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.