Led by General Manager Herb Dankert, Jarden Plastic Solutions makes custom plastic
containers for products including Microsoft software and Winchester ammunition.
Working with big names such as Microsoft and Winchester Ammunition has helped Jarden Plastic Solutions sail through the country's current economic downturn. In fact, sales for this maker of plastic products increased 20 percent in 2008 to $24 million.
"We are busy, and I can't explain it in this market," says General Manager Herb Dankert.
But some of the company's clients can shed light on that growth, much of which comes from Jarden's top three customers: The company makes plastic containers for Microsoft software, packaging for Winchester Ammunition products and gas cans for Blitz USA Inc. in Miami, Okla.
"Microsoft says that historically, its business goes up when the economy is slow because people upgrade the software on their home computers," Dankert says.
"Hurricane season really drives up the volume for Blitz gas cans, and we are also busy with that."
Founded in 1973 as Unimark Plastics, Jarden Plastic Solutions is a division of New York-based Jarden Corp. Jarden Plastic Solutions specializes in high-volume, precision injection molding for the health care, consumer, closure and lawn and garden markets. The company's manufacturing capabilities allow it to design, engineer and produce just about any custom plastic product imaginable.
The company employs 85 full-time workers and between 30 and 200 temporary workers as needed at its 43,000-square-foot Springfield plant
Several of Jarden's processes are proprietary, so the company has to give its manufacturing employees specialized training.
The company relies on Ozarks Technical Community College to assist with training programs, which cover areas such as welding, manufacturing, leadership and team building. Every Jarden employee receives at least 16 to 24 hours of training, and higher skilled positions go through 200 to 250 hours of advanced education.
"Jarden qualifies for state funding through the Missouri customized training program," says Joel Doepker, director of public relations and marketing for OTC. "The state encourages companies to do training for work force development."
Jarden employees also take great pride in supporting the local community beyond the company's manufacturing operation.
"Our firm impacts the Springfield area economy by supporting local (Muscular Dystrophy Association) lockups, by allowing employees paid time off to participate and (in) contributions," says Dianna Lewing, plant accountant.
"We are also supporters of United Way of the Ozarks, the North Springfield Betterment Association, the Boys & Girls Club, and (we offer) paid intern positions to students whose studies pertain to our business," she added.
And the community has taken note of Jarden Plastic Solutions' efforts.
In 2007, the company was named Manufacturer of the Year by the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce. Jarden - a finalist for the same award in 2006 - was chosen for that honor based on several criteria, including business stability and growth, employee development, environmental and safety performance and community involvement.
This installment of Springfield Business Journal’s Architects & Engineers Project Report showcases 26 endeavors by area design and engineering professionals.
