The art of preparing rubber compounds: crafting the perfect formula

With every part it manufactures, Soucy Baron proves it has come to master the art of preparing rubber compounds. Joël Robitaille has been a rubber technician in our Saint-Jérôme unit for more than 6 years. Read on to find out more about what Joël does and how he contributes to Soucy’s success.

“My job is all about precision,” said Joël. His daily task is to prepare compounds by following formulas created by our chemists. “It’s like following a recipe in the kitchen but with specific chemical ingredients and highly precise quantities.” Any error in dosage, even minute ones, can affect the quality of the final product. That’s why Joël uses precision scales and follows a strict protocol during every step of the production process.

Joël has been mixing chemicals for 15 years. Over time, he’s devised his own working methods to guarantee the quality of the compounds he produces. “I’ve established a verification system to ensure I use all the ingredients needed, and in the right proportion,” he said.

Joël was inspired to improve his work processes after an incident caused by a power outage. Because the scales had switched to the wrong unit, he used the wrong quantities. A mistake that could very well have gone unnoticed but fortunately, Joël’s experience allowed him to quickly rectify the situation. This experience strengthened his belief that it is of the utmost importance for him to systematically verify the material he uses every day.

Experience is an invaluable asset for someone working with chemical blends. Over the years, Joël has learned to recognize the various types of rubber in their natural states, adapt to different needs, and anticipate problems. “Every rubber compound is unique and presents its lot of challenges,” he said.

Soucy Baron truly stands out in the rubber industry thanks to the know-how of its employees and the excellence of its products. In fact, our Saint-Jérôme unit has developed a one-of-the-kind expertise as a result of years spent on R&D. With a library that contains more than 950 recipes, the possibilities are nearly endless.

Thanks to Joël and his deep knowledge, every compound is prepared with the greatest care and results in a top-notch product. “Whether the final product is an engine mount for farming equipment, a friction wheel for industrial applications, or a vibration isolator for a powersport vehicle, my know-how definitely plays a role.”

Joël Robitaille’s work is vital to helping Soucy achieve excellence. Thanks to his expertise and ability to adapt, he allows us to keep pushing boundaries. His know-how is a crucial asset that has become a guarantor of high-quality products.

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