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Ongoing Media Focus: Tariffs Keep Spotlight on Team 1 Plastics

Team 1 Plastics has been consistently gaining media attention regarding the impact of automotive tariffs on small manufacturers. In April, the company was featured twice—once in The Detroit News and again in Swiss media—bringing further visibility to the challenges faced by small suppliers. More recently, Team 1 Plastics was highlighted in the Detroit Free Press, with a syndicated version appearing in USA Today. The article, written by senior autos writer Jamie L. LaReau, details the company’s firsthand experience navigating the financial strain caused by tariffs, positioning Team 1 as a key example of the broader industry impact.

Gary Grigowski – Team 1 Plastics Vice President – Photo by Detroit Free Press

In the recent Detroit Free Press article, Team 1 Vice President Gary Grigowski shares candid insights into the challenges facing the company. He explains how rising costs from tariffs on imported goods — particularly dies and equipment from countries like Canada, India, and Japan — are putting strain on small manufacturers.

“We’re little companies in little towns,” said Grigowski. “We employ 80 people, so it’s a big deal in a town of 7,000. And we have one location, so we’re making decisions that impact everything.”

Team 1, which brings in around $20 million in annual revenue, is now reevaluating a long-anticipated plant expansion due to the added financial pressure caused by the 25% tariffs on imported steel and aluminum. The article also notes that while Team 1 uses many American-made materials, necessary components like dies and machinery still face steep import fees.

Despite the challenges, Grigowski remains cautiously optimistic. “I feel like it’s a significant problem, but a problem we can start to work.” The article also discusses the broader implications of tariffs on the automotive supply chain, pointing out that while larger Tier 1 suppliers may be able to adapt, smaller companies like Team 1 are often more vulnerable to these economic shifts. This national spotlight highlights not only the resilience of Team 1 Plastics but also the importance of small manufacturers in the American automotive landscape.

Photos from the original article (above) were provided by the Detroit Free Press.

Please note: Both the original article in the Detroit Free Press and the syndicated version on USA Today may require a subscription to view in full. The original article was written by Jamie L. LaReau, senior autos writer covering Ford Motor Co. for the Detroit Free Press.