The Minnesota Rubber and Plastics Company (MRP) based in Plymouth is trying to inspire the next wave of innovation. The 76-year-old company broke ground last month with a $7 million expansion, which not only allows it to grow, but also helps its customers bring products to market faster.

The company produces custom rubber and plastic components for a variety of industries, including medical device companies, water filtration companies, and the automotive industry. Customers include Medtronic in Fridley and Wilson Wolf Manufacturing in New Brighton, which develop cancer treatment systems.

Karthik Viswanathan, vice president of product development at MRP, said: “We have affected the lives of so many people in many different ways.” “The variety of things we do and the number of projects we participate in really make this an exciting place workplace."

MRP currently has 100 employees in Plymouth and more than 1,200 employees worldwide. It specializes in the production of components containing black rubber, liquid silicone, gum silicone and thermoplastics. But its capabilities are not limited to these materials.

“We are also able to combine these materials, combine them with metals, and combine the subject with other types of substrates you might see on the market,” said Viswanathan. 

As the COVID-19 pandemic spreads globally, Minnesota Rubber and Plastics companies quickly adapted to meet urgent needs. The company has increased production to help supply components that enter the hospital's ventilators. It also produces components for COVID-19 test kits, as well as vaccine and antibody delivery systems.

"All these types of drugs will pass through our some form of drug delivery or fluid connector type products," Viswanathan said.

One of MRP's development projects is the production of O-rings and seals for water filters. Its products play an important role in providing clean water to the world.

Jerry Schmitz, director of vertical marketing for the company's water, food and beverage product lines, said: "We are at the forefront of new compounds that can really be used on a global scale. This is really exciting."

Schmitz stated that the company's filter seals must comply with many local and global regulations. He said that people pay special attention to seals, so they will not affect the taste.

"Historically, this is a big problem with rubber. You don't like it a bit. This is because sometimes seals come into contact with water and they give off some smell," Schmitz said.

The water filtration market also continues to develop with new technologies.

"They use LEDs with ultraviolet light to kill all potential pollutants or organisms," Schmitz said. "So a variety of new technologies are happening, and some of the shapes of these seals are becoming more and more complex."

Plymouth also found itself playing a role in the cutting-edge development of automobiles. For example, its transmission seal ring can reduce friction, thereby providing better fuel efficiency.

Dan McArdle, MRP Director of Transportation, said: "All these products are not only challenging in terms of design and design tools, but also very tight tolerances."

McArdle said that products have to go through rigorous testing requirements. He said that the company's rubber and plastic seals will play an indispensable role in the development of electric vehicles.

"There are even more such components in these high-end electric vehicles," McArdle said. "Although traditional technology is based on metal, we are positioned as a rubber and plastic manufacturer for next-generation automobiles."

Just next door to the Plymouth factory, the expansion project has begun. As the company's innovation center, new facilities will significantly increase product development.

Viswanathan said that the process that used to take months will be reduced to a few weeks. The company will achieve this goal by concentrating extensive development and manufacturing expertise under one roof.

"Allowing us to invest in and provide our employees with new tools and capabilities to make them more effective at work is really an exciting time for us," Viswanathan said.

Rendering of the Minnesota Rubber and Plastics Company's Future Innovation Center adjacent to existing facilities

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