Chase Plastics Appoints Trevor Westbrook to Sales Team to Support Customers in Minnesota and Iowa
CLARKSTON, Mich., Jan. 11, 2012 – Chase Plastics, a leading North American distributor of engineering, specialty and commodity thermoplastics, appointed Trevor Westbrook to the position of sales associate to boost the company’s sales force in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul area and Iowa.
“We are extremely excited to bring Trevor to the Upper Midwest,” said Doug Wright, Chase Plastics regional sales manager. “His energy and enthusiasm for our business are contagious and he is determined to deliver outrageous customer service to processors in the Twin Cities and Iowa.”
Prior to being appointed to his current role, he worked as a certification administrator for Chase Plastics and built the foundation for a promising career with the company. Additionally, Westbrook’s previous position allowed him to become familiar with Chase Plastics’ growing customer base, ever-expanding product line and internal processes, which will allow him to assist processors in operating more efficiently within their industries.
Westbrook earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Michigan-Flint and served as a legislative assistant at the Michigan Capitol for two years.
“I am very much looking forward to building lasting relationships with the customers in my territory and beyond,” said Westbrook. “The challenge of helping them reach new heights and turn business dreams into reality is what motivates me. Through Chase Plastics’ unmatched product line, technical support and commitment to total customer satisfaction, no goal is too big and no job is too small.”
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, 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 plastics 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.
Posted by Sherry Cudd
Chase Plastics Hires Scott Dykema to Strengthen Midwest Sales Team
CLARKSTON, Mich., Nov. 30, 2011 – Chase Plastics, a leading North American distributor of engineering, specialty and commodity thermoplastics, hired Scott Dykema as sales associate to augment the company’s sales presence in Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, northern Oklahoma and northern Arkansas.
“The Midwest market is key to Chase Plastics’ strategic sales efforts,” said Bill Guenveur, Chase Plastics Southwest district account manager. “Scott’s thermoplastics experience and education in business development will ensure that our customers continue to receive the unmatched customer service and cost-effective material solutions that they have come to expect.”
Dykema earned bachelor’s degrees in marketing and management from Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Mich., and completed his internship at DSM Engineering Plastics in Evansville, Ind. He recently relocated to St. Louis, Mo., after completing Chase Plastics’ rigorous sales-training program.
“I am thrilled to be part of Chase Plastics’ sales team and expansion efforts in the Midwest,” said Dykema. “By offering such a vast product line, we are always able to deliver a material that meets and exceeds our customers’ needs, and that’s exciting. I look forward to getting to know the processors in my market and providing them with the materials and support that they need to operate more efficiently.”
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, 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 plastics 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.
Posted by Sherry Cudd
Chase Plastics adds key staff to enhance customer experience from the sales process to product delivery
Clarkston, Mich., Oct. 26, 2011 – Chase Plastics, a leading North American distributor of engineering, specialty and commodity thermoplastics, hired Stephen Bruno as account manager for its Connecticut, Long Island and upstate New York region and Keith Bontrager as the company’s warehouse manager at its 90,000-square-foot South Bend, Ind., distribution center.
Bruno, a 20-year veteran of the thermoplastics industry, will spearhead Chase Plastics’ effort to assist OEMs and processors in developing quality, cost-effective thermoplastic solutions that improve existing manufacturing processes while reducing overhead costs. His vast product knowledge paired with Chase Plastics’ unmatched product line provides customers with unlimited quality, alternative solutions that offer cost-effective options without the exaggerated cost incurred while dealing with major manufacturers.
“Stephen Bruno is an important piece of our continued growth in the Northeast,” said Adam Paulson, Chase Plastics Northeast district manager. “He provides tremendous technical knowledge coupled with a proven track record of exceeding customer expectations. By adding Stephen to our team, we can assume a more active role in helping Chase Plastics customers develop successful application and material solutions.”
Bruno holds an MBA from Temple University and completed his undergraduate work at the University of Delaware, where he majored in business administration. Prior to joining the Chase Plastics team, Bruno worked for Polymer Resources in Stamford, Conn., where he held several positions, including sales manager, account manager and product manager.
Bontrager, a 13-year veteran of warehouse management, will oversee operations at the South Bend distribution center and focus on improving Chase Plastics’ impressive 99.2 percent on-time delivery rate.
“By bringing in Keith to the Chase Plastics team, we added even more muscle to our already-strong warehouse operation,” said Bob Hoff, Chase Plastics operations manager. “First and foremost, we are a distribution company. Keith has the skills essential to help us reach our goals of being the industry leader in on-time delivery performance and providing our customers with the support needed to excel as leaders in their business.”
A former baseball and basketball player at the University of North Alabama, Bontrager most recently served as plant manager at Lippert Components Inc., where he supervised the company’s production departments including shipping and receiving and purchasing. Previously he worked as distribution and operations manager at KGP Telecommunications and was plant manager at New England Classic Inc.
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, blending, repacking, inventory management, third-party storage capabilities and logistics services via a network of distribution centers, warehouses and sales locations throughout North and Central America.
Chase Plastics is redefining plastics 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.
Posted by Sherry Cudd
Crain’s Detroit Business Recognizes Chase Plastics As One of Southeastern Michigan’s Fastest-Growing Companies
Chase Plastics made its debut on Crain’s Detroit Business’ list of southeastern Michigan’s 20 fastest-growing companies in the No. 12 spot. Our sustained growth during the thick of the recession helped solidify Chase Plastics’ place as a leading distributor of thermoplastic resins through a customer-focused, ethical approach to business and a commitment to excellence from each member of our team. View the list here.
Posted by Sherry Cudd
Chase Plastics Growth Defies Industry Trends: Customer-focused culture and operations spur sustained expansion
Chase Plastics has recently hired 21 sales and administrative staff to support its growing customer base.
With the June launch of Prophet 21, an enterprise software solution for wholesale distributors, Chase Plastics will provide customers with improved communication tools, real-time information, enhanced customer value and faster response time.
CLARKSTON, Mich., Jun. 6, 2011 – Chase Plastics, a leading North American distributor of engineered, specialty and commodity thermoplastics, is on a hiring spree thanks to the company’s sustained growth during the last two years. Despite volatility in resin supplies and pricing, and an industry marked by distributor consolidations and closings, Chase Plastics is stronger and more competitive than ever.
“The downturn in 2008 forced us to take an objective look at what Chase Plastics was, and what it would be going forward,” said Kevin Chase, president and founder of Chase Plastics. “We determined that we wanted to focus 100 percent on our key strength: distribution. Our passion has always been to deliver unmatched customer service and value to plastic processors throughout North America. Now, we’ve realigned all of our business operations in that direction. And it’s paid off.”
Since its launch in 1992, Chase Plastics has relied on a unique strategy of working with independent national and global resin makers rather than the largest mega suppliers. The idea is to collaborate with companies that have attributes and qualities similar to Chase Plastics. Namely, that the customer is king and relationships and value-added services, not pricing, build successful businesses. Chase has applied that same strategy to growing its customer base.
Rather than compete for the biggest projects, which were getting directly sourced from the industry’s largest resin manufacturers, Chase chose to work the specialty niche, a sector often ignored by competitors.
With the goal of delivering superior service, Chase established a central warehouse to efficiently stock and fulfill orders of any size. Next, it began offering blending and repackaging services, and storing and logistics capabilities. Combined, these steps helped the company achieve operational independence and the flexibility to redefine thermoplastic distribution.
“Chase’s plan to go after plastics processors with medium-to-small applications was built on the idea of independence and the freedom to do what’s best for our customers and our company. Since the beginning, independence has been a fundamental core value integrated into our culture and driving our ‘outrageous’ service,” said Chase.
Now, in addition to bringing on new team members, Chase Plastics is implementing a customized software solution that will streamline inventory management and allow materials ordering to take place in “real” time.
“Chase is combining its traditional business values, such as accountability and ethical practices, with accelerated technology, like the Prophet 21 enterprise solution, which allows us to be even more flexible in meeting customer needs while keeping our costs in line,” said Chase.
Once the new software launches in June, the company’s sales staff, a mixture of mechanical, chemical and plastics engineers, will be able to:
Provide accurate, real-time inventory status
Enhance communication with customers and staff
Improve order processing efficiency and response time
Provide customers with improved supply chain management strategies to better serve their needs
Dedicate more time to customers by spending less time on administrative tasks
In phase two of its enterprise upgrade, ChasePlastics.com will offer customers the ability to access invoices, transactions and order statuses, which keeps them involved and informed throughout the entire order process.
“Chase Plastics’ growth, especially in the last two years, is the result of dedicated leadership and a team of employees 100 percent behind our customer-focused business approach. With our aggressive pursuit of continuous improvement, we anticipate further growth and success,” said Chase.
About Chase Plastics
Chase Plastics distributes more than 5,400 varieties of specialty, engineering and commodity thermoplastics from the industry’s leading manufacturers and global suppliers. In addition, Chase delivers engineering expertise and blending, repacking, inventory management, third-party storage capabilities and logistics services via a network of distribution centers, warehouses and sales locations throughout North and Central America.
Chase Plastics is redefining plastics 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. Learn more at chaseplastics.wpengine.com.
Posted by Sherry Cudd
Chase Plastics Visually Commits to Core Values with Refreshed Brand Identity
CLARKSTON, Mich., June 1, 2011 – Chase Plastics, a leading North American distributor of engineered, specialty and commodity thermoplastics, has unveiled a new brand identity that visually represents the company’s continued focus on unmatched customer service and efficient distribution. Components of the refreshed identity include a new logo, tagline, marketing collateral and tradeshow exhibit.
“Our new brand identity reflects that while we are committed to our core values, we recognize the need to continually evolve to better serve our customers. Similarly, our updated logo remains true to the original logo but has evolved to better reflect our brand positioning,” said Kevin Chase, president, Chase Plastics.
The simple, clean logo is an uncluttered image, representing focus and the ability to stand the test of time. The forward tilt of the icon signifies energy and movement, and the italic typeface represents vision and forward thinking. The bold typeface was chosen to represent the company’s strong foundation to its fundamental values. Orange and green complement Chase Plastics’ core blue while adding modern elements.
The launch of the new brand identity system is the latest milestone in the company’s evolution. In business for nearly 20 years, Chase Plastics is committed to the continuous pursuit of excellence. In 2008, when the industry was affected by the economic downturn, Chase Plastics reevaluated its business strategy and placed an increased focus on its core competency: Distribution. As such, the company’s new tagline, “Redefining Distribution,” is another reflection of Chase Plastics’ commitment to service, continuous improvement and customer satisfaction in the thermoplastics industry through a business model that puts customer needs front and center.
“Having recently refocused our business model, this is a perfect time to unveil a fresh identity that captures the essence of who we are as a company and what we stand for. We strongly feel that our new identity differentiates us from our competitors by communicating our unique core values,” Chase said.
ABOUT CHASE PLASTICS
Chase Plastics distributes more than 5,400 varieties of specialty, engineering and commodity thermoplastics from the industry’s leading manufacturers and global suppliers. In addition, Chase delivers engineering expertise and blending, repacking, inventory management, third-party storage capabilities and logistics services via a network of distribution centers, warehouses and sales locations throughout North and Central America.
Chase Plastics is redefining plastics 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.wpengine.com.
Posted by Sherry Cudd
Chase Plastics adds to product line with Evonik Industries’ TROGAMID® transparent polyamides and VESTAMID® HT plus thermoplastic resins
CLARKSTON, Mich., February 1, 2011 – Chase Plastics, a leading North American distributor of specialty, engineering and commodity thermoplastic resin, has added two new products to its lineup – TROGAMID® transparent polyamides and VESTAMID® HT plus thermoplastic resins – from Evonik Industries Performance Polymers Business Unit.
“The addition of these two products provides our customers an increased polymer performance in terms of design flexibility, manufacturing productivity and application protection,” said Kevin Chase, president of Chase Plastics. “With TROGAMID we’re distributing a performance polyamide that is highly durable with chemical resistant properties that are far superior to other transparent plastics. With Vestamid® HT plus, we’ve obtained a high temperature thermoplastic resin that has greater molding flexibility and adhesive qualities than conventional PPA molding compounds.”
TROGAMID® protects surfaces such as automotive applications, decorated panels, consoles and operational controls from stress cracking, surface clouding and damage that can occur with daily exposure to sunlight, heat, shock, cosmetics and other chemicals.
VESTAMID® HT plus polyphthalamides are high-performing thermoplastic resins in which half of the raw materials are renewable, resulting in a significant contribution toward conserving fossil materials and reducing the production of greenhouse gases. And because it absorbs much less water than competitive products, VESTAMID® HT plus offers improved dimensional and hydrolytic stability.
The entire VESTAMID® HT plus range includes injection-molding compounds, for metal substitution and flame retardant applications, and VESTAMID® HT plus R products, which are specially modified molding compounds that can be bonded to various rubbers without adhesion promoters.
“The agreement to distribute TROGAMID® and VESTAMID® HT polymers through Chase Plastics is strategically important for Evonik Industries Performance Polymers Business Unit,” commented Klaus Burger, vice president and general manager of Evonik’s Americas High Performance Polymers business line. “This agreement ensures our customers across America have access to a reliable, seamless supply of these high quality polymers. We thank the management team at Chase Plastics for its commitment to Evonik.”
About Chase Plastics (chaseplastics.wpengine.com): Chase Plastics distributes more than 5,000 varieties of specialty, engineering and commodity thermoplastics from the industry’s leading manufacturers and global suppliers as it redefines plastics distribution with an approach to business that puts customer needs first.
In addition, Chase delivers engineering expertise and blending, repacking, inventory management, third-party storage capabilities and logistics services via a network of distribution centers, warehouses and sales locations throughout North and Central America.
Formed in 1992, the company 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.
About Evonik: Evonik Industries is the creative industrial group from Germany. In our core business of specialty chemicals, we are a global leader. In addition, Evonik is an expert in power generation from hard coal and renewable energies, and one of the largest private residential real estate companies in Germany. Our company’s performance is shaped by creativity, specialization, continuous self-renewal, and reliability. Evonik is active in over 100 countries around the world. In its fiscal year 2009 about 39,000 employees generated sales of about €13.1 billion and an operating profit (EBITDA) of about €2.0 billion. For additional information about Evonik in North America, please visit our website: www.evonik.com/north-america.
Posted by Sherry Cudd
Brian Chase Joins Chase Plastics Sales Team Serving Southeast United States
Please join Chase Plastics in welcoming Brian Chase to the Chase sales team serving customers throughout Georgia, the Carolinas and Florida. “Chase Plastics’ customer commitment is unparalleled in the industry,” said Doug Wright, regional sales manager at Chase Plastics. “Brian brings enthusiasm and drive to his responsibilities here. With his knowledge of thermoplastics, and education in business development, I am confident he can help our customers strengthen their companies and grow.”
Brian earned a bachelor’s of business from Northwood University, located in Midland, Mich., with double majors in business management and entrepreneurialism. In addition, he’s served multiple internships at Chase Plastics and completed the company’s rigorous six-month sales trainee program.
“I’m very excited to join Chase Plastics’ extraordinary team,” said Brian. “My goal is to grow the Southeast territory by bringing our unique brand of outrageous service to plastic molders serving this area’s key markets in marine, lighting, electronics, consumer goods and industrial products.
“With an entrepreneurial mindset, I will work hard to present the Chase Challenge and exceed every customer’s expectations.”
Chase Plastics is an independent distributor of more than 5,000 engineering thermoplastics. Its outrageous customer services include engineering expertise; blending, repacking, inventory management; third-party storage capabilities; and logistics.
MAPP’s Benchmarking and Best Practices Conference, October 21-22, 2010, at the Marriott North Hotel in Indianapolis, Ind., is a no nonsense business exchange designed to provide solid information to senior executives in the plastics manufacturing industry.
This year’s theme focuses on the fundamentals of leading a plastics facility, from workforce training, processes and social media to mergers and acquisitions to trends in information technology.
Don’t miss top speakers, designated round-table discussions, networking opportunities, and much more at this year’s exciting MAPP Benchmarking Conference.
Chase Plastics adds to product line and boosts North American Capabilities with Mitsubishi Engineering-Plastics Corp Agreement
CLARKSTON, Mich., May 18, 2010 – Chase Plastics, a leading North American distributor of engineered, specialty and commodity thermoplastics, continues to aggressively grow its product line through a newly announced strategic partnership with Mitsubishi Engineering-Plastics Corp. (MEP). The partnership gives Chase Plastics’ customers expanded global product offerings, increased material performance options and shorter lead times for key engineering thermoplastics.
“With the MEP agreement, we continue to implement Chase Plastics’ strategy of adding worldclass manufacturers, with all their global capabilities and advanced product development, to our growing roster of supply partners,” said Kevin Chase, president of Chase Plastics. “And with the addition of MEP products Iupilon, Novarex, Reny and Novaduran, we’re providing our customers the materials performance characteristics, application development and technical support they need to meet changing industry standards and enter emerging market segments.”
MEP is a leading global supplier of polycarbonates, PC alloys, specialty nylons and PBT products with manufacturing capabilities in North America and around the world. Its thermoplastic materials exhibit an array of performance metrics, from gamma ray and flame resistance to exceptional tensile strength, which makes them well suited for medical, electronic, automotive, metal-to-plastic applications and more.
“Chase Plastics’ dedication to customer service and its technical capabilities in engineering plastic program development are a good fit to Mitsubishi Engineering-Plastics’ distribution strategy in North America,” said Ken Hu, sales and marketing manager at Mitsubishi International PolymerTrade Corp.
These MEP engineered thermoplastics are joining Chase Plastics’ product line:
Iupilon® polycarbonate: Superior strength and transparency with selfextinguishing properties. Used for medical, sports and office automation equipment, automobiles, optics, machinery and electronics.
Novarex® polycarbonate: Excellent dimensional stability, impact strength and electronic characteristics. Used in electronic, optical, automobile, medical equipment and glazing industries. Available in flame retardant, OA chassis grades, and grades for optical discs.
Reny® MXD6 polyamide: Suitable as a metal substitute in many applications, especially for structural components under high stress. Used in automobile, electronic, electrical appliance, machinery and construction applications.
Novaduran® PBT: Provides excellent mechanical properties, rigidity, heat aging and chemical resistance with superb moldability, abrasion resistance, colorability and electric properties. Well suited for electronics and automobile industries.
Chase Plastics at MD&M East
To learn more about Chase Plastics and its partnership with Mitsubishi Engineering-Plastics Corp., visit the Chase Plastics team at MD&M East, June 8-10, New York, NY at the Jacob Javits Convention Center, booth 433. Visit www.canontradeshows.com.
Chase Plastics distributes more than 5,000 varieties of specialty, engineering and commodity thermoplastics from the industry’s leading manufacturers and global suppliers. In addition, Chase delivers engineering expertise and blending, repacking, inventory management, thirdparty
storage capabilities and logistics services via a network of distribution centers, warehouses and sales locations throughout North and Central America.
Chase Plastics is redefining plastics 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.wpengine.com.