Alliance Rubber Co.
Keeping the focus on family
Joe Jackson, of Hot Springs, remembers the exact date he began working at Alliance Rubber Co. — Jan. 22, 1990. Almost 30 years ago, Jackson started on the factory floor as an extrusion cutter. Today, he works as Alliance’s preventive maintenance manager.
A story like Jackson’s is not uncommon among Alliance’s 175 employees. More than 70 percent have been with the company for more than five years. Nearly 75 percent of employees in management positions started on the factory floor, including Alliance President Bonnie Swayze.
“At Alliance, we value our people who create quality products and keep manufacturing made in America,” Swayze said. “By staying in the United States with our production, we’re able to create jobs and positively impact the community around us we love so much. Joe is an excellent representation of our values.”
In Jackson’s various roles within the company, he’s seen the follow-through of these values. He believes it’s what sets Alliance apart from other manufacturers.
“Alliance is very strong on made in America,” Jackson said. “Through my role in equipment acquisition, I see this played out. Not only do we sell an American-made product, but we try to buy American, as well. It’s a family-oriented, family-owned business with strong management that is very focused on its people and strives to take care of them.”
It’s this focus on people that keeps so many employees dedicated to Alliance. Jackson rose through the ranks by being identified as a key player on his team with management potential. Now Jackson plays a role in identifying those employees who are willing to go above and beyond in their work — those who look out for the greater good of both Alliance and their fellow co-workers.
“This is a team. It has to be,” Jackson said. “We run a lean and organized operation in a fast-paced environment. Without teamwork, Alliance couldn’t go.”
In today’s economy, it’s not uncommon to see manufacturing moved overseas. Swayze believes Alliance’s commitment to its people is a crucial component to keeping Alliance in America.
“Every year, we conduct employee surveys to evaluate what we in management could be doing better and how our team feels,” Swayze said. “We both grow from the feedback and are encouraged by the comments. One common theme we see time and time again is that our employees feel like they are a part of a family at Alliance. It’s this attitude that allows us to thrive in the community we love in America and create the highest quality rubber products.”