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SPE, Routsis Training Collaborate to Support Plastics Workforce DevelopmentSPE, Routsis Training Collaborate to Support Plastics Workforce Development

The partnership will provide plastics processors with access to Routsis Training's workforce development programs, covering everything from injection and blow molding to part design and extrusion.

David Hutton

January 15, 2025

2 Min Read

The Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) announced this week a strategic collaboration with Routsis Training, a provider of advanced training solutions for the plastics industry.

Through this partnership, SPE will offer plastics processors access to Routsis Training's comprehensive workforce development programs. These programs cover a wide range of topics, including injection and blow molding, part design, and extrusion. The collaboration aims to enhance troubleshooting skills, expand technical knowledge, and promote best practices to improve part quality and manufacturing efficiency.

Patrick Farrey, CEO of SPE, said the organization is focused on building a skilled workforce to support the plastics and polymer industries.

Essential tools

“Routsis Training equips manufacturing teams with the essential tools they need to succeed in today's rapidly evolving production environment,” he said. 

Key benefits for plastics professionals include:

  • Workforce training. The RightStart Program offers customized training solutions, combining powerful online modules, skills development labs, and hands-on mentoring to foster employee growth.

  • On-site instruction. The innovative SmartTech System integrates online training, on-site instruction, hands-on skills development, and post-training assessments to ensure long-term knowledge retention.

  • Professional certification. Plastics professionals can train and certify themselves or their teams in areas such as injection molding, extrusion (single and twin-screw), blow molding, and mold and part design.

Related:Talent Talk: Impressive Factory Activity Expansion Numbers Get Short Shrift in Media

David Routsis, president of Routsis Training, said his company’s mission has always been to provide practical, high-impact learning solutions for the plastics industry.

“Our collaboration with SPE expands our reach, enabling us to better support the next generation of innovators in plastics processing and manufacturing,” he said.

For more information, go to www.4spe.org/Routsis.

SPE conference coming soon

The announcement comes as SPE is poised to roll out its  two-day SPE/MPD MiniTec conference in February.

The Medical Plastics Division of the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) will bring two full days of education and networking for industry professionals on Feb. 3 and 4, 2025, to the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, CA, alongside the MD&M West trade show and conference, which runs from Feb. 4 to 6.

About the Author

David Hutton

David Hutton is a journalist with more than 25 years of experience as an editor and writer with daily newspapers and trade publications. 

A Kent State University graduate, he was born in Canton, Ohio, and is a lifelong writer. David started his professional career as a reporter and page designer with the Parkersburg Sentinel in Parkersburg, West Virginia. He returned to his hometown, taking a role with the Massillon Independent, where he rose to the position of managing editor.

David’s career next took him to October Research Corp., where he worked for trade publications in the real estate settlement services industry before returning to daily newspapers as news editor for The Times-Reporter in Dover-New Philadelphia, Ohio. While there, he oversaw design of the newspaper and won an Associated Press award for Best Page 1 Design. 

In 2012, David joined the staff of Plastics News as research analyst. He was responsible for the production of data research reports providing analysis of various segments and end markets of the plastics industry. He also produced content for the publication. 

In 2019, David joined Ophthalmology Times, serving as managing editor of the publication covering the latest advancements in the ophthalmology industry for physicians and clinicians. 

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