Shenandoah Industrial Rubber Company is celebrating 50 years in business, marking five decades of serving industries throughout the Roanoke Valley and beyond.
The company was founded in September 1976 as a partnership of five men. Today, Harry Ray, 83, is the sole owner of the business, a position he has held since 2008.
Ray said the company has remained rooted in the principles of hard work and customer-focused service throughout its history.
Shenandoah Industrial Rubber specializes in heavy-duty and lightweight industrial belts, including baler belts, as well as industrial hoses and gaskets. The company serves a variety of industries, including bakeries, lumber mills, rock quarries and concrete plants.
When equipment fails, speed is critical for those businesses.
“Our job is to get the companies’ conveyors up and running quickly when they have a problem,” the company said.
The business expanded its operations in the 1980s with the purchase of an additional building to accommodate its growing hose operation. Today, Shenandoah Industrial Rubber has a dedicated hose shop and belt shop.
The company also has invested in new equipment, including vulcanizers and wind-up machines, to keep pace with industry trends and streamline the manufacturing of its belts.
Ray has put in many 80-hour workweeks over the years while growing and managing the business. After five decades, he said the business has been good to him and that he wants to keep it in the family.
That family connection already is part of the company. Ray’s daughter, Laura Lancaster, works for Shenandoah Industrial Rubber, as does her husband, Kip. Their son, Ryan Lancaster, works in the company’s hose division.
The company also has focused on building a strong workforce, continuing to hire talented employees while offering good pay, benefits and retirement options. Several employees have been with the company for more than 20 years.
As Shenandoah Industrial Rubber enters its 50th year, the company plans to continue building strong relationships with its customers and employees.
“We are blessed to have several loyal employees with us for more than 20 years,” the company said. “As we enter into the 50-year mark, we will continue to provide strong relationships with our customers and employees.”
To celebrate the milestone, Shenandoah Industrial Rubber will hold a 50th anniversary celebration in October in the company’s parking lot. Hot dogs, chips and drinks will be served, and the event is open to everyone.
-The Salem Times-Register
