Another year of challenges, triumphs, and growth is now at a close.
While we’ve each had our share of struggles and setbacks this year, one word we would use to describe Petoskey Plastics’ 2021 is “celebrate.”
Our bright spots in the year are thanks to our hardworking associates, loyal customers, and supportive communities. Let’s look back on all that Petoskey Plastics and our supporters accomplished in 2021.
To kick off 2021, we reflected on how crucial plastics were during 2020 and how so many in the plastics industry stepped up to help the world as the pandemic took shape. Many joined us in shifting production to produce medical gowns, face shields, and essential PPE. These efforts continue into today to help keep our peers safe.
As we moved into March, we announced our newest plant purchase in McKinney, Texas. We invested $30 million to expand into a new territory to better serve our existing and future customers. McKinney will be utilized to grow our sustainable product lines and support existing brands. We welcomed many Texan associates throughout the year, and today, our McKinney plant has grown with over 58 associates and 3 lines.
In April, we celebrated Earth Day all week long by sharing information about our sustainable efforts. We sent over 50 Sustainability Scorecards to customers who purchased products made with recycled content. Those customers helped save 7,464,519 kg of CO2 in just the first quarter of 2021.
We topped that week off with the announcement of our GreenPE Shrink shrink film that can feature up to 50% recycled materials. This new product aims to help businesses reach their sustainability goals by choosing quality packaging that keeps the environment top of mind.
August came with a celebration of the Petoskey community through a contribution to the McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital’s building expansion. This expansion will help McLaren serve Northern Michigan residents with an expanded ICU, upgraded technology, and new cardiovascular and orthopedic/surgery units.
In October, we took a week to observe Manufacturing Day and the great career paths in plastics manufacturing. There are many great career paths in the plastics manufacturing industry. If you or someone you know is looking to start a new career, check out our careers page.
Towards the end of the year, we celebrated education by sharing knowledge with North Central Michigan College. We previously donated a miniature blown film line to the college to help expand the Engineering Technology programs. Programs of this nature help bring talented individuals into the manufacturing industry.
In 2021, we honored 42 associates who reached milestone anniversaries at Petoskey Plastics this year. These associates across 4 locations had a combined 465 years of service. Spanning from 5- to 40-year milestones, we have immense gratitude for the associates who have chosen Petoskey Plastics for their career path.
There will be much more to celebrate in 2022. We will continue developing our McKinney location, implementing strategic planning processes, and launching new products to support our customers further.
Thank you all for being on this journey with us. We are forever grateful for your support. We look forward to earning your appreciation and respect in 2022 and the years to come.