AR: Alliance Rubber Company to Expand Hot Springs Facility

Alliance Rubber Company, the largest rubber band manufacturer in the United States, announced an expansion of the company’s headquarters in Hot Springs, Ark. Through the expansion, the company plans to invest more than $600,000 in the new facility and hire 15 additional positions, bringing total employment to 166.

"Our team is constantly innovating, which has allowed us to grow. We are thrilled to celebrate the 15 new jobs that have resulted from our recent growth,” said Alliance Rubber Company President Bonnie Swayze. “New U.S.-based manufacturing jobs are rare. At Alliance, we are committed to making and packaging our products within the U.S. — and specifically Arkansas — to keep these jobs at home.”

Founded in Alliance, Ohio, in 1923, Alliance Rubber Company has had a presence in Hot Springs since 1944 after its founder, Swayze’s father, William Spencer visited the city for its hot baths. In 1991, the company officially moved its headquarters to Hot Springs and consolidated all of its operations there. Today, the company manufactures 2,200 products distributed in 34 countries.

“Alliance Rubber Company continues to be a great Arkansas ambassador through its global success,” Governor Mike Beebe said.  “This expansion ensures a long-term presence in Hot Springs, setting an example of innovative thinking for other small businesses.”

In 2013, Alliance Rubber Company was one of four Arkansas companies recognized at the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Global Trade. The award highlights the importance of international trade on Arkansas’s economic stability and growth. Judging criteria is based on such factors as recent percentage of export sales to total sales, growth of export sales over the past three years, the company's goals and commitments internationally and the number of jobs saved or created due to the company's export performance, if applicable.

As part of the expansion, Alliance Rubber will purchase a new digital printer that will allow the company to be more efficient, produce new products and grow its customer base.

“We are always happy when businesses in Hot Springs expand and grow.  We congratulate Alliance Rubber on its continued success and contribution in Hot Springs’ Economic Development,” said Jim Fram, CEO Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce.

For more information, visit www.rubberband.com.

About Alliance Rubber Company

Since 1923, Alliance Rubber Company has been dedicated to “Holding Your World Together.” The company has grown into a global leader with more than 2,200 skus of mailing, shipping, office and packaging products sold through dealers in 34 countries. Under the current leadership of President Bonnie Swayze, Alliance continues its long history of innovation. Pioneering the women’s entrance into the boardroom, Swayze was the first female board member of the Wholesale Stationers Association and has served on the WBENC board and other HUB organizations.