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Plastic Molding Technology Inc. named 2014 Manufacturer of the YearPlastic Molding Technology Inc. named 2014 Manufacturer of the Year

Don't ever say a medium-sized injection molding company can't compete with the biggest manufacturers in North America! They can, and they win! Plastic Molding Technology Inc. (PMT; El Paso, TX) was recently named Manufacturer of the Year at the 10th Annual Manufacturing Leadership Summit on June 6, 2014, in Palm Beach, FL.

Clare Goldsberry

July 8, 2014

2 Min Read
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In addition to being the top honoree among companies with revenues of less than $1 billion, PMT also received the Operational Leadership and Sustainability Leadership awards. PMT was nominated for the awards by IQMS, whose enterprise resource planning software solutions have helped to power the injection molder's initiatives related both to continuous improvement and sustainability, said the announcement.

An ISO-certified manufacturer of precision-engineered, injection-molded plastic components, PMT produces more than 140 million parts annually. With 40 years of experience behind it, the company serves a wide range of industries including automotive, appliances, electrical, and consumer products.

In 2001, PMT established a 10-press satellite facility in El Paso, TX, after some of the company's customers closed down their New England operations and moved to Mexico. In 2004, PMT consolidated its entire operations in a new 40,000-sq-ft plant in El Paso, where the company positioned itself to serve the maquiladora manufacturing plants in Mexico. In 2009, PMT expanded the facility to 60,000 sq ft to accommodate increased business opportunities. Growth continued and in 2011, the company invested $1 million in new equipment, including molding presses and auxiliary systems.

"One of my personal accomplishments is advocating for moving closer to prime customers here in the border region, and eventually spearheading the company headquarters move to El Paso in 2004," Charles A. Sholtis, CEO of PMT, told PlasticsToday. "In retrospect it was a good decision. Reshoring is definitely occurring and we see it in a variety of business markets including the auto, medical, telecommunications, and industrial sectors. Mexico is seeing a good amount of activity."

With the automotive industry in Mexico seeing record numbers of vehicle production, Sholtis noted that PMT's proximity to Mexico enables the company "to provide flexible, efficient, and cost-effective just-in-time delivery to customers with operations in the Borderplex."

PMT currently operates a total of 56 injection molding presses ranging from 45 to 390 tons in size, and employs 100 people. The company also has in-house mold maintenance and repair; however, the company has always outsourced its new mold requirements to moldmakers in the United States and some in Asia.

With respect to winning the Manufacturer of the Year award along with the additional recognitions, Sholtis said, "These awards reflect well on the 100+ PMT employees who helped achieve outstanding results, but [the awards] are also a strong, positive statement about the quality of businesses in El Paso and the Borderplex. These awards are the result of several integrated initiatives implemented over the last couple of years with the help and participation of other organizations like El Paso Electric, New Mexico State University, and more."

Sholtis is a believer in manufacturing on the border and has seen the success of the maquiladora business model to capitalize on the demand generated by the continued growth in the region, and the competitiveness that being there offers. "With the right business model and the right team you can be successful in the United States," Sholtis stated.

About the Author

Clare Goldsberry

Until she retired in September 2021, Clare Goldsberry reported on the plastics industry for more than 30 years. In addition to the 10,000+ articles she has written, by her own estimation, she is the author of several books, including The Business of Injection Molding: How to succeed as a custom molder and Purchasing Injection Molds: A buyers guide. Goldsberry is a member of the Plastics Pioneers Association. She reflected on her long career in "Time to Say Good-Bye."

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