MAPP’s Board of Directors encourages plastics processors to utilize the knowledge contained within the MAPP network. To familiarize readers with the Board, each member will be profiled by Plastics Business ENews. This month, get to know Ben Harp, Chief Operating Officer of Polymer Conversions.
Ben Harp, COO, Polymer Conversions, Orchard Park, NY
MAPP Member Since: 2003
# of Employees: 85
# of Presses: 24
Industries served? Medical, Aerospace, Defense
How did plastics become your career?
While in graduate school, I worked on various projects with another MBA student who was employed in the plastics industry. He always spoke of the industry and his job with passion and excitement, and that was appealing. He hand-delivered my resume to his organization, General Polymers/Ashland, Inc., and I was hired. That was 16 years ago, and I’ve remained in this industry because I like being a part of making something in this country. In particular, with our medical customers, I love being involved in making products that matter.
Describe Polymer Conversions, Inc.
Polymer Conversions is an engineering-focused organization centered on the development and build of healthcare components and devices. Our company is first-in-class in creating new tools, maintaining those tools and controlling the production process, resulting in excellence for our customers.
In what areas are you willing to share your experiences with other processors?
I completely endorse sharing our best practices with others in the industry – it makes us better and it makes American manufacturing better. Polymer Conversions brings our experience in the tool build process to the table, and we’re willing to share information about how we handle and maintain our existing tools, as well as best practices in building new tooling in-house. We also have expertise in controlling and validating manufacturing processes. Software is a component of that, but it’s the comprehensive process of how we put our arms around the entire package – from making of the tool to controlling the variables through the software to final assembly – that gives us an edge.
Contact Ben Harp at 716.662.8550 or email [email protected].
Previous Profiles
MAPP Board Members
Former Board Members
Other MAPP Members have offered their advice and expertise on job costing, automation, clean room technology and more through the Business and Technical Resources area of the MAPP website. Or visit the MAPP Forum for posts on business practices, equipment and materials.
Updated Sept. 8, 2014
