beretta will be the guest speaker at the Uniroyal Chemical Management Club meeting on Jan. 20 at Fortin’s Restaurant.

Plant Water Cost Up 13%

The plant’s water costs were increased 13% due to a rate hike by the Connecticut Water Co. The new increase raises the plant’s operating costs about $35,000 annually.

Currently 55,000,000 gallons of water a month are used by the Chemical and Synthetic plants. In one month, 69,000,000 gallons were used; and in July, 60,000,000 gallons were consumed.

Water costs for the plant presently run $143,900 a year, and average $12,000 a month.

Help Conserve Water

Use of water, only when needed, will conserve it and keep the plant’s water bill down. Water waste increases operating costs and cuts into the plant’s profit. In some products it can seriously affect the cost of the product, hurting us competitively.

Considerable water can be saved by shutting off equipment when not in use, especially over weekends. Water hoses are also a major factor in water waste, when used to wash spillage down the drain. Dry spills should be swept rather than washed with the hose.

Every employee can help by turning off faucets; reporting leaks; and by using only as much water as is necessary to do the job.

CHEM-TEXTS – Vol. 2 No. 5 – Page 4

by
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