CLARKSTON, Mich., June 26, 2012 – Chase Plastic Services, Inc., a leading North American distributor of specialty, engineering and commodity thermoplastics, announced today that founders Kevin and Carole Chase have been honored with the 2012 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award in the distribution category, Michigan and northwest Ohio region.

“Twenty years ago, our husband-and-wife start-up set out to provide ‘outrageous’ customer service to plastic processors with small- to medium-size applications that were overlooked by mega-distributors, and adapt to their unique needs,” said Kevin Chase, president, Chase Plastics. “Today, that mission remains unchanged. Carole and I are humbled by the support that we’ve received over the years from our loyal customers, suppliers and, of course, Chase Plastics team members; without them, this award would not have been possible.”

Kevin and Carole formed Chase Plastics with more sweat equity than capital equity, and in May 1992, Kevin’s long-standing dream of small business ownership was realized through the birth of Chase Plastic Services, Inc. Carole and Kevin built the company from the ground up: He made sales calls during the day, delivering materials from the trunk of his car, and she handled administrative tasks into the morning hours so the couple could spend time with their young children in between.

“Since day one, our philosophy has always been to provide our customers with service so ‘outrageous’ that they talk about it and recommend us to others,” said Carole Chase, vice president, Chase Plastics. “This can only be done by forming personal relationships, which allow our team to understand the unique needs of each plastic processor. By doing so, we are able to provide customized material solutions and value-added services that help our customers become more efficient and that increase profitability.”

Headquartered in Clarkston, Mich., Chase Plastics, a $165 million enterprise, comprises a team of 86 plastic professionals and distributes more than 6,400 specialty, engineering and commodity thermoplastics via its South Bend, Ind., distribution center and 34 strategically placed warehouses. The company grew 22 percent in 2011 over 2010 and, as a result, added 13 new positions in 2011 and has hired 12 additional employees to date in 2012. Continued revenue and personnel growth are expected this year.

Kevin and Carole are now eligible for consideration for the National Entrepreneur of the Year 2012 Award, which will be presented in Palm Springs, Calif., on November 17, 2012.

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 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year®

Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year is the world’s most prestigious business award for entrepreneurs. The unique award makes a difference through the way it encourages entrepreneurial activity among those with potential, and recognizes the contribution of people who inspire others with their vision, leadership and achievement. As the first and only truly global award of its kind, Entrepreneur Of The Year celebrates those who are building and leading successful, growing and dynamic businesses, recognizing them through regional, national and global awards programs in more than 140 cities in more than 50 countries.

About Ernst & Young
Ernst & Young is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. Worldwide, our 152,000 people are united by our shared values and an unwavering commitment to quality. We make a difference by helping our people, our clients and our wider communities achieve their potential.

Ernst & Young refers to the global organization of member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. For more information about our organization, please visit www.ey.com.

Enjoys continued revenue, personnel growth in 2012

CLARKSTON, Mich. – Chase Plastic Services, Inc., a leading North American distributor of specialty, engineering and commodity thermoplastics, is celebrating its growth from a husband-and-wife startup 20 years ago to a $165 million enterprise in 2012.

“Our goal has always been to run a company where we could, on a day-to-day basis, help plastic processors achieve their business goals and be a trusted resource and valued partner in their success,” said Kevin Chase, president, Chase Plastics. “We never thought that our little idea of providing ‘outrageous’ customer service to processors with small- to medium-size applications would become what it is today. Our success is proof that through hard work, dedication and a business model built on a foundation of shared core values and mutual respect, anything is possible.”

Kevin and his wife, Carole, started their grassroots company with more sweat equity than capital equity, and in May 1992, Kevin’s longstanding dream of small business ownership was realized through the birth of Chase Plastic Services, Inc. Kevin and Carole built their company from the ground up: Kevin made sales calls during the day, delivering materials from the trunk of his car, and Carole handled administrative tasks into the morning hours so the couple could spend time with their young children in between.

Now headquartered in Clarkston, Mich., Chase Plastics comprises a team of 85 plastic professionals and distributes more than 6,400 specialty, engineering and commodity thermoplastics via its South Bend, Ind., distribution center and 34 strategically placed warehouses. The company grew its revenue 22 percent in 2011 over 2010 and, as a result, added 13 new positions in 2011 and has hired 12 additional employees to date in 2012. Continued revenue and personnel growth are expected this year.

“Our team members are the heart and soul of Chase Plastics,” said Chase. “Carole and I feel a sincere sense of gratitude and obligation to help each and every member of our team excel in their professional lives. This company has given us everything we could want and then some, and we’re committed to giving our team a vehicle to rise to the next level as we grow alongside them.”

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.

CLARKSTON, Mich. – Chase Plastic Services, Inc., a leading North American distributor of specialty, engineering and commodity thermoplastics, grew its revenue 22 percent in 2011 over 2010, and anticipates a similar increase in 2012. As a result of this rise in sales, the company added 13 new positions in 2011 and has hired 12 additional employees to date in 2012.

Chase Plastics also recently completed the first phase of its Clarkston, Mich. headquarters expansion with the addition of a 2,000-square-foot office space, which will house its application and technical development department. Phase two is expected to begin later this year and will consist of an expanded, state-of-the-art customer service center, as well as an employee training center and conference room.

“Since Chase Plastics was founded in 1992, our objective has remained the same: To help small- to medium-size plastic processors reach their full potential through ‘outrageous customer service’ and an unlimited offering of quality, cost-effective material options,” said Kevin Chase, president, Chase Plastics. “Twenty years later, our sustained growth shows that we’ve remained true to our mission and our customers, and we will continue to add personnel and capabilities in 2012 to support them every step of the way.”

In the past 12 months, Chase Plastics has aggressively reinforced its administrative team with the addition of human resources, credit, IT, customer service, accounting and supplier relations professionals. The additional staff solidifies the company’s internal structure and ensures that adequate support will be available to handle a projected increase in sales volume.

To boost the company’s ability to identify new products and suppliers and to negotiate best-possible customer pricing, Chase Plastics created the position of “new business development manager,” and also hired warehouse, sales and application and technical development team members.

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.

CLARKSTON, Mich. – Chase Plastic Services, Inc., a leading North American distributor of specialty, engineering and commodity thermoplastics, continues to add warehouse and technological capabilities to offset industry consolidation and provide customers with value-added services once offered by thermoplastics resin producers.

“Following recent mergers and acquisitions, the big have gotten bigger, and many of the value-added services that once differentiated independent distributors from mega-corporations have vanished,” said Kevin Chase, president, Chase Plastics. “As one of North America’s largest remaining independents, and a company that is built on providing outrageous customer service, we have a unique ability to provide flexible, value-added services that have become increasingly rare in the shadow of rampant corporate mergers and acquisitions.”

Chase Plastics stocks more than 6,400 materials at its South Bend, Ind., distribution center and has the ability to fulfill orders of any size. The company caters to small- to medium-sized  applications often overlooked by larger distributors and is able to ship orders from 50-pound samples to 40,000-pound truckloads.

Warehouse services include:

• In-house blending – leading edge computerized blending equipment optimizes throughput and the warehouse’s ability to expedite materials on time. Blending services are available for orders of any size.
• Repacking – the ability to repack materials to meet specific quantity needs for a given application, no matter how small or large.
• Labeling – customized labeling solutions provide electronic barcodes and the capability to place them anywhere on boxes, allowing effective inventory management upon arrival.
• Next-day delivery – any order received by 5 p.m. will ship the same day. Chase Plastics boasts a 99.2 percent on-time delivery rate and offers overnight delivery in most areas.

In addition to its growing line of warehouse services, Chase Plastics recently began integrating its front-end sales quoting system with Prophet 21®, the company’s inventory and supply chain management software. The result is a seamless technology solution that allows the sales team to more efficiently manage quotes and to access pricing, order history and real-time inventory data in the field via tablets equipped with high-speed Internet access.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

• 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.

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.