Plastics processor Meredith-Springfield named Massachusetts’ Manufacturer of the Year

Meredith-Springfield Associated Inc. (Ludlow, MA) , a plastics processor specializing in extrusion blowmolding and injection stretch blowmolding, was recently named Manufacturer of the Year by the Commonwealth’s Manufacturing Caucus. President and CEO Mel O’Leary accepted the award alongside Director of Finance and Administration, Edward Kaplan, during a presentation at the Massachusetts State House on October 24.

The nomination came from district Senator Eric P. Lesser and was supported by House Chair, Representative Jeffrey N. Roy, and the more than 60-member caucus. In a letter signed by Lesser and Roy, it was conveyed that “Massachusetts has become a leader in advanced manufacturing and it is important for government and industry to continue to work together to pursue innovation.”

“Meredith-Springfield began with one employee and one customer,” said O’Leary. “Our growth can be attributed to our very talented and committed staff and employees, and the relationships we have established with our loyal customers and partnering vendors. I’m honored to have received this award and accept it on behalf of all those who have contributed to the company’s success.”

Meredith-Springfield blowmolds PET products for a variety of industries including bottles for household chemicals, food and spices and medical packaging and extrudes products for lawn and garden products, including downspouts and other technical hollow articles, fence balusters, vinyl fence caps and posts, and custom specialty products.

The company’s core competencies include project management of extrusion blowmolded articles from concept through commercialization and creating process solutions to enable optimal manufacturing.

“Massachusetts’ leadership expressed a commitment to continuing to invest in the manufacturing sector at the awards presentation,” explained Kaplan. “Certainly, these were welcome remarks given my position in finance. Meredith-Springfield has made a positive impact on the local economy, and in addition to recognizing that impact, it’s satisfying to know that our leaders share our mission.”

Formed in 2014, the Manufacturing Caucus focuses on encouraging innovation throughout the Commonwealth, recognizing that manufacturing is vitally important to the state’s economy. Among the group’s priorities are promoting training for manufacturing employees, helping startups access resources and expanding apprenticeship opportunities in key manufacturing sectors.