· Continued growth drives need for additional capacity and capabilities

· Jobs at South Bend facility to increase 108 percent by 2025

· Expanded dock capacity increases efficiency of same-day shipments

CLARKSTON, Michigan, May 6, 2015 — Chase Plastics, a leading stocking distributor of more than 6,400 specialty, engineering and commodity thermoplastics, announced today that groundbreaking for its new North America centralized distribution center in South Bend, Indiana, will commence on May 15, 2015, following a groundbreaking ceremony on May 13, 2015, at 8:30 a.m. EST. Construction of the new 125,000-square-foot facility, which is projected to be fully operational by December 2015, will begin in June. The new facility will be located at 5245 Dylan Drive in South Bend, Indiana.

The company’s new South Bend facility will feature expanded bulk storage space, doubling of loading dock capacity with enhanced safety along with broader packaging and storage capabilities. The new facility will also have additional technological capabilities by incorporating wireless warehousing for the first time using a high-speed fiber-optic infrastructure that provides lightning-fast data transfer with virtually unlimited bandwidth. These added capabilities, the breadth of carrier terminals in the area and Chase’s desire to keep its existing team of plastics professionals propelled the company’s decision to stay and build in South Bend.

In addition to adding square footage and technological capabilities to better serve its customers’ needs, Chase Plastics plans to add an additional 13 jobs to its South Bend location by 2025 – a 108 percent increase.

“Expanding our distribution operation in South Bend will allow us to continue to enhance our ability to provide outrageous service and the latest shipping cut-off times available while ensuring next-day delivery to our customers,” said Bob Hoff, business process manager, Chase Plastics. “Through this strategic location and the dedication of our team members – the industry’s most insightful supply chain experts – Chase Plastics is well-positioned for continued growth and achieving our collective goal of doubling total revenue between 2013 and 2020.”

Chase Plastics is proud to partner with the following in the building of the new warehouse: Abonmarche Consultants, Inc. (civil engineering), Creative Design Solutions, Inc. (architecture), Holladay Construction (building) and Comerica Bank (financing).

KRAIBURG TPE has partnered with Chase Plastics, a thermoplastic distributor and Innotech Precision Inc., a leading manufacturer of precision plastic components to create a solution for the automotive manufacturing industry.

KRAIBURG TPE was presented with a unique opportunity when it’s distribution partner Chase Plastics, one of the leading North American full-service specialty engineered thermoplastic distributors, approached it with a complex problem that required a creative solution.

Chase Plastics was working with Innotech Precision, Inc., a leading manufacturer of precision plastic components, on an automotive A-pillar window application for a prestigious US based OEM. Innotech was seeking a thermoplastic elastomer for its second shot soft-touch plastic that would adhere to two key hard substrates – ASA & PC/ABS. The manufacturer had previously trialed three different kinds of TPE brands and none were able to fulfill the application requirements. The materials displayed issues from processing, where it would stick to the mold cavity to adhesion difficulties where the compounds would not bond to the harder substrates. Already in February 2014 and start of production quickly approaching the following month, both Innotech and Chase needed a rather rapid and effective solution. Innotech – Chase Plastics

The solution became a KRAIBURG TPE material from their THERMOLAST® K portfolio series that is optimal for adhesion and exterior automotive applications. This particular grade exhibited superior chemical bonding and higher ease of processing than any other material trialed thus far. These TPE materials are based on hydrogenated block copolymers and are components of virtually all end-product market segments, such as: Consumer, Industrial and of course Automotive. In addition to their excellent ASA & PC/ABS bonding capabilities, they also feature outstanding sealing and non-slip properties as well as bonding to other engineered plastics like: PC, PMMA, POM and PA.

At last success was achieved and the THERMOLAST® K material is now utilized as the soft touch element in the A-pillar window for over 250,000 vehicle models. Production is expected to run for five years. This is yet another example of the benefits of KRAIBURG TPE’s expertise in the field of TPE’s and their processing. They consistently support their partners and customers with their know-how gained through their vast years of experience.

About Chase Plastics
Founded in 1992, Chase Plastics is a leading North American full-service specialty engineering thermoplastic distributor serving plastic processors throughout North and Central America. Chase has redefined thermoplastic distribution by delivering an unlimited combination of specialty, engineering and commodity thermoplastics to its customers and focusing on unparalleled service that includes engineering and technical support, application development expertise, and unmatched industry know-how.

About KRAIBURG TPE
KRAIBURG TPE (www.kraiburg-tpe.com) is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of soft, elastic thermoplastic elastomers. In addition to custom solutions, under the THERMOLAST® brand the company offers a broad spectrum of standardized compounds covering a wide range of applications. With its high-performance HIPEX® compound, KRAIBURG TPE is opening up the world of rubber for all thermoplastics processing companies and with the new compounds COPEC® and For-Tec E is entering new dimensions in terms of haptics, adhesion and resistance for consumer electronics products.
KRAIBURG TPE has production sites in Germany, USA and Malaysia. The sales organization covers France, Italy, Poland, Spain, China, India, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, Brazil and Mexico. In further countries KRAIBURG TPE is represented by distributors.

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Our technically skilled team will be available at booth #S15055 in the south hall to answer all of your technical and certification questions, and show you how our unmatched offering of quality, cost-effective materials will guide you to improved manufacturing productivity. Whether you’re a current customer or interested in learning why more than 2,700 processors choose Chase Plastics, stop by to see the new and innovative ways we’re Redefining Resin Distribution!

In the meantime, click here to contact your local account manager to learn more about how our far-reaching supply chain and local expertise will help you gain a competitive edge and ultimately improve your bottom line.

Click here for complementary admission to PLASTEC West.

• Total revenue increased nine percent year over year from January 2013
• Canada revenue increased 21 percent year over year from January 2013
• Distribution agreement with DSM Engineering Plastics offers more specialty engineering resins to plastic processors in Mexico

 Chase Plastics, a leading stocking distributor of more than 6,400 specialty, engineering and commodity thermoplastics, grew its total revenue to $217 million in 2014, a nine percent year-over-year increase, and is on pace to exceed $260 million by 2016. This growth is fueled in part by the company’s continued expansion in Canada, where Chase Plastics increased year-over-year revenue by 21 percent and its total customer base by more than 18 percent.

“As we continue to expand our capabilities and sales presence across North and Central America, we’re committed to continuing to elevate the ‘outrageous’ levels of customer and technical service that have gotten us to where we are today,” said Alan Arduini, vice president, sales, Chase Plastics. “We take a lot of pride in the fact that we’re growing with our customers in emerging markets — particularly in the automotive segment — and we look forward to continued shared success in 2015 and beyond.”

Since January 2013, Chase has hired four technically skilled sales professionals to serve processors across the United States and Mexico and has bolstered its administrative support team with the addition of six new hires.

“From the day a processor chooses us as its distribution partner, it receives the support of dedicated account teams — comprising sales, customer service, credit, engineering and supply chain management professionals — with the skills and expertise to meet its needs and help its business become more efficient,” said Kevin Chase, president, Chase Plastics. “We put tremendous effort into attracting and retaining high-quality professionals to help our customers reach their business goals, and our company’s growth is validation that customers, especially those in emerging markets such as Canada and Mexico, are responding positively to the brand of ‘outrageous’ service we provide.”

Chase Plastics currently employs 100 plastics professionals, serves more than 2,700 customers and is trending to exceed its goal of doubling total revenue between 2013 and 2020.

Canada

Strong increases in business in Ontario (12 percent) and Quebec (67 percent) contributed to Chase Plastics’ nine percent revenue growth between 2013 and 2014. The company recently hired a bilingual customer service representative to provide additional support for French-speaking customers served by the company’s bilingual sales team in Ontario and Quebec. Sales revenue in Ontario is expected to rise by 25 percent in 2015, while Quebec sales revenue is expected to rise by an additional 65 percent.

Mexico

Chase Plastics recently signed a distribution agreement with DSM Engineering Plastics, which enables the company to distribute additional high-quality, cost-effective materials to Mexican processors serving the automotive and electronics industries, as well as general industries. Additionally, Chase recently added bilingual sales support and assigned one of its technical service and application development engineers to the sales team serving the region, further elevating the level of service it provides customers in this fast-growing market.

ABOUT CHASE PLASTICS

Chase Plastics is a stocking distributor of more than 6,400 varieties of specialty, engineering and commodity thermoplastics from the industry’s leading manufacturers and global suppliers. In addition, Chase delivers engineering expertise, technical service, application development support, blending, repacking, inventory management and logistics services via a network of distribution centers, warehouses and sales locations throughout North and Central America.

Chase Plastics is Redefining Resin Distribution^® with an approach to business that puts customer needs first. Formed in 1992, Chase Plastics has built its business on its ability to respond with the flexibility and urgency that plastic processors require. Based in Clarkston, Michigan, Chase Plastics was founded by Kevin and Carole Chase, who serve as the company’s president and vice president, respectively. Find more information at ChasePlastics.com.

SOUTH BEND, Ind. – Chase Plastic Services, Inc., a specialty engineering thermoplastic stocking distributor, announced plans today to expand its operations here, creating up to 14 new jobs by 2017.

The Clarkston, Michigan-based company will invest $5.82 million to construct and equip a new 125,000 square-foot facility in Sou­­th Bend. The facility, which will be fully operational by September 2015, will allow the company to expand its bulk storage space and enhance packaging and logistics capabilities by doubling its loading dock area.

“Strong infrastructure and a central location are part of what makes Indiana a hub for business logistics,” said Eric Doden, president of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. “Companies also find low taxes, less red tape and an elite workforce here, making the Crossroads of America a great choice for companies like Chase Plastics.”

Chase Plastics plans to begin hiring for direct labor, material handling and mid-management positions in early 2015. Interested applicants may apply by visiting www.chaseplastics.wpengine.com.

“After evaluating surrounding areas, we concluded that South Bend remains a logistical advantage for us to provide just-in-time and next-day delivery options to better serve our customers,” said Kevin Chase, president of Chase Plastics. “Our strong commitment to our existing team members and the tremendous support offered by the city of South Bend and the state in their efforts to make it advantageous to stay in Indiana for the foreseeable future also played a large role in our decision to build there. We are excited about our opportunity to grow our business and increase our involvement in the community.”

Founded in 1992, Chase Plastics is a full-service thermoplastic stocking distributor serving plastic processors throughout North and Central America. The company provides engineering expertise, technical service, application development assistance, blending, repacking, inventory management and logistics services. A member of the Manufacturers Association for Plastics Processors, Chase Plastics distributes more than 6,400 varieties of specialty, engineering and commodity thermoplastics from manufacturers and global suppliers in the industry. Chase Plastics won the 2012 Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year award, and Crain’s Detroit Business has named Chase Plastics to its 2013 Private 200 and 2013 Fastest Growing Companies lists.

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Chase Plastic Services, Inc. up to $114,000 in conditional tax credits based on the company’s investment plans. The city of South Bend approved additional incentives at the request of the Chamber of Commerce of St. Joseph County.

“South Bend is a highly attractive location for distribution because of our proximity to the Great Lakes, excellent power and great access to rail and the interstate highway system,” said South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg. “Chase Plastics knows the competitive advantage of choosing South Bend. We thank Chase for retaining and adding good paying jobs in our community, and look forward to growing with them in their future success.”

Since 2005, Indiana has invested more than $1 billion per year in infrastructure improvements and will have repaired or replaced 1,070 bridges, constructed 65 new interchanges and resurfaced 6,350 miles of highway–nearly half of the state’s inventory– by the end of 2015, according to the Indiana Department of Transportation.

About Chase Plastics

Chase Plastics distributes more than 6,400 varieties of specialty, engineering and commodity thermoplastics from the industry’s leading manufacturers and global suppliers. In addition, Chase delivers engineering expertise, technical service, application development assistance, blending, repacking, inventory management and logistics services via a network of distribution centers, warehouses and sales locations throughout North and Central America.

Chase Plastics is redefining resin distribution with an approach to business that puts customer needs first. Formed in 1992, Chase Plastics has built its business on the ability to respond quickly with all of the flexibility and agility that its customers require. Based in Clarkston, Mich., Chase Plastics was founded by Kevin and Carole Chase, who serve as the company’s president and vice president, respectively. Find more information at ChasePlastics.com.

About IEDC

Created in 2005 to replace the former Department of Commerce, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation is governed by a 12-member board chaired by Governor Mike Pence. Victor Smith serves as the Indiana Secretary of Commerce and Eric Doden is the president of the IEDC.

The IEDC oversees programs enacted by the General Assembly including tax credits, workforce training grants and public infrastructure assistance. All tax credits are performance-based. Therefore, companies must first invest in Indiana through job creation or capital investment before incentives are paid. A company who does not meet its full projections only receives a percentage of the incentives proportional to its actual investment. For more information about IEDC, visit www.iedc.in.gov.
Media Contacts:
Sherry Cudd (Chase Plastics) – 248.620.8333 or scudd@chaseplastics.com
Katelyn Hancock (IEDC) – 317.234.2294 or kahancock@iedc.in.gov

Our technically skilled team will be available at PLASTEC West, booth #4123, to answer all of your technical and certification questions and show you how our limitless offering of quality, cost-effective materials can help you cut manufacturing cost without sacrificing quality.

Whether you’re a current customer or interested in learning why more than 2,700 processors choose Chase Plastics, stop by to see how we’re Redefining Resin Distribution.

In the meantime, click here to contact your local account manager to learn more about how our far-reaching supply chain and local expertise will help you gain a competitive edge and ultimately improve your bottom line.

Chase Plastics, a leading North American distributor of more than 6,400 specialty, engineering and commodity thermoplastics, is ranked #33 on Crain’s “Cool Places to Work in Michigan” list.

The “Cool Places to Work” designation was awarded to 75 companies across the state that meet pre-determined criteria; organizations are ranked according to results of employee surveys administered by the Harrisburg, Pa.-based Best Companies Group.

Click here to view the full list of Michigan’s Cool Places to Work.

Click here for information about career opportunities at Chase Plastics.

Please join Chase Plastics in welcoming Jeff Chattaway to our sales team serving southern California and Nevada. Jeff recently relocated to the West Coast from our corporate headquarters in Clarkston, Michigan, where he served as a sales administrator for two years.

“Jeff’s technical skill and strong product knowledge will be integral in helping processors in southern California and Nevada navigate the complex material selection process,” said Eric Walters, regional sales manager. “During his tenure at our corporate headquarters, Jeff guided customers to improved profitability through quality, cost-effective material solutions, and his experience and commitment to service will serve this market well as it continues to grow.”

Jeff, a Michigan native, holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Central Michigan University.

“At Chase, we understand processors need to do more than manufacture quality applications to rise above the competition,” said Jeff. “I look forward to using my in-depth knowledge of our product line of more than 6,400 specialty, engineering and commodity thermoplastics, and technical background, to help customers across southern California and Nevada shorten development time, bring products to market faster and ultimately reach new levels of profitability. I also look forward to continuing to elevate the “outrageous” level of customer service we’re known for.”
 

TAKE THE CHASE CHALLENGE!

 
Call 310.431.1222, toll-free 800.232.4273, or email jchattaway@chaseplastics.com and give Jeff and the team an opportunity to provide you with cost-reduction solutions from our large offering of high-quality Chase products.

Working together, they’ll exceed your expectations.

Visit ChasePlastics.com for more information.

Please join Chase Plastics in welcoming Bill Hentig, account manager, to our team serving Arizona, southern California and Tijuana, Mexico.

“With more than 20 years of materials, processing and tooling experience, Bill brings a wealth of knowledge to our valued customers,” said Eric Walters, regional sales manager. “We’re very fortunate and excited to have Bill on our team and are confident he’ll continue to deliver the ‘outrageous’ service we pride ourselves on.”

Bill, who most recently served as a technical service and application development engineer at our Clarkston, Michigan, headquarters, holds an associate degree in plastics technology and a bachelor’s degree in plastics engineering from Ferris State University.

“My family and I are thrilled to move back to Arizona, where we spent five years of our lives,” said Bill. “Since joining the Chase team, I’ve developed great relationships with processors throughout the Southwest. I look forward to continuing to help them achieve competitive advantage through the unmatched product line and levels of technical skill and customer service that we’re known for.”

TAKE THE CHASE CHALLENGE

Call 616.644.5176, toll-free 800.232.4273, or email bhentig@chaseplastics.com and give us an opportunity to provide you with cost-reduction solutions from our large offering of high-quality Chase products.

Working together, we’ll exceed your expectations.

Chase Plastics has a long and successful history distributing the DSM engineering plastics portfolio throughout North America and Mexico. This agreement strengthens our partnership in Mexico.

According to Bob Akins, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for DSM Engineering Plastics North America, “Chase brings a strength and know-how in servicing engineered resin customers throughout North America which will certainly help us grow in Mexico.” DSM will now be better positioned to offer customers in Mexico solutions for the automotive, electrical and electronics, and general industries via a broad portfolio of products, including Akulon® PA6 filled and unfilled polyamides, Arnitel® TPC copolyester, Arnite® PBT and PET polyesters, Stanyl® high heat polyamide 46 and 4T, and bio-based engineering plastics, EcoPaXX® polyamide 410 and Arnitel® Eco copolyester.