Diamond Polymers is bouncing back, adding to Akron's growing reputation as "the polymer capital of the world."
The national economic problems of 2008 had forced the company to reduce its manpower, says Founder/CEO Alan Woll. But acquisition of a product line from a competitor -- Centrex from
INEOS ABS of Addyston, Ohio -- enabled hiring in '09 and '10, resulting in total employment of 65.
"We updated our workforce," Woll says.
And with $400,000 in five-year notes from the City of Akron, Diamond Polymers will continue to advance, says COO Michael Neumann, who adds the city has been "very, very good to us."
Woll started the company in 1986. It specializes in high-quality thermoplastic materials and resins.
Wolls says the polymer industry, plus related resources at the
University of Akron,
Case Western Reserve University and
Kent State University are important assets to the Akron region, once known as the "rubber capital of the world."
Diamond Polymers conducts a five-year fellowship with the University of Akron, home of the
National Polymer Innovation Center, to sponsor a student who needs additional, hands-on polymer knowledge.
"That's a win-win for both of us," Woll says.
Sources: Alan Woll and Michael Neumann, Diamond Polymers
Writer: Gabriella Jacobs