FAQ’s

How long has Thames River Tube been in business?
Almost 80 years. TRT was founded in 1928. The LeBeau family who are the present owners purchased it in 1964. Once located on the
Thames River in New London, CT it was relocated to Ashaway, RI in 1970. Now located on the banks of the Ashaway River the company
retains its original name.

What sizes of paper cores and tubes can you manufacture?
Inside Diameters range from 1.0” to 36.0”
Wall Thickness ranges from .060” to .750”
Length can range from 1.0” or less to whatever length can be transported. It could be as long as 52 feet.

Do you make custom tubes with special notches, holes, angle cuts, etc.?
Yes, in fact we are one of the leading specialists in this area.

What is the minimum order size?
How many do you want? We will make one if that’s all you need. We quote delivered prices which include delivery with a $500.00 minimum order. If what the customer wants is able to ship via UPS or has to be shipped LTL we will ship it and charge the customer or send it freight collect.

What are your company’s lead times?
Normal lead times are 3 to 5 working days. Rush orders are available.

Do you offer a price list for your products?
Not on all products because generally our products are manufactured to our customer’s specifications and each customer’s needs vary. We do offer a price list for our Builder’s Form Tubes to qualified dealers and distributors. We will provide you a free quotation via the phone or the Internet at your request.

Do you have any paper tubes in stock ready for immediate shipment?
Yes, often we have tubes on the factory floor for walk-in or quick shipment. Please call for details.

Is your product recyclable?
Yes it is recyclable and biodegradable. The tubes are made from recycled paper, chipboard, and food grade PVA water-soluble
glue. Our Builder Form Tubes are coated on the inside and outside with food grade hot wax.

How do you make a Paper Core or Tube?
Various widths and thickness of paper are coated on one or both sides with an adhesive and wound on a mandrel (which is the ID of the tube) by a large rubber belt that compresses the paper and forces it off the mandrel in a continuous length. A saw blade or knife cuts the tube to the desired length.

What is a mandrel?
A mandrel is a steel shaft that is used to form the Inside Diameter (referred to as ID) of the tube or core.