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The Polymer Industry Cluster is accepting proposals for translational research and development (R&D) funding to accelerate polymer innovations from concept to commercialization through the Greater Akron Polymer Innovation Hub, supported by the Ohio Department of Development Innovation Hub program.

The Rubber Division, ACS is packing June with opportunities to strengthen your expertise and stay ahead in our rapidly evolving industry. From foundational courses to advanced topics and targeted webinars, this month’s lineup delivers practical knowledge and real-world insights you can put to work right away.

Take the June 3 Introduction to Compounding, Mixing & Testing course followed by the June 4 Intermediate Rubber Compounding course to progress from foundational to intermediate level at a discounted rate. Additional savings are available for companies enrolling multiple participants. Contact hmaimone@rubber.org for details.

The U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA), announced that President and CEO Anne Forristall Luke will retire at the end of 2026 after eleven years leading the Association. Forristall Luke, who joined USTMA – then known as the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) – in 2016, has presided over a period of substantial growth, strategic evolution, and measurably elevated influence for the domestic tire manufacturing industry.

Continental has announced the construction of a new highly automated finished-goods warehouse in Mount Vernon, Illinois. The company plans to invest approximately $76 million in the project. The facility is designed to mainly serve growing demand in North America, while enhancing service levels and customer support. Covering an area larger than six American football fields, the warehouse will have capacity for approximately 500,000 passenger car tires. Construction is expected to start in summer 2026, with operations scheduled to begin in 2027.

SIMTEC Silicone Parts, Inc., has appointed Miguel Oseguera as President, effective April 29, 2026. Oseguera will lead company operations from SIMTEC’s headquarters in Miramar, Florida.
Oseguera brings nearly two decades of leadership experience in the silicone molding industry. He joins SIMTEC from Freudenberg, where he held multiple leadership roles over 19 years, most recently serving as Global Segment Director.

The Dow products and technologies recognized by the Edison Awards deliver breakthroughs ranging from safer healthcare materials and advanced manufacturing analytics to digital platforms supporting infrastructure planning, highlighting Dow’s continued focus on science based innovation.

Parker-Hannifin Corp. reported higher sales and record profitability in its fiscal 2026 third quarter, driven by strong demand in its aerospace and industrial businesses and continued margin expansion and declared a quarterly cash dividend of $2.00 per share of common stock to shareholders of record as of May 8, 2026.

PPG announced that Yaqi Wo, PPG head of product management and strategic initiatives, Packaging Coatings, Americas, has received the 2026 Woman of Distinction in Science award from the Girl Scouts of Western Pennsylvania. The award honors women demonstrating excellence in leadership in their respective fields and for serving as role models to girl scouts.

LANXESS remains one of the most sustainable companies in the chemical industry. In the latest Dow Jones Best-in-Class Index, the specialty chemicals company ranks first in Europe in the “Chemicals” category and fifth worldwide. LANXESS achieved particularly strong results in the areas of climate strategy, water, human rights, and product stewardship.

RPM International Inc. announced the appointment of Thomas C. Gentile, III to its board of directors, effective immediately. This appointment expands the board to 13 members and reflects RPM’s ongoing commitment to expanding the expertise and leadership capabilities of its board as the company continues to drive long-term growth and shareholder value.