American Plastics invests $7 million in Seneca County operations
By NICK DUTRO, Tiffin-Seneca Economic Partnership
TIFFIN – American Plastics, a premier plastic injection molding company located just south of Tiffin has announced that it has invested $7 million into its operations at the plant. American Plastics employs 142 people in Seneca County.
The new investment is to support American Plastic’s current customers, and includes the purchase of five new state-of-the-art presses, tooling investments and facility improvements to increase efficiency and capacity.
American Plastics’s Tiffin facility is the sole manufacturer of shelving for the Craftsman brand, available at the more than 1,500 Lowe’s stores in North America. The plant specializes in the production of plastic shelving, including Craftsman, Commander and Blue Hawk name brands for Lowe’s. American Plastics has 14 other facilities throughout the U.S., including facilities in Sycamore and Findlay.
In addition to the investments in the company, American Plastics has committed to increasing the wages of its staff. Starting wages are to increase to $14.50 an hour, with a $1-an-hour incentive bonus for attendance, for a total starting wage of $15.50 an hour. An outdoor hiring event has been scheduled for 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 27, at American Plastics, 1780 County Road 1. There will be open interviews, with orientations on the spot. Available positions are in first and third shift, and employees work 12-hour shifts for 15 days a month. Social distancing guidelines are to be followed.
“I’m proud that American Plastics has made a commitment to invest in our team and facility here in Tiffin,” said Joe Roth, plant manager for American Plastics in Tiffin. “Our continued growth is only possible due to the dedication of our team and the support of our customers. It’s always something new with American Plastics, and we are glad to be a part of the Tiffin growth.”
“It is great news to hear that American Plastics has continued to grow and invest in Seneca County. I hope for their continued success,” said Mike Kerschner, Seneca County Board of Commissioners president.
Nick Dutro is development manager for Tiffin-Seneca Economic Partnership, a private, non-profit corporation dedicated to driving positive economic, downtown and community development in Tiffin and Seneca County. For information, visit tiffinseneca.com.
