Team 1 Plastics Reflects on 2021; Optimistic for 2022

With 2021 ending, many of us may have asked ourselves “where did the year go?”  It seems like just yesterday we were celebrating the end of 2020 with hopes that 2021 would bring us a better year.  It is no secret that the COVID pandemic has blanketed the globe with hardships and uncertainty.  Through 2020 and 2021 the economy was hit hard, leaving many businesses without profits, staff, or hopes for their future; many forced to close their doors for good.  Team 1 Plastics, a plastic injection molding company for the transportation industry, has experienced these pandemic hardships, but has pushed through them strong and looks ahead optimistically.

2021 ‘WINS’

In 2021, Team 1 experienced supply shortages with semi-conductors and raw materials while also battling the shortages among the general automobile industry.  Despite these shortages and low profit margins, Team 1 was able to overcome these obstacles and ended 2021 strong.  Here we celebrate all their “wins” from 2021, both big and small.

At the end of 2020, Team 1 was Awarded Plastics News’ Best Places to Work.
For 7 of the past 8 years Team 1 has received this award; confirming their commitment to making their workplace as safe and enjoyable as possible.

In 2021, Safety continued to remain as a top priority.  Team 1 ended 2021 with just under 1,500 consecutive days without a lost time accident.  That is over 4 years without lost time due to an accident!  Thank you to all the Team Members for keeping safety a priority each day!

In addition, all key performance metrics continued to show improvement.  For example, quality costs in 2021 were at an all-time low.  This continues a trend of improvement over the last several years.  The company is performing at a high level and the best since its founding in 1987.

Owners Gary Grigowski and Craig Carrell present 30 Years’ Service Award to Lead Assembly Captain Shelley Lewis

2021 seems to have been the year of ‘new’ for Team 1, as they secured 4 new customers; being awarded a total of 10 new parts.  They also made upgrades throughout the buildings with new fiber-optic internet, an updated conference room, and a new Upblast roof fan to combat the summer heat.  Team 1 benefited greatly from all the year’s new equipment; a 3-wheel forklift, an extension on the 5-ton crane, a 75 HP variable drive air compressor with dryer, and their first-ever 450-ton molding machine.

2021 ended strong with Team 1 presenting their Assembly Lead Captain Shelley Lewis with her 30 Years’ Service Award.  They also continued their legacy of being a positive community member with their holiday giving to the South Michigan Food Bank, Toys for Tots, and helping a Team 1 family.

STRATEGIC PLANNING FOR 2022

Team 1 Plastics’ newest molding machine, the company’s first-ever 450-ton

As important as it is to celebrate the strong end to 2021, we must also remember to focus on the year ahead.  Looking forward to 2022, Team 1 Plastics finds themselves in a strong financial position and are confident that they can weather any financial storms ahead.  The acquisition of their newest molding machine in August, a 450-ton Sodick, served as the catalyst for continued growth and improvement for the company.  In 2022, Team 1 will purchase another 450-ton Sodick to handle additional upcoming work through 2023.

With the transportation industry ever-changing, we have seen a move toward electric vehicles; reducing the demand for small plastic components.  This shift will continue to be a major focal point for Team 1 moving forward, with the company staying proactive in its strategic planning for profitable growth.  In 2022 and beyond, Team 1 will continue to develop new customers in non-automotive markets, and plan to diversify into automotive customers and systems that are not drivetrain dependent, such as lighting and interiors.

SUCCESS, GROWTH, AND GRATITUDE

The past two years have been rough for everyone.  Every business has experienced some negative impacts from the COVID pandemic, and Team 1 Plastics was no exception.  Despite the hardship of supply shortages, Team 1 was fortunate to end 2021 strong.  With proactive strategic planning, enthusiasm for an additional molding machine, and continuing their emphasis on safety, 2022 looks to be one of successes and growth for the company.

The success of Team 1 Plastics can be attributed to the hard work, dedication, and investment from all its team members, customers, and investors.  We are grateful for each person and organization who has an investment in the company’s success in both 2021 and 2022.  Thank you for your continued support!

For more information and to stay up-to-date with Team 1 Plastics, subscribe to the News Articles and Plastics Pipeline blog on their website or follow the company on social media (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube)

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Contact Info

927 Elliott Road
Albion, Michigan 49224-9506

Phone: (517) 629-2178