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HOT SPRINGS — On the cusp of celebrating its 100th birthday, Alliance Rubber was recently recognized by Arkansas Business as the No. 1 woman-owned company in Arkansas.
The spotlight comes thanks to the tireless Arkansas work ethic that’s dispersed throughout the company’s team of 168, according to Bonnie Swayze, Alliance’s president.
“Arkansas is just a fantastic place to live, work and raise families,” Swayze said.
Alliance Rubber was founded by Bonnie’s father, W.H. Spencer, in 1923 in Alliance, Ohio. He opened a plant in 1944 in Hot Springs, which was consolidated with the Ohio location in 1991. The 47-acre site includes Alliance’s corporate headquarters and a 175,000-square-foot plant. Alliance also has a plant in Salinas, California.
A longstanding client of the World Trade Center Arkansas, Alliance Rubber has also benefited from the State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) Grant provided by the United States Small Business Administration. WTC Arkansas secures funding for companies and administers it to eligible business for export initiatives.
Swayze said the Center’s staff was “extremely helpful” in assisting Alliance Rubber with international opportunities.
Today, Alliance Rubber offers 2,400 banding products using environmentally friendly manufacturing processes. The company has twice won the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Global Trade. Swayze said the Center’s staff was “extremely helpful” in assisting Alliance Rubber with international opportunities
Roughly 95% of Alliance Rubber products are made in the U.S., and the diligent workforce of Arkansans allows the company to compete internationally while offering strong wages and benefits, Swayze said.
“Their innovation and strong work ethic is reason we’re able to compete,” Swayze said. “Because we have terrific associates, we’re able to stay competitive in world markets.”
The mission of the World Trade Center Arkansas is to grow trade and increase Arkansas exports by connecting Arkansas businesses to the world through international trade services. The center is part of the University of Arkansas and serves as the trade promotion arm for the Arkansas Economic Development Commission.
To apply for funds, contact Trish Watkins, our STEP Grant director.
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