Alliance Rubber Company Wins Industry Award For Manufacturing Innovation

Alliance Rubber Company, a leading global supplier of rubber bands, office and packaging supplies from Hot Springs, Ark., announced that the company was the recipient of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership's (MEP) 2012 Excellence In Innovation Award. Coordinated through the National Institute of Standards and Technology, it is an award that pays tribute to manufacturing innovation development and implementation.

"Alliance is a clear example to us of what it takes for a company to succeed in a globally competitive market," said Dan Curtis, director of Arkansas Manufacturing Solutions (AMS). "There will always be someone willing to produce a product for a penny less. Alliance instead builds their business on being constantly innovative. They set an example for how manufacturing can succeed in America."

Alliance Rubber Company, parent company to promotional products supplier Ad Bands, competed with more than 75 nominees from around the country for the award, which was presented during the Manufacturing Innovation 2012 Conference on May 8 in Orlando, Fla. Manufacturing Innovation 2012 (MI2012) is an annual four-day event sponsored by the MEP. It brings together more than 700 manufacturers, industry experts, and MEP field staff to gain insight on the latest trends and technologies facing U.S. manufacturers.

"Manufacturing is at the heart and soul of America and the talented people in our factories and workshops are the key to driving a strong economy," said Bonnie Swayze, president of Alliance Rubber Company. "Our company and its workers have a different value proposition. We're not always the cheapest in price per pound for our rubber bands, but we are most of the time the best value."

In the spirit of self-reliance, Alliance Rubber Company decided early last year that it would embark on an effort to create manufacturing jobs in the U.S. through a "We Can Make It In America" website challenge that encourages the expansion of American manufacturing and supports job creation. As part of that campaign, the company is sponsoring a contest through the end of May 2012 for a free trip to Washington during the Fourth of July holiday. Interested individuals can sign up for the contest here. http://www.rubberband.com/washington-contestaign.

Any goods that are manufactured within the United States support four to five other jobs in the economy," Swayze said. "Together we can create opportunity, inspire confidence and help get Americans working again."

For more information, visit www.rubberband.com.