Category Archive: Blog

HVAC Industry

The last few years have been tough for all industries, but as the economy starts to pick up, so too will the HVAC industry. There are a few reasons why this industry in particular will see steady growth until at least 2019.

One of the most important drivers for the HVAC industry’s growth will be the focus on energy savings. Consumers like to know that they are doing their part and the added bonus of saving money is a big factor as well. In addition, governmental guidelines will also influence builders to meet certain criteria. This area will see boosts from new installations of energy efficient systems as well as upgrades to existing systems.

Mobile technology will also help push the HVAC industry farther. The ability to check on a system remotely and to see input data, parts used, and even inspection information will greatly improve efficiency.  Mobile technology will also help drive the amount of data that the consumer and the operator will be able to share.  This is result in increased business for the contractor as happy consumers, are more likely to repeat business.

In addition to upgrades and new installations in current buildings, there will be many new installation opportunities thanks to the budding construction industry. As new homes and office buildings are constructed, HVAC systems will are sure to be integral. Targeting hospitals, telecom centers, light and heavy commercial buildings, will surely help boost the HVAC industry.

North Carolina Manufacturing Facts

For over 50 years we have provided North Carolina and the surrounding areas with cutting precision gaskets for MRO applications and OEM and MRO products for different markets. As we continue to be a key player in the manufacturing industry in North Carolina, we would like to note that manufacturing plays an important role in our state.

An extensive number of companies make up a diverse group of manufacturers in the state of North Carolina. According to the National Association of Manufacturers, the total manufacturing output in North Carolina was $76.8 billion as of 2009, and employed approximately 431,400 manufacturing workers in 2010.

North Carolina’s manufactured goods exports are the most robust part of the state’s economy, contributing tremendous amounts of revenue through taxes and diverse employment. Additionally, 89 percent of North Carolina manufacturers are small businesses, showing that smaller companies have the ability to succeed in the state. To further support manufacturing in North Carolina, we can look at the growth in exports since 2003. Exports grew 50 percent in North Carolina, significantly driving the state’s economy and leading to a higher quality of life for residents.

Manufacturing continues to boom in North Carolina, with President Obama visiting in early 2014 to present a new high-tech manufacturing hub. The Next Generation Power Electronics Innovation Institute in North Carolina is an organization that was created to bring companies, educational organizations, and federal research together to create new electronic products.

As manufacturing continues to expand in the U.S., North Carolina offers manufacturers an attractive location to produce their goods. Support from the federal government, educational organizations, and local businesses mean that manufacturing will be able to continue to flourish for years to come. The benefits of manufacturing in North Carolina will continue to positively impact the local and national population.

Now Hiring: American Automakers

For the first time in 5 years, American automakers are on track to sell 15 million vehicles in 12 months. After the recession hit the industry hard in 2009, new vehicle sales have been slow to recover. But now it seems poised for a boom after a series of strong numbers and data, with some experts saying that the auto industry is now the backbone of our economic recovery. New car and truck sales are already up more than 7% so far this year. Automotive factories all across the country are working at more than 95% capacity as consumer confidence builds and Americans are buying more new vehicles. Ford and Chrysler have already announced shortened summer shutdowns at many North American plants to make up for the extra work. Automakers and part suppliers are looking to hire plenty of new engineers, technicians, and factory workers to help handle the increasing demand.

As volume continues to increase, makers and suppliers will need a new generation of employees to keep up. The Center for Automotive Research estimates 35,000 new workers will be hired before year’s end. According to some experts, 1 in every 4 manufacturing jobs that has been added since 2009 was auto-industry related. Ford also plans to recall 2,000 of its previously laid-off workers in addition to hiring around 3,500 new employees. This positive news shines a light on American manufacturers and gives hope to the unemployed to be a part of the brand new crop of skilled workers.

CGR Products: Welcome to Our New Blog

At CGR Products, we see our website as an extension of our personal outreach to customers. In this blog, we hope to open a digital conversation with you in which we can explain a little more about the advantages of our products, and industry topics in general. We look forward to building a relationship with you!

In 1963, Carolina Gasket & Rubber Company opened their doors in Greensboro, North Carolina.  Focusing on gaskets for the textile industry, the company grew and grew, and in 1990 acquired Valley Products in Decatur, Alabama.  Last year we acquired EG Gaskets in Wisconsin.  We are now known as CGR Products, profitably operating in all three locations.

How does a business stay successful in today’s competitive climate? Having top quality products, good service, and a competitive price may not be enough.  CGR has a plan and it can be summed up in one word: responsiveness.

CGR is making a conscious effort to improve our professional responsiveness at every level.  How fast can a quote be returned to a customer?  How can lead times on projects be shorter without compromising quality?  Are phone calls and inquiries being responded to in a timely manner?  The right answers to these questions are the top priority of CGR Products, both for the satisfaction of our customers and the continued success of the company as a whole.

You don’t have to take our word for it.  CGR has gone straight to our clients, who nearly unanimously responded that responsiveness is greatly important to their needs.  We’re listening.  When it comes to the response to our customers, we’re measuring lead times, response times and everything in between.  The future success of CGR rests in the hands of our clients, and we are working to make our top quality products and services faster and better all the time.