Celebrating American-Made Partnerships

At Rubber-Inc., we proudly partner with manufacturers who produce right here in the United States. Many of the brands we represent are committed to American-made excellence -- investing in local jobs, maintaining rigorous quality standards, and keeping production close to home.

In this series, we’re spotlighting the stories behind some of our long-standing U.S. manufacturing partners. From heavy-duty tools to precision components, each company shares our values of craftsmanship, integrity, and innovation. These are the people and products driving the industry forward -- and we’re honored to work alongside them.

Haltec: Precision, Performance, and American-Made Accountability

For more than 55 years, Haltec has specialized in manufacturing high-performance tire valve and inflation systems that serve critical industries like mining, fleet, and automotive. From heavy equipment operating in extreme conditions to commercial fleets that keep supply chains moving, Haltec’s products are engineered to perform and built to last--proudly manufactured in the U.S.
 

“‘Made in America’ means accountability -- we stand behind every product that leaves our facility,” says Brendan Webb, Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “Our customers trust us for durability, reliability, and consistent performance.”

U.S.-based manufacturing allows Haltec to control quality, adapt quickly, and maintain the trust that industries rely on to keep operations running safely and efficiently. From precision valves to advanced digital inflation systems, every product reflects a commitment to American craftsmanship.

Rubber-Inc. has been a valued distribution partner in that mission, working closely with Haltec’s leadership to provide sales training, explore new growth opportunities, and support customers through open communication and shared values. It’s a partnership built not only on product alignment but on mutual dedication to customer success.

Looking ahead, Haltec sees U.S. manufacturing growing even stronger as technology, innovation, and workforce development continue to elevate American-made excellence.

Ken-Tool: 105 Years of American-Made Innovation

For more than a century, Ken-Tool has proudly manufactured tire service tools and safety cages in Akron, Ohio, earning its place as a trusted leader in the tire industry and automotive aftermarket since 1920. With every tool produced, Ken-Tool remains deeply committed to its American roots, using domestically sourced materials and a skilled U.S. workforce to uphold the highest standards of craftsmanship.

“‘Made in America’ isn’t just a label -- it’s our identity,” says Doug Lee, VP of Sales and Marketing. “It’s about delivering consistent quality, supporting local jobs, and standing behind every product we put into the hands of tire service professionals.”

Ken-Tool’s 70-year partnership with Rubber-Inc. reflects that same commitment to quality and shared values. Through reliable service, ongoing innovation, and technical expertise, the two companies have built a collaborative relationship that has adapted to meet the evolving needs of the market. Together, we’ve created a foundation of trust that continues to strengthen both businesses.

Looking ahead, Ken-Tool sees American manufacturing evolving through innovation, automation, and workforce development--but always grounded in its century-long tradition of delivering American-made excellence.

Dill: A Century of American-Made Tire Safety Solutions

For more than 100 years, Dill has been a trusted name in the tire and automotive industries, manufacturing critical components like tire valves, extensions, cores, caps, and more. Their products serve both OEM and aftermarket sectors across a wide range of vehicles, from passenger cars and light trucks to heavy equipment, off-the-road vehicles, and even aircraft.

“Producing our products in the U.S. is a core part of who we are. It allows us to maintain quality control, respond quickly to customer needs, and support our local economy. Domestic manufacturing ensures we can deliver reliability and innovation without compromise,” said Dill President Brian Rigney. “At Dill, ‘Made in America’ is about more than just a label -- it reflects our commitment to excellence, accountability, community, and building a supply chain that can stand up to today’s challenges.” 

With many employees who have been with Dill for decades -- some for over 50 years -- the company’s deep bench of expertise allows them to remain nimble and innovative. That flexibility enables Dill to develop purpose-built products that keep pace with the changing demands of the industries they serve, all while delivering the consistent, reliable performance their customers expect.

Rubber-Inc. has played a key role in helping Dill expand its reach, ensuring that products are delivered efficiently to dealers and service centers across key markets. 

“Rubber-Inc.’s extensive industry expertise and unwavering commitment to customer service have made them an important partner in our supply chain. Their responsiveness and dependability have significantly enhanced our ability to support dealers and service centers across their territories,” said Tim Beene, Central Region Sales Director at Dill.

Looking ahead, Dill remains committed to American manufacturing as the industry evolves with new advances in automation, sustainability, and reshoring -- all while continuing to provide safe, innovative solutions for the road ahead.

 

Counteract: Balancing American Heritage with Innovation

Since 1997, Counteract Balancing Beads has grown from a bold, grassroots startup to the largest manufacturer of tire balancing beads in the industry. Founder Roger LeBlanc built the brand one shop at a time, offering a simple promise: try it for free--and only pay if satisfied. That hands-on approach helped Counteract earn the trust of shops across the country, turning a single product into a trusted name in tire balancing.

“For Counteract, having an American-made product isn’t just about geography. It’s about Innovation, pride and quality. We want to help support jobs in America and give back to the communities, industry and people that support us,” adds Simon Martin, Vice President of Sales at Counteract.

Rubber-Inc. has played a key role in Counteract’s growth, serving as a long-standing distribution partner. The relationship, rooted in shared values and open collaboration, has helped bring Counteract’s balancing beads and stud cleaning tools to tire shops nationwide.

As U.S. manufacturing continues to evolve, Counteract remains committed to blending global resources with local production, ensuring high standards for years to come.

Wegmann: 86 Years of American Craftsmanship in Wheel Weight Manufacturing

With roots reaching back to 1939, WEGMANN automotive USA Inc. has built a long-standing reputation as one of North America’s most trusted manufacturers of wheel balance weights and tire service solutions. Originally founded in Kokomo, Indiana as Perfect Equipment, the company relocated its U.S. manufacturing headquarters to Middle Tennessee in the 1960s, where it remains more than 60 years later.

“We are proud of our American heritage that started nearly a century ago,” says Gregory Parker, North American Sales & Marketing Director for WEGMANN automotive USA Inc. “The clip-on wheel balance weight was first patented in the early 30s in Kokomo near our original location, and we have been manufacturing them domestically and supplying to the market ever since that timeframe."

Today, WEGMANN’s brands -- including Perfect Equipment, Hofmann Power Weight, Plombco, and ALLIGATOR -- serve both OEM and aftermarket sectors across the U.S. and globally. Through its long-standing distribution partnership with Rubber-Inc., WEGMANN is able to focus on delivering premium products, while Rubber-Inc.’s team provides the on-the-ground customer relationships that drive real market growth.

“Although we are a global organization, the 'Made in America' statement means a lot to our USA operations,” added Parker. “It means we believe in shorter supply chains and improved availability. It means we strive to maintain American craftmanship and quality. And, ultimately, we believe in supporting our local communities, local workers and their families.”

Norco: American Innovation with a Global Mindset

Since 1964, Norco Industries has grown into a trusted leader in professional lifting equipment, manufacturing products for the automotive, industrial, and heavy-duty repair sectors. With headquarters in California and manufacturing campuses in Elkhart, Indiana, Norco’s family of brands reflects a deep commitment to innovation, safety, and American craftsmanship.

“At Norco Industries, we don't just manufacture products; we craft solutions that enhance safety, efficiency, and enjoyment for our customers.”

While many competitors rely heavily on overseas manufacturing, Norco has carefully balanced global sourcing with domestic production to maintain both quality and competitiveness. The company’s philosophy is simple: manufacture as much as possible in the U.S. and only import when necessary. Many of their products -- such as shop presses, engine stands, truck transmission jacks, and jack stands --a re manufactured or assembled in the U.S. using American steel, fasteners, and labor. In cases where foreign components are used, like the high-performance bottle jacks sourced from Japan for their manual shop presses, Norco collaborates directly on design to ensure every part meets their strict standards. These hybrid products often reach over 90% domestic content, allowing Norco to meet federal procurement guidelines while staying competitive in a global market.

“Developing and manufacturing here in the USA has shortened our time to get new product and product innovation to market. We have significant growth planned for our USA categories in the near future!”

Norco’s long-standing partnership with Rubber-Inc. is built on shared values of integrity, trust, and customer service. 

American-Made Spotlight: JTM Products Inc.

With over 120 years of manufacturing excellence, JTM Products, Inc. is a family-owned business rooted in American industry. From tire and tube mounting compounds to specialty soaps and lubricants, JTM’s commitment to U.S.-based production supports quality, reliability, and innovation across sectors.

At JTM, domestic manufacturing is more than tradition -- it’s strategy. It allows for precise quality control, rapid response to customer needs, and a stable, local supply chain. For their customers, especially those in construction, utilities, and manufacturing, “Made in the USA” is a promise of safety and trust.

JTM’s long-standing partnership with Rubber-Inc. has helped expand the reach of the Murphy’s® brand, blending technical training and collaborative growth. Together, the companies share a commitment to innovation and service.
 

As the U.S. manufacturing landscape evolves, with increasing demand for speed, sustainability, and smart solutions, JTM is leaning in. With continued investment in automation, R&D, and workforce development, they remain a proud part of America’s next industrial chapter.

Made in America Spotlight: Stud Kleen

At Stud Kleen, American manufacturing isn’t just a label -- it’s a commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and real-world results. This veteran-owned company designs and manufactures professional-grade tools for wheel and stud cleaning, all built right here in the United States. Their flagship product, the Hub and Stud Cleaner, is engineered to remove corrosion and debris with unmatched durability and performance -- thanks in part to a proprietary abrasive material that sets them apart from anything else on the market.

What really makes Stud Kleen unique? It’s the combination of cutting-edge material science and hands-on quality control. From their core cleaning tools to the abrasive discs they manufacture in-house, every product is designed for technicians who demand tools that last -- and perform. Their OTR Kit, for example, offers a complete solution for large-diameter wheels in agriculture, mining, and fleet maintenance. It's built to simplify workflow and deliver consistent, reliable results in high-volume settings.

Producing tools in the U.S. is more than a point of pride -- it's a strategic decision. By keeping most machining, assembly, and testing in-house, Stud Kleen can maintain quality standards, respond to customer feedback quickly, and innovate without compromise. Their lead engineer is involved at every step -- a level of oversight that simply isn’t possible with overseas outsourcing.

Stud Kleen joined the Rubber-Inc. product lineup as a newer offering, but the relationship is already showing promise. The company sees the partnership as a way to reach more technicians and fleet professionals who value innovation and quality -- two things both brands are known for.

As for the future of U.S. manufacturing? Stud Kleen believes it’s about speed, customization, and real-world performance. The next generation of American-made tools will come from companies that can combine advanced materials and engineering with responsive, domestic production. And Stud Kleen is ready to lead that charge.

At Rubber-Inc., we’re proud to work with manufacturers who share our focus on quality and innovation -- both here in the U.S. and around the world. These partnerships help us bring you reliable products and solutions your business depends on every day.

Browse our brand partners to view all the trusted names behind the tools and equipment we offer.