Association for Rubber Products Manufacturers

What Association for Rubber Products Manufacturers does

The Association for Rubber Products Manufacturers (ARPM) is a non-profit trade association founded in October 2010, headquartered at 7321 Shadeland Station Way, Suite 285, Indianapolis, Indiana. Established when elastomer products company executives within the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) agreed that rubber products manufacturers required a dedicated stand-alone body, ARPM is the only national association serving rubber products companies across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The association serves 105+ member companies ranging from small specialized producers to multi-billion-dollar conglomerates (including 3M, Continental ContiTech, Freudenberg-NOK, Gates, and Timken), and offers a secondary Corporate Partner tier for non-producer vendors. Membership is governed by a Board of Directors composed of member-company owners, presidents, and senior managers.

ARPM's product portfolio is organized around five pillars: (1) the ARPM Training Academy, delivered via a 24/7 NogginGuru/180 Skills virtual portal plus intensive one-week in-person courses covering rubber science, seal design, and manufacturing; (2) industry technical standards free to members across seven categories (Conveyor Belts, Hose, Power Transmission Belts, Sealing Products, Protective Lining, Compounded Rubber, Raw Materials), maintained via ISO Technical Committee positions through ANSI; (3) benchmarking reports and Inside Rubber Magazine (4,000+ readers annually); (4) flagship annual events including the Benchmarking & Best Practices Conference and EHS Summit; and (5) cost-reduction programs leveraging group purchasing with Grainger, FedEx/PartnerShip, Staples, CDW, and Service First Processing. Additional programs include the CAPTIV8 captive health insurance program, the Building Leaders of Character program (Thayer/West Point), ITR Economics forecasting access, and the Young Professionals Network.

Revenue is generated through four streams: recurring membership dues (subscription), conference and event registration fees (subscription/event), Inside Rubber Magazine advertising, and corporate event sponsorships. Pricing is tiered by membership status and timing (e.g., Benchmarking Conference early-bird $823, member peak $1,038, non-member $1,264). Distribution is direct-sales to companies via membership sign-up, with members-only access via an online portal containing a phpBB-based forum (393 registered members), member directory, training portal, and archived webinars. Geographic scope is regional (North America: US, Mexico, Canada); headcount is 1-10 employees, and a new Executive Committee took office in January 2024.

Name

Association for Rubber Products Manufacturers

Legal name

Association for Rubber Products Manufacturers

Website

https://www.arpminc.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2010

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Association for Rubber Products Manufacturers is a non-profit trade association serving 105+ rubber product manufacturers across the US, Mexico, and Canada with training, benchmarking, industry technical standards, networking events, cost-reduction programs, and group purchasing benefits.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industry Trade Association Services

NAICS

Convention and Trade Show Organizers (56192)

akta.pro primary industry

International Standards, Norms & Technical Regulatory Bodies (BPADAAAJ)

akta.pro secondary industry

EHS Management Systems & ISO Consulting (ISO 14001/45001) (BPAHAJAF)

Keywords

• Rubber manufacturing association
• Trade association services
• Industry benchmarking reports
• Rubber training programs
• Industry technical standards

Headquarters

HQ city

Indianapolis

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: ARPM operates as a membership-based trade association. Companies that produce rubber products in the United States, Mexico, or Canada are eligible for membership. Non-producer companies that provide goods and services to rubber manufacturers may qualify as corporate partners.
2. Conference and Event Fees: Revenue generated from the annual Benchmarking & Best Practices Conference, EHS Summit, training events, and webinars. Registration fees vary by membership status and timing.
3. Publication Advertising: Inside Rubber Magazine, the official ARPM publication reaching over 4,000 readers annually, sells advertising to reach targeted rubber manufacturing company audiences including presidents, owners, and upper management.
4. Sponsorships: Corporate sponsors support ARPM events and programs in exchange for visibility and access to the membership base. Various sponsorship tiers are available for conferences and events.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels11 records

Core offering

The Association for Rubber Products Manufacturers (ARPM) is a membership-based trade association serving rubber products manufacturers across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. It delivers industry-specific training (online and in-person), proprietary benchmarking reports, industry technical standards (hose, sealing, belts, conveyor, raw materials), annual conferences and summits, peer networking, group purchasing programs, and a captive health insurance program (CAPTIV8). Its member-only forum and directory facilitate industry collaboration and business development.

Product overview

The Association for Rubber Products Manufacturers (ARPM) is a membership-based trade association offering a comprehensive portfolio of programs and services for rubber products manufacturing executives across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The core offerings include the ARPM Training Academy (providing both online virtual training via NogginGuru and intensive in-person training programs), Inside Rubber Magazine (the official bimonthly publication), the Benchmarking & Best Practices Conference, the annual Environmental Health and Safety Summit, and the CAPTIV8 captive health insurance program. Additional services include industry technical standards, benchmarking reports, peer networking opportunities, the Young Professionals Network, the Building Leaders of Character leadership program, ITR Economic forecasting access, and various cost reduction programs through supplier partnerships. The organization also provides a member forum, job board, plant tours, and webinar programming.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Inside Rubber: Official publication of ARPM, reaching over 4,000 readers annually with industry news, market trends, and association updates.
• CAPTIV8
• ARPM Training Academy
• ARPM Young Professionals Network

Products and services

• ARPM Training Academy Comprehensive technical training resource for the rubber industry offering online (24/7 via NogginGuru) and in-person courses covering rubber manufacturing fundamentals and advanced topics for the entire workforce of member companies.
• Inside Rubber Magazine Official bimonthly publication of ARPM reporting on market trends, technologies, products/services, and industry benchmarks, reaching over 4,000 readers annually with content targeted at presidents, owners, and upper management of rubber manufacturing companies.
• Benchmarking & Best Practices Conference Annual industry conference for rubber and plastics manufacturing executives featuring keynotes, BC Labs sessions, networking, plant tours, and innovation awards.
• Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) Summit Annual three-day summit for manufacturing leaders focusing on best-in-class safety practices, innovative leadership approaches, and professional development with sessions for EHS and HR professionals.
• CAPTIV8 A captive insurance health insurance program created specifically for rubber manufacturers, allowing member companies to control healthcare funding through self-insurance with risk transfer to stop-loss insurance, achieving cost savings below market value.
• Industry Technical Standards Free industry technical standards for members covering Conveyor Belts, Hose, Power Transmission Belts, Sealing Products, Protective Lining, Compounded Rubber, and Raw Materials categories. ARPM maintains standards and holds positions on ISO Technical Committees through ANSI membership.
• Benchmarking Reports Proprietary industry benchmarking studies providing operational and financial performance data to help rubber manufacturing executives assess organizational performance against industry peers.
• ARPM Member Forum Members-only online discussion forum for rubber manufacturing professionals covering topics such as Business, Equipment, Materials, and Job Openings, with over 393 registered members.
• Young Professionals Network Network for up-and-coming leaders from ARPM member companies, offering networking, leadership development opportunities, and a pre-conference session at the annual Benchmarking Conference.
• Building Leaders of Character Program Leadership development program created in partnership with Thayer Leadership at West Point, delivered in two levels including virtual sessions and executive coaching through Narrow Road Coaching.
• ITR Economic Program Member access to quarterly economic reports and forecasts from ITR Economics covering key industry sectors such as North America Light Vehicle Production, U.S. Retail Sales, and Medical Equipment production, valued at over $30,000 and provided free to members.
• Cost Reduction Programs Group purchasing discount programs through partnerships with Grainger (MRO & Safety), Staples Business, PartnerShip/FedEx (Shipping), Service First Processing, and CDW (technology), providing members with cost advantages on operational expenses.
• Member Directory Searchable directory of ARPM member companies by keyword, state, country, and type of manufacturing including Calendering, Compression Molding, Extrusion, Injection Molding, and Mixing/Compounding; lists over 105 companies.

Quantifiable outcome

• ITR Economics program valued at more than $30,000 provided free to members
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers13 records

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• First Resource Manufacturing Healthcare Purchasing CoalitioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerARPM partners with First Resource to offer the Manufacturing Healthcare Purchasing Coalition, providing members access to cost-effective health insurance solutions and group purchasing power for healthcare benefits.
• GraingercoreGTM or Marketing PartnerARPM members receive unique cost advantages with Grainger's special discount pricing ranging from 15% to more than 25% on over 1,000,000 MRO and safety items including cleaning supplies, safety products, plumbing, HVAC, fasteners, and pneumatics.
• PartnerShip / FedExcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerThrough partnerships with FedEx and PartnerShip, ARPM members get access to deep discounts on both small packages and freight shipping. Express shipping discounts up to 50%, ground shipping up to 30% off, and preferred parcel rates for higher volume shippers averaging 20% savings.
• Staples BusinessminorGTM or Marketing PartnerARPM members gain access to significant discounts on over 1,000 of Staples Business's top-selling products along with next-day delivery and volume pricing.
• CDWminorGTM or Marketing PartnerThrough ARPM's partnership with CDW, members gain exclusive pricing and dedicated IT support, plus project-based discounts and personalized guidance for IT initiatives.
• Service First ProcessingminorGTM or Marketing PartnerARPM members receive 10% annual rebate on qualifying processing volume, complimentary equipment programs, concierge support, and advanced payment solutions through Service First Processing.
• Ice Miller LLPcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerIce Miller provides legal counsel to ARPM members, offering expert guidance on rubber industry matters including NDAs, contracting, and business negotiations.
• ITR EconomicscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerARPM membership offers access to economic intelligence from ITR Economics including quarterly forecast reports covering North America Light Vehicle Production, U.S. Retail Sales, Medical Equipment Production, and Construction sectors. Resources valued at more than $30,000 provided free to members.
• Thayer Leadership at West PointcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerARPM has partnered with Thayer Leadership for the Building Leaders of Character Leadership Program. Level 1.0 consists of 18 virtual sessions over 14 weeks; Level 2.0 is for alumni. Also offers executive coaching through Narrow Road Coaching.
• NogginGuru / 180 SkillscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerARPM partnered with NogginGuru and 180 Skills for comprehensive training programs including rubber manufacturing skills courses covering basic and advanced processes. ARPM members receive access to the online training portal at no cost.
• Custom Rubber Corp.minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerARPM partnered with Custom Rubber Corp. to provide online training videos accessible 24/7, enhancing the previous training CDs provided by RMA.
• Captive Solutions & OptionscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerARPM leadership developed CAPTIV8, a captive insurance program specifically for rubber manufacturers, in partnership with First Resource and Captive Solutions & Options. Allows member companies to control healthcare funding through self-insurance with risk transfer to stop-loss insurance.
• ChemoursminorOthersChemours has shared PFAS resources with ARPM membership including end-of-life incineration studies, advocacy group information, and customer resources regarding fluoropolymer stewardship.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• ACS Rubber Division: ACS Rubber Division is the leading technical/professional organization serving rubber and elastomer science professionals globally, providing conferences, training, and publications. It serves a closely overlapping audience with ARPM and competes for engagement and sponsorship in the same niche, though with a more scientific rather than trade-association orientation.
• Tire Industry Association: TIA represents tire manufacturers, retreaders, distributors, and suppliers with training, certification, and advocacy programs. While ARPM covers the broader rubber products market (belts, hoses, seals), TIA covers the heavily overlapping tire segment under a similar member-funded trade association model with parallel conference and training offerings.
• Polyurethane Manufacturers Association: PMA is a trade association serving manufacturers of polyurethane products, an elastomer segment adjacent to the rubber products ARPM represents. It operates on a similar membership-and-events model and shares the same target audience of elastomer industry executives seeking standards, training, and peer networking.

Broad incumbents

• National Association of Manufacturers: NAM is the largest US manufacturing trade association with thousands of member companies spanning all manufacturing sectors. It serves the manufacturing segment broadly, including many of the same rubber products manufacturers that compose ARPM's membership, and competes for attention and dues from overlapping enterprise members.

Others

• American National Standards Institute (ANSI): ANSI coordinates US participation in international standards bodies and accredits the standards development process. ANSI functions as a critical infrastructure partner for ARPM's ISO Technical Committee engagement, rather than a direct competitor, since ARPM accesses global standards work through ANSI membership.
• ASTM International: ASTM develops consensus standards across numerous materials, including rubber compounds, elastomer test methods, and product specifications. It provides a parallel standards landscape that overlaps with ARPM's industry technical standards work and shapes the competitive context for ARPM's standards positioning.
• SAE International: SAE develops standards for aerospace, automotive, and commercial vehicle industries, including specifications for rubber components used in those applications. It is adjacent to ARPM's hose and belt standards work and competes for influence in mobility-related rubber specifications.
• International Organization for Standardization (ISO): ISO is the global standards body whose Technical Committees ARPM holds positions on via ANSI membership. ISO sets international standards including those ARPM helps maintain in hose, sealing, and belt categories, making it the upstream authority in ARPM's standards franchise.
• Smithers: Smithers provides rubber and polymer testing, certification, consulting, and market research to the rubber industry. It serves overlapping manufacturer customers with complementary technical and analytical services to ARPM's trade-association offerings and is a sponsor/advertiser in ARPM events.
• Rubber & Plastics News: Rubber & Plastics News is a Crain Communications-owned trade publication covering the global rubber and plastics industries. It directly competes with ARPM's Inside Rubber Magazine for advertiser attention and editorial reach among rubber industry executives.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/arpmrubber
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCbm2lYN5gxNufDFApgFsLzA
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/association-for-rubber-products-manufacturers

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Association for Rubber Products Manufacturers