Maine Plastics Wins Award from Michigan Organization

Maine Plastics Inc., based in Zion, Ill., was named one of the 2011 winners of Southwest Michigan First’s Catalyst Award. The award recognizes companies that contribute to the region’s economic development efforts. Maine Plastics, along with 10 other winners, were honored for partnering in job creation and private investment during a Jan. 24, 2012, ceremony.
 

Maine Plastics creates customized corporate recycling programs designed to minimize waste and support sustainability efforts. In recognizing Maine Plastics, Southwest Michigan First says the company has grown its employees at its Schoolcraft, Mich., facility from eight since opening the 10,000-square-foot plastics processing facility eight years ago to 32 last year.
 

Greg Engle, Maine Plastics’ regional operations manager, says, “In 2011, we employed 32 people and processed 15 million pounds of plastic from Midwestern manufacturers.” 
 

To accommodate its growth in Michigan, Maine Plastics recently moved to a 140,000-square-foot building in Kalamazoo, Mich. 
 

“We’re very excited about the future and we’re honored to earn the Catalyst Award. We think southwestern Michigan is a great place to do business,” says Maine Plastics President David Spitulnik. 
 

The company processes more than 140 million pounds of plastics per year at 11 facilities in the United States.

 

In related news, Southwest Michigan First presented the scrap metal recycling company Schupan & Sons with its 2011 Community Partner of the Year award. Schupan was recognized for its commitment to charitable organization and job creation.
 

Ron Kitchens, Southwest Michigan First Group of Cos. CEO, says, “We thank our 2011 winners for contributing to the region’s economic growth at a time when a job can make a huge difference to an individual, their family and their community. This year’s winners representing a range of industry sectors speak the overall strength of the region.”