Posts in category: Manufacturing

Here at American Phoenix, we feel an immense sense of pride for the work that is accomplished in our plants each day. We believe that manufacturing jobs are excellent opportunities to gain unique skills and knowledge about things that benefit your local economy and society as a whole. Check out this list of intriguing benefits that come along with working in the manufacturing industry.

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“Performing manual labor with your hands is one of the most incredibly satisfying and positive things you can do.” 

– Nick Offerman

Manufacturing careers typically offer continued opportunities for growth and development in constantly innovating sectors. They also often provide incredible benefits for those who perform them. Individuals who work in the industry consistently help support the economy as well as their local communities.

Here are some of our favorite reasons why we think manufacturing jobs are the best.

Supporting the Economy

According to a Deloitte study, approximately eighty percent of Americans believe that the manufacturing industry is critical to maintaining the country’s “economic prosperity, the standard of living, and national security.” These types of companies often provide the highest number of jobs and produce essential goods, encouraging the circulation of capital.

Gaining Niche Knowledge

Working in a manufacturing plant provides you with the opportunity to get an inside look into industries that others may not know much about. For example, staff members at API have a unique knowledge base related to rubber production and the creation of tires that most people use but are likely unfamiliar with how they are made.

Growing Your Career

While most individuals begin their manufacturing careers as rookies in the field, these types of jobs often provide excellent opportunities for growth. Many companies prefer to promote from within, which means that you would likely be able to advance into higher roles and learn more about specific departments or positions you are interested in.

Meeting Diverse Individuals

Another beauty of manufacturing jobs is that they are often an open opportunity for individuals from a variety of backgrounds. You may become friends with a coworker that shares similar interests as you or connect with someone interesting with who you may otherwise never have crossed paths.

Producing Essential Goods

Without the individuals who work in manufacturing plants, we would not have all of the goods we use each day. These types of laborers can often feel a rewarding sense of pride knowing that they help to make various essentials that are used by the majority of people in their community.

Seeing Tangible Results

In a manufacturing job, you are actively participating in the creation of products and materials each day. Because of this, it is often encouraging to be able to actually see the work that has been done and have a physical representation of your labor over time.

Keeping Yourself Active

Much of the work performed in these types of positions involve manual labor. Instead of sitting stationary at a desk all day, you are able to keep your body moving to help you stay physically fit and healthy.

At American Phoenix, Inc. we greatly appreciate the hard work and dedication our team puts forth each day to keep our plants running. If trying out a manufacturing job sounds like it could be the right fit for you, check out our careers page for current open opportunities.

For more articles From the Plant, check out our blog.

With so many common uses, you’d think most people would know a little bit more about rubber. If you don’t, that’s okay, we’ve rounded up a few of our favorite quick facts about the industry just for you!

Rubber is used in more products than you may even realize. Aside from tires, there are also gloves, cookware, shoes, hoses, floor mats, and much, much more. Here at American Phoenix, we are pretty passionate about the stuff and love to share what we know. Here are a few facts about the rubber industry that may just surprise you.

Rubber Grows in Trees

Hevea brasiliensis (otherwise known as the Pará rubber tree) is a flowering plant native to South America that is the primary source of natural rubber. Similar to the process of gathering maple sap, the bark of these trees produces latex which can be collected through tapping.

Supply is Based on Plant Growth Cycle

After a rubber tree is first planted, it can take approximately five to six years for it to begin producing latex, and up to ten to reach a consistently high level. While the tree may be able to continue producing latex for up to thirty years, it is important to remember that the supply of natural rubber materials is, in fact, left mostly up to nature.

Higher Demand for Natural Rubber

Aside from tires, natural rubber is often preferred over synthetic due to its higher quality. Industrial Rubber Goods notes that “natural rubber is the preferred choice when making surgical gloves and drapes, contraceptives, shoe soles, nipples on baby bottles, rubber bands, [and] even carpet backing.”

Multi-Step Process

During manufacturing, rubber goes through an extensive process that turns it from its natural sticky and brittle form to be much more durable and useful. The main steps include masticating (being pressed by mechanical rollers), mixing in additional chemicals, calendaring (squishing into shape) or extrusion (squeezed through specially-shaped holes), and vulcanization (cooking with added sulfur).

Rubber can be Recycled

As a more eco-friendly solution to discarding material scaps, old rubber products (such as tires) can be recycled and reclaimed for new purposes. One popular use involves creating low-impact flooring for hospital floors, playgrounds, and athletic fields.

Did you learn something new today? We hope so! If you’d like to learn even more in-depth facts about the rubber industry, check out our careers page to join our knowledgeable team.