[IMGCAP(1)]

ADELANTO, CA—DeVoll's Rubber Products, based in Adelanto in the County of San Bernardino, is a family-owned precision rubber products manufacturer founded by Millard DeVoll in his garage in 1964. Today, the company is still run by the family with Millard's son, John serving as president, and several family members contributing to the operation. DeVoll's will be featured on October 3 during National Manufacturing Day. On that day, the County, DeVoll's and others will showcase modern manufacturing technology and techniques here in America. GlobeSt.com recently chatted with Amanda DeVoll, office manager of the company on the firm's growth in the County, benefits to remaining in the region, and the firm's future plans.

GlobeSt.com: What does DeVoll's Rubber specialize in?

Amanda DeVoll: We are a custom rubber product manufacturer; specializing in precision lathe cut gaskets and profile extrusions that are used in a variety of industries. DeVoll's customer base varies and includes customers in electronics, automotive, and energy fields. The firm has earned its place in the market due to its ability to run small quantities with fast turnaround times.

[IMGCAP(2)]

GlobeSt.com: What has driven your growth in the County?

DeVoll: DeVoll's moved from Santa Fe Springs, CA seven years ago to a larger facility in Adelanto, CA, which offered many cost savings. The lower cost of living allows for more competitive operational rates. Since the move, DeVoll's has tripled in production square footage, allowing for a more efficient manufacturing process.

GlobeSt.com: What workforce programs, offered through the County of San Bernardino, have helped your growth?

DeVoll: We've taken advantage of the County's On-The-Job training program. Through this program we have been able to acquire skilled employees who are passionate about learning and advancing in manufacturing. We've also worked with a consultant from California Manufacturing Technology Consulting (CMTC) to organize a Lean Manufacturing on-site training program for our production team, which has greatly improved efficiency through the manufacturing process.

GlobeSt.com: What are the most important advantages to being a manufacturer in the County? How challenging is it to be a manufacturer in today's economy?

DeVoll: San Bernardino County's main advantage is its lower cost of living. Southern California is a dynamic market but real estate costs are prohibitive in many parts of Los Angeles and Orange counties for a manufacturer. While manufacturing in the US has experienced big changes in the last few years, basic economics still apply. If you are a low cost producer, business will come. Customers can change product design and requirements at a much faster pace today. New technology allows for this changing environment and helps to solve the new challenges created. For a small manufacturer, such as DeVoll's, San Bernardino County's incentives and cost benefits help us to achieve the efficiencies needed to remain competitive.

GlobeSt.com: What are your growth plans?

DeVoll: We plan to add additional machinery and equipment to accommodate the future growth of the business here in the High Desert region of the County.

GlobeSt.com: What would you tell another CEO considering expansion into the County?

DeVoll: Moving to the County has been a positive move for DeVoll's and we would do it again. It is a growing community and has been very positive with hiring employees that are looking to grow and stay in the area.

GlobeSt.com: What can we expect at DeVoll's on National Manufacturing Day?

DeVoll: It's a national event comprised of companies hosting open houses to showcase manufacturing today. DeVoll's is proud to be participating again by opening its doors to potential employees, customers, and vendors, and displaying rubber manufacturing in action. On that day, we'll be giving production plant tours explaining all the manufacturing processes.