DeKALB Molded Plastics News

Indianapolis, IN – DeKALB Molded Plastics of Butler, IN was one of forty-three companies from around the state to be honored at the fourth annual Indiana Companies to Watch.  President, Rick Walters received the award at the celebration banquet held on Thursday, August 25, 2011.

The award highlights second-stage companies (defined as companies that have grown past the startup stage but have not grown to maturity) and their contributions to creating a stable US economy.  The focus not only signifies steady growth, but job creation and innovation.  DeKALB employed 55 teammates in 2010 and 91 is expected by the end of 2011.  The application process is rigorous, including a holistic balance of employee culture, community involvement and commitment to technology in addition to stable revenues.  DeKALB recently was recognized as the 2010 PlasticsNews Excellence Award winner for similar features.

Companies to Watch is intended to seek out businesses from a wide range of industries representing all regions of the state.  DeKALB Molded Plastics was one of nine manufacturers, however the only manufacturer of plastics, more specifically structural foam injection molding.  Additional business categories include information technology, educational services, healthcare, etc.  Awardees are selected by a panel of judges summoned by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, Purdue University and the Edward Lowe Foundation. 

DeKALB Molded Plastics acknowledges the devotion to lean continuous improvements in the development of a strategic plan that has driven the company through the recession and for the years to come as well as marketing efforts that establish DeKALB as a unique structural foam manufacturer.

AUBURN — Two companies from DeKalb County will be honored among 43 outstanding businesses in Indiana’s fourth annual list of “Companies to Watch.”

The local companies are DeKalb Molded Plastics in Butler and Team Quality Services of Auburn.

“These ‘Companies to Watch’ are among the firms fostering Indiana’s economic growth,” said Mitch Roob, secretary of commerce and chief executive officer of the Indiana Economic Development Corp. “This group deserves our congratulations and our thanks for helping to make Indiana a great state for business.”

DeKalb Molded Plastics, an injection molder of medium and large structural foam products, makes products for clients in the medical, logistics, warehousing and construction safety markets. Founded in 1979, it employs more than 70 people and recently announced plans to expand, creating up to 20 new jobs by 2014.

As a custom molder, “You bring us your idea and your tool, and we’ll produce your product for you,” company president Rick Walters said in a recent interview.

Source: KPC News (http://www.kpcnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=10790)

AKRON, OHIO (March 15, 1:20 p.m. ET) — Plastics News has named three winners of the first PN Excellence Awards — DeKalb Molded Plastics Co., Pelican Products Inc. and Steinwall Inc.

DeKalb Molded Plastics, a structural foam molder in Butler, Ind., won in the category of customer relations.

Customers said DeKalb employees go to great lengths to satisfy their needs, quickly returning calls, meeting delivery deadlines and providing engineering expertise. Employee teams focus on process improvements and continuous improvement, resulting in several new customers.

An example came in mid-2009, when one customer needed parts fast, but the tool wasn’t even finished. DeKalb engineers made sure the tool was production-ready once it arrived in Butler. Employees stepped up to work beyond their normal shifts and on weekends. As production continued, the customer added new products and processes.

Customers praise DeKalb as a competent molder that communicates well. “DeKalb puts the customer first. Whenever there’s an issue, they resolve it quickly. They inform the customer where they’re at on all orders,” said an official with one customer.

Read more the full article at PlasticsNews.com

It is my pleasure to announce that Ken Cady joined our company on July 26, 2010 as Operations Manager. Ken is directly responsible for overseeing all areas of production, materials, quality and engineering at DeKALB Molded Plastics. He brings with him over 20 years of progressive management and leadership experience in the manufacturing environment and has been in the Operations Manager role for the past 12 years. He is also Six Sigma Black Belt (DMAIC) and Lean Manufacturing (TPS) certified.

Ken attended East Stroudsburg University in East Stroudsburg, PA and received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics. He was a military officer in the United States Army for 11 years.

Join me in welcoming Ken to our team!

Kassy Davis

Human Resource Manager

Written By Teresa Schell

Strategic Marketing Partners, LLC

At DeKALB Molded Plastics, there is no such thing as standing still. If you’re not moving forward, you’re falling behind. Best practices and continuous improvement are in a state of perpetual motion.

DeKALB is pleased to share with you their new brand! After much research, serious analysis and consideration, DeKALB made a decision on a new look and image for the organization. While the look is new, DeKALB’s commitment as a world-class supplier of structural plastic parts remains the same.

The branding project was launched for three main reasons. First, DeKALB recognized the need to update their look and image. The current logo was designed 30 years ago, dating the company in its red, white and blue colors. The new green logo more accurately represents the company’s steadfastness to recyclability where some products are produced with 100% recyclable material; designating DeKALB as an environmentally responsible structural plastics supplier. Additionally, the ‘wedge’ points in a direction of forward trajectory as the company enters a new stage of success. Secondly, DeKALB strives to incorporate alignment with their new tagline “Committed to Your Solutions” as the company’s effort and dedication to addressing customers’ challenges. The adopted new tagline was a result of profiling the marketplace with the use of an internal/external SWOT analysis. Overwhelming comments from customers indicated that DeKALB ‘goes the extra mile’, “DeKALB is a reliable supplier’, and ‘DeKALB goes to great lengths to ensure our product needs are met’. And finally, DeKALB wanted to establish a comprehensive, coordinated approach to the deployment of the new branding efforts through additional media channels, including the website, with a continuous message.

DeKALB Molded Plastics is adopting this new logo and brand to more accurately reflect feedback from the DeKALB employees and customers surveyed; who described DeKALB as efficient, compassionate and experienced. Embracing this new brand, DeKALB’s message is to encapsulate not only the capabilities of the company but the level of commitment engaged in every professional relationship.

As recently quoted in Plastics Business magazine as the cover-featured article, President, Rick Walters believes in establishing a personal, emotional connection that speaks integrity and genuine respect for the customer’s needs because the customer finds value in that attitude. The marketing message and brand identity reflects that core value.

If you’re fortunate enough to work with DeKALB Molded Plastics as a customer, vendor or business associate, consider yourself a part of a culture that welcomes new ideas and procedures to support the growth of the company. DeKALB won’t rest on past accomplishments; they’re committed to overcoming inconveniences and serving with dedication now and in the future.

It is my pleasure to announce that Mike Campbell joined our company on August 2, 2010 as Improvement Engineer. He is directly responsible for the maintenance, set-up and tooling operations at DeKALB Molded Plastics.

Mike brings with him over 20 years of experience in the plastics industry. He has worked for several companies in our industry, such as Fort Wayne Plastic (1991-1998) and Orbis Materials Handling Group (1998-2009). Most recently, he has working for Portola Packaging Inc. as the Maintenance, Tooling, and Processing Supervisor.

He is currently pursuing a degree in Industrial Management.

Kassy Davis

Human Resource Manager

Butler, IN (July 19, 2010) — Kassy Davis, Human Resource Manager, DeKALB Molded Plastics recently earned certification as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR).

The certification, awarded by the HR Certification Institute, signifies that Kassy Davis possesses the theoretical knowledge and practical experience in human resource management necessary to pass a rigorous examination demonstrating a mastery of the field.

“Certification as a human resource professional clearly demonstrates a commitment to personal excellence and to the human resource profession,” said Mary Power, CAE, Executive Director of the HR Certification Institute.

To become certified, an applicant must pass a comprehensive examination and demonstrate a strong background of professional human resource experience.

The HR Certification Institute is the credentialing body for human resource professionals and is affiliated with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), the world’s largest organization dedicated exclusively to the human resource profession. The Institute’s purpose is to promote the establishment of professional standards and to recognize professionals who meet those standards.

DeKALB Molded Plastics was featured in the Spring 2010 edition of Plastics Business Magazine.

Read the article here (404 kb pdf).