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.