News

Success in 2023 for Team 1 Plastics: Plans for Growth in 2024

With 2023 ending, many of us may have asked ourselves “Where did the year go?”  It seems like we were celebrating the end of 2022 just yesterday with the hope that 2023 would bring us a better year.  Team 1 Plastics, a plastic injection molding company for the transportation industry, was fortunate to experience many successes in the past year: adding two new 450-Ton molding machines, producing a virtual walk-thru tour, celebrating awards and safety milestones, improving workplace culture, and maintaining a strong focus on giving back to the community.  Additionally, Team 1 was able to successfully make it through the unprecedented United Auto Workers (UAW) labor strike in September, with minimal impact on the company.  There is no doubt that Team 1 Plastics ended 2023 strong, with big plans for the year ahead, including a possible plant expansion.

2023 ADDITIONS

Team 1 Plastics added value to the company throughout the year with some new additions.  In January, Team 1 saw the arrival of its second 450-Ton Sodick molding machine, with the third 450-Ton Sodick arriving in November.  In February, the company replaced an old forklift with a brand new 2023 Toyota and in August, the Maintenance Department was thrilled to replace the existing crane with a new 5-Ton Yale.

2023 did not just bring new “toys for the shop.”  It was during the year that Team 1 also added Donald McCallum to fill a newly created Automation Specialist position.  “This is the first time we have had a Team Member with this focused automation responsibility,” shared Engineering Manager Dave Seedorf. “We believe this will allow us to integrate automation further within the facility – bringing new capabilities internally, such as 3D printing, Cobots, and automated assemble, along with expanding EoAT internal capability and focused oversight.”

TEAM 1 PLASTICS VIRTUAL TOUR

CELEBRATIONS and AWARDS

Team 1 Plastics Team Photo – courtesy of Studio 8592 LLC – Sept. 27, 2023

Team 1 Plastics considers its Team Members to be its greatest asset, with “Team Member Success” being one of the four core values in the company’s Championship Dream.  Team 1 believes that “Building an exceptional company is the result of building exceptional teams with exceptional people,”  and continues to recognize and celebrate Team Members’ dedication to success and safety.

It is because of these exceptional Team Members that the company was fortunate to receive its NINTH “Best Places to Work” award from Plastics News, being ranked #7 among all processors.  And again, Team Members displayed their dedication to safety when reaching a major safety milestone in May: 2000 days without a lost time accident (equivalent to nearly 5 1/2 years)!  In September, Team Members gathered at the company’s facility in Albion, Michigan to celebrate these two achievements.

Co-Owners Gary Grigowski & Craig Carrel present Dave Seedorf with 30-Year Service Award plaque. 

During the Annual Open Book Meeting in November, the company recognized five Team Member service anniversaries. Being only the second Team Member to reach 30 years at Team 1 (besides Owners Craig and Gary, of course), Dave Seedorf earned that achievement in March 2023.  During the Open Book Meeting, Dave was presented with a 30-Year Service Award plaque to honor his time with the company.

30 Years: Dave Seedorf — 25 Years: Dave Sanford
10 Years: Rob Clothier — 5 Years:  Michelle Nielsen, Mitch Hemgesberg

Team 1 Plastics would like to thank all Team Members for their hard work and dedication.

We could not thrive without your continued focus on safety and commitment to success! 

A YEAR OF FUN and GIVING BACK

Team 1 Plastics did a stellar job boosting morale and keeping things exciting in 2023! Between the monthly Theme Days, Team Member Photo Contest, Halloween Costume Contest, and Holiday Decorating Contest, there were many opportunities for Team Members to have a little fun on the job.

Another core principle of Team 1 Plastics’ Championship Dream includes being a “Positive Community Member.”  Focusing its financial contributions to the local community, the company believes that “Team 1 has an obligation to be a strong positive influence on our team members’ families and their communities.”  2023 served as an opportunity for Team 1 to continue giving back to the local community through sponsorships and involvement in local events.

A few of the year’s contributions include:
Run Albion — INNOVATE Albion — Festival of the Forks — Swingin’ at the Shell
Albion’s 4th of July Fireworks — Kids-n-Stuff Spring Break Program
Albion’s Annual Father & Son Picnic — Gardner House Museum Golf Outing
Community Action Walk for Warmth — Kids Free Films at the Bohm Theater
Night of Starrs (Starr Commonwealth) — Albion Chamber of Commerce Golf Outing
Merry Mile (Calhoun County Fairgrounds) — Toys for Tots – Albion American Legion Post 55
Play Right Sports Academy Christmas Family Fun Night

MINIMAL IMPACT TO BUSINESS

In September, United Auto Workers (UAW) initiated a labor strike against the “Big 3” automakers: Ford, GM, and Stellantis upon the expiration of their 2019 labor contract. With no mutual agreement, the Union began strategically shutting down labor in targeted plants across all three automakers.  For 46 days the strike continued, putting some businesses on edge about the impact this unprecedented labor strike might cause.

Team 1 Plastics stayed cautious, yet optimistic throughout the ordeal, experiencing minimal impacts on business.  “There was 1 plant closure that did affect us,” explained Plant Manager Dave Sanford.  “We make parts that go on the Ford Bronco and that line was shut down. Our customer stopped ordering parts right away, but it had minimal impact on us. We did bring in numerous transfer programs for the year, some of which started during the strike which is partially why our sales grew during that time.”  Co-owner and President Craig Carrel added, “We were pleasantly surprised that we were minimally affected by the UAW strike. Being prepared for a much worse outcome, we are very glad it is behind us.”

OPTIMISTIC FOR 2024

2024 has begun on a positive note for Team 1 Plastics.  Two weeks ago, the company was awarded its TENTH Best Places to Work Award from Plastics News!  Looking forward, Team 1 has big plans for growth this year, bringing in at least one more 450-Ton molding machine later in the year for new business.  Additionally, Plant Manager Dave Sanford revealed the possibility of a plant expansion. “We are seriously looking at our options to expand the manufacturing plant to give us more room to grow, which looks like it will be started in 2024.” All of these factors, combined with a much more stable supply chain, it is no surprise that Team 1 is optimistic for the year ahead.

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