Woodlawn Rubber Company was founded in September 1964 by Don Heithaus and built on American manufacturing, disciplined processes, and a commitment to doing work the right way. For more than sixty years, the company has focused on delivering consistent, reliable molded rubber products through controlled processes, accountable leadership, and continuous improvement.

Don Heithaus served in the United States National Guard in the early 1950s and was later called to active duty during the Korean War, completing basic training at Fort Polk, Louisiana. After his military service, Don worked at Procter and Gamble, where he developed a strong appreciation for structured manufacturing systems, process consistency, and quality accountability.

Motivated to build something of his own, Don recognized an unmet market need for molded rubber components. That opportunity led to the creation of Woodlawn Rubber Company, founded with limited working capital but a clear focus on learning, process control, and meeting customer requirements.

Woodlawn’s early growth was driven by close collaboration with experienced industry partners who helped establish foundational knowledge in material selection, performance requirements, and application-specific considerations such as temperature resistance, durability, and functional reliability. From the first molding machine onward, the company emphasized practical problem solving, repeatable processes, and attention to detail.

The company’s initial operations began in a single room within the O’Donnell facility in Woodlawn. As capabilities expanded, Woodlawn relocated in the 1970s to Blue Ash on Interstate Circle and later in the 1980s to Williamson Road. Each transition reflected a commitment to increased capacity, improved controls, and expanded manufacturing capabilities.

Today, Woodlawn Rubber Company is a veteran-owned business led by Ray McCleese. Ray brings decades of executive leadership, financial oversight, and operational discipline to the organization. His background includes commercial lending and service as chief financial officer for a regional privately held company, providing a strong foundation in risk management, compliance, and performance measurement.

Although Ray did not begin his career in the rubber industry, his structured approach and emphasis on documented processes, accountability, and continuous improvement supported a rapid and effective transition. His leadership reinforces a culture focused on quality objectives, process consistency, and long-term stability.

Ray is a veteran of the United States Army, having served as one of the final U.S. military personnel stationed in the City of Berlin before transferring to the 101st Airborne Division. He completed his service with an honorable discharge, continuing Woodlawn’s long tradition of veteran leadership and respect for standards, discipline, and responsibility.

From its founding to its current operations, Woodlawn Rubber Company remains committed to quality-focused manufacturing and compliance with customer, regulatory, and contractual requirements. The company emphasizes:

• Documented and repeatable processes
• Material and process traceability
• Preventive action and continuous improvement
• Long-term operational stability

Woodlawn Rubber Company continues to build on its heritage as an American-made, veteran-owned manufacturer focused on reliability, accountability, and consistent performance.