LIVINGSTON, NJ – Inteplast Group has been heralded as the number one manufacturer of film and sheets for the past three years in a row by Plastics News. However, what those stats may not immediately reveal are the success of the people on the plant floor, the patent designers, the maintenance teams, and more.
The company, which has more than 55 locations throughout North America, has been expanding its outreach to local communities to engage future manufacturing professionals. Depending on the department, a degree or vocational certificate may or may not be needed. There are also programs currently pairing high school seniors with local plants such as the Morristown, TN, BOPP Films facility with students from the Grainger County School District. In addition, fair chance hiring practices are opening up even more doors through machine operator apprenticeships such as the ones at MTI Polyexe in Brentwood, NH.
Brenda Wilson, vice president of human resources and communications, states that the opportunities for a new wave of manufacturing professionals may not be obvious but they are vast.
“Generation X and the Boomers are planning for their retirement. At Inteplast, we’re seeing Millennials approach us who are interested in manning our equipment at the plant, shipping, and product development. There’s room for the curious Generation Z students who want to make an impact on sustainable plastics design and who would be excellent in areas of innovation,” said Wilson.
The climate of manufacturing has weathered a labor shortage, which is still underway, but in reviewing the industries that are expected to expand in 2024, Inteplast Group’s products are all part of the supply chain. Based on data provided by United States Bureau Labor of Statistics, healthcare, construction, retail, and leisure and hospitality are all on the rise for employment next year.
Inteplast Group manufactures institutional can liners, urinals, pallet wraps, biohazard bags, food packaging, paper bags, and construction materials that service all of these industries slated for economic expansion.
While this outlook is a win-win for the company’s leadership in North American manufacturing, being at the crossroads in production is occurring at just the right time for prospective candidates who are interested in exploring career options in production, maintenance, and other areas at Inteplast Group.
Senior Vice President Joseph Wang notes that although the month of October is a traditional time to celebrate manufacturing expertise and contributions, Inteplast acknowledges its staff year-round and across departments.
“Our Group comprises seasoned professionals who join us from other sectors as well as new graduates from vocational programs and we honor and appreciate every role that each person fulfills here. Trends in employment waves over three decades have fluctuated. As the needs of our workforce evolves, we have made intentional shifts in areas such as safety, sustainability, production, and more. It’s a good time for people to explore a career in plastics and paper manufacturing,” said Wang.
For information on apprenticeships or current opportunities to join Inteplast Group, please visit: https://www.inteplast.com/careers/
About Inteplast Group
Established in 1991, Inteplast Group is a leading integrated plastics manufacturer founded on the ideal of American manufacturing. Our products support diverse markets including healthcare, foodservice, packaging, building products, grocery, retail, sanitation, industrial, and graphic arts industries. Headquartered in Livingston, N.J., Inteplast Group is now more than 8,000 employees strong and operates more than 55 facilities including our flagship manufacturing complex in Lolita, Texas. Our dedicated and experienced people are committed to delivering quality products and partnering with our customers to enable their success. Visit http://www.inteplast.com for more information.
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