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About Us

Who We Are

CGR Products is a third-generation family-owned business with a legacy built on craftsmanship, trust, and long-term relationships. Since 1963, we’ve grown from a small gasket-cutting shop in Greensboro, NC into a global leader in custom engineered components—serving industries where precision and reliability are non-negotiable.

Built to Last, Not to Flip

At CGR, we don’t answer to quarterly earnings calls or outside investors. We answer to our customers, our associates, and the generations of families who’ve helped build this company. Our decisions are made with a long-term view—prioritizing quality, service, and sustainability over short-term gains. When you work with CGR Products, you’re not just another transaction. You’re a partner in a relationship that’s built to last. We are committed to continuous improvement through strategic investments in advanced manufacturing technologies, employee development, and process optimization—ensuring consistent quality and innovation across every industry we serve. We do this for our associates, our customers, and our facilities because we’re in this for the long haul—not the exit strategy.

 

 

Our Growth Journey

Highlights of Excellence and Expansion

  • 1963
    Founded as Carolina Gasket and Rubber Company in downtown Greensboro, NC with four employees.

     

  • 1971

    Moved from the original downtown location to a new manufacturing facility off Hwy 29 in Greensboro, NC.  At this point in time the plant was hidden from the highway by a wall of trees.

     

  • 1992

    Expanded with the acquisition of Valley Products in Decatur, AL

  • 2012

    Grew further with the acquisition of EG Gasket in Waukesha, WI

     

  • 2021

    Broadened our footprint in the Midwest with the acquisition of Custom Tape Company in Inver Grove Heights, MN

     

  • Today

    Today CGR Products has 4 manufacturing locations: Greensboro, NC; Decatur, AL; Inver Grove Heights, MN; and Waukesha, WI.  We have over 140 employees and over 190000 sq ft of manufacturing space.  All 4 facilities are ISO 9001:2015-certified with additional product platforms such as IATF 16949, ISO 13485, and UL to meet other industry requirements.

     

    CGR Locations

Why Family Ownership Matters

Stability: Our leadership isn’t rotating every few years. We’re consistent, accountable, and deeply invested.
Responsiveness: We make decisions quickly and locally—no red tape, no boardroom bottlenecks.
Relationships First: We value partnerships. Many of our customer relationships span decades.
Pride in Product: Our name is on the door. That means something to us—and it shows in our work.
Tenure: We have over 140 employees across 4 locations, our average tenure is 10+ years.
Ideal: We believe in helping people along their way - our customers, associates, and suppliers.

A Defining Moment

The 2001 Greensboro Facility Fire: Challenge, Resilience, and Renewal

On October 22, 2001,  CGR Products faced one of its most pivotal and challenging chapters—the fire at our Greensboro, NC facility. The fire impacted the core of our operations, putting our equipment, inventory, and the company’s day-to-day functioning at risk. In a single evening, years of steady progress faced an unexpected setback, presenting a challenge to everyone at CGR Products—including our associates, customers, and suppliers.

Yet, what followed was a testament to our determination and unity. In the aftermath, CGR Products made an unwavering commitment: not a single person would be laid off. Associates showed up for each other and for our customers, running parts on machines that had no roof overhead, working through the elements to keep production going. When the situation demanded more, we ran parts late at night at competitor facilities—rivals turned allies, recognizing the value in supporting one another during crisis. Production parts were also moved to our Decatur AL facility and associates from Greensboro went and lived there to help run parts after hours, utilizing every resource available to the company. We did these things for one singular purpose—to continue supporting our customers without interruption.

Current President and owner Chuck Keeley recalls, “The fire changed everything. In those intense weeks and months, we saw what it really means to be a company built on relationships. Everyone—our team, our partners, our community—banded together to rebuild from the ground up. That experience transformed CGR Products. It wasn’t just about getting back to business; it was about realizing that our true mission is to help people along their way—whether that’s our associates, our customers, or the communities we serve.”

The aftermath of the fire ushered in a renewed sense of purpose throughout CGR Products. Our investments in new technologies, leaner processes, and upgraded facilities were paired with a deeper appreciation for empathy, responsiveness, and the power of community. The values forged in those challenging days continue to shape every decision made at CGR, guiding us to focus as much on people as on products.

Key Events and Milestones

During this period, CGR Products achieved a series of important certifications that reflect its commitment to quality and industry leadership. The company successfully obtained ISO 9001:2015 for quality management, IATF 16949 for automotive sector excellence, ISO 13485 for medical device standards, as well as UL and CE markings, ensuring global compliance and reliability. These certifications underscore CGR Products’ dedication to serving diverse markets with the highest standards of safety and performance.

 

Over the course of 16 years, our Greensboro, NC facility underwent three expansions, each marking our dedication to growth and innovation. These milestones reflected our commitment to evolving with our customers’ needs and strengthening our company’s foundation.

During the 2008-2009 recession, CGR Products took practical steps by planning 18 months ahead. This preparation, along with the team’s flexibility, helped the company avoid layoffs and maintain operations. These efforts allowed CGR Products to continue supporting its customers throughout a period of uncertainty.

A milestone year marked by both celebration and reflection. To commemorate its 50th anniversary in business, CGR Products brought the entire company and their families together for a memorable cruise to the Bahamas—a testament to the spirit of unity and gratitude that defines CGR Products.

This year also brought the passing of our founder, Charlie Keeley—a moment to honor the man whose vision and dedication shaped our company from the very beginning.

 

As the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the globe, CGR Products continued its operations without implementing any layoffs. Recognized as an essential manufacturer, the company played a critical role in supplying die-cut rubber diaphragms for lifesaving ventilators, supporting hospitals and healthcare providers during one of the most challenging times in recent history. CGR Products’ dedication to both its team and its ideal ensured that the company remained strong and resilient. Watch one of our news segments here.

Why CGR Products

We’re built for durability, not for disruption. Our customers choose CGR because they know we’ll be here tomorrow—just like we’ve been here for the last 60 years. That kind of reliability isn’t a promise. It’s our history.
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