Team 1 Plastics Expansion: Steel Phase

Team 1 Plastics Expansion Update: Steel Rising as Structure Takes Shape

March 18, 2026 – The first piece of steel is set into place by DK Steel Erectors, Inc.

Since breaking ground in July 2025, the Team 1 Plastics expansion has steadily progressed from cleared land and early site work to a defining new phase – one where the structure is no longer just a plan, but a visible and rapidly evolving reality.

On March 18, 2026, the project reached a major milestone as the first piece of structural steel was set into place. After months of preparation and earlier project delays, this moment marked a clear shift in momentum – transforming anticipation into visible progress.

As the steel began to rise, so did the excitement across the organization. What had once been an idea on paper quickly started taking physical form, reinforcing the scale and importance of this investment in the company’s future.

President Craig Carrel and Vice President Gary Grigowski, co-owners of Team 1 Plastics, shared, “We are very excited to see the building go up and get enclosed against any further weather delays. With this major milestone, we can begin to really move forward inside the building and begin to plan for its completion in the coming months. It will be coming online just in time for a major new project that starts at the end of the year.”

RAPID PROGRESS: FROM STEEL to STRUCTURE

Once steel erection began, the pace of progress accelerated quickly. Within just nine days of placing the first beam, the majority of the structural framework was already in place – including key access points such as door openings. Less than three weeks after the initial steel placement on March 18, the project had advanced even further, with roofing installation underway. This rapid transformation is a testament to the efficiency and expertise of DK Steel Erectors, Inc. of Parma, Michigan, whose work has brought the structure together with impressive speed and precision.

Supporting the project from start to finish is general contractor Collins Design/Build Inc. of Clarklake, Michigan, whose ongoing leadership has helped guide the expansion through each phase. Dave Sanford, Plant Manager at Team 1 Plastics shared, “DK has been fantastic – they’ve been trucking along and getting the structure up quickly. Collins has also been great to work with. They’ve stayed committed despite earlier delays, and the team has been easy to work with throughout the entire process.”

A STRUCTURE THAT CHANGES PERSPECTIVE

While the foundation set footprint months ago, the steel framework revealed the full scale of the expansion. On-site, the size, height, and presence of a structure nearly 40% the size of the existing production and maintenance facility were immediately clear.

Drone photography highlights the full layout and how the new addition connects with the existing building, revealing a scale and positioning that ground-level views can’t capture. The space behind the facility is now clearly taking shape. From clearing land to laying the foundation and raising steel, each phase brings the vision into focus.

POSITIONED for WHAT’S NEXT

With the structure now standing and the enclosure nearing completion, the project is moving into its next critical phases. These include preparing the interior environment, pouring the floor, painting the structural steel, and running essential utilities throughout the building. Additional infrastructure will also be installed, including a crane system that will span the length of the new facility – supporting efficient movement of molds, materials, and equipment as operations expand.

This milestone is especially important as Team 1 Plastics prepares for the arrival of new molding machines later this year. These machines will support a major new program with an existing customer and are expected to significantly increase overall production capacity. Beyond current commitments, the expansion also creates new opportunities for future growth, positioning the company to take on additional work and continue expanding its capabilities.

EXPANSION SERIES: PART 2

This milestone is featured in Part 2 of the Team 1 Plastics Expansion Series on YouTube. This video, titled “Steel Rising & Structure Taking Shape,” captures the shift from groundwork to vertical construction as the framework begins to rise. In this latest video, viewers can see the expansion site in action – featuring steel installation, equipment in motion, and the rapid progress made as the building comes together over the past few weeks.

WATCH NOW: “Team 1 Plastics Expansion Series Part 2: Steel Rising & Structure Taking Shape”

For those who missed the beginning of the journey, Part 1: “Breaking Ground on the Future” offers a look back at the project’s start and its long-term vision. As construction continues, Team 1 Plastics will share ongoing updates through future Expansion Series videos tied to major milestones, bi-weekly YouTube Shorts, and social media photo updates.

LOOKING AHEAD

From clearing trees to raising steel, this expansion has evolved from a vision into a structure that now stands tall beside the existing facility. And while there is still work to be done, one thing is already clear: