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Live from the Ulster Winter Fair, Noel sat down with Jamie Hayes, Manager at Durapak Agri, for a Rubber Special episode of the Creating Value Series. The conversation focused on one simple question farmers keep asking:
What actually makes good slat rubber last?
Jamie explained that while comfort and grip are well-known benefits, the real performance comes from design details that prevent movement, damage, and long-term failure.
At the centre of Durapak’s approach is Triple Lock — three engineered features working together:
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Three support strips with parallel wedges
This balances the rubber across the slat, preventing curling and uneven pressure. -
Vertical protrusions instead of click systems
Continuous contact with the slat profile eliminates looseness and long-term wear. -
A relief hole in the wedge
This allows the rubber to flex during installation and expand once in place — protecting the wedge and locking it securely.
Jamie compared it to a tyre: rubber must flex to perform. If it’s too hard, it cracks. If it moves, it fails. Controlled flex is the key.
The discussion also covered Durapak’s customer-first philosophy — from five-year warranties and zero open warranty cases, to digital measurement systems that reduce errors and improve installation accuracy.
As Durapak continues to expand internationally and prepare for new product launches in 2026, one thing remains constant: long-life solutions for long-life cows, starting from calf housing right through to mature stock.
This Rubber Special is a clear example of how engineering, experience, and listening to farmers create products that stand the test of time.