Keep up-to-date with the latest news from Elkhart Plastics, Inc. and catch up with us at our next event!
Events & Trade Shows
Typically you can find Elkhart Plastics, Inc. at several industry trade shows throughout the year. Due to COVID-19, all trade shows and events we planned to attend in 2020 have been cancelled or postponed. We hope to be resume exhibiting at shows and events soon.
News
EPI Adds Wheeled Cooler to KONG Coolers Product Line
SOUTH BEND, IN — Elkhart Plastics, Inc. (EPI) is expanding its KONG Coolers product line with the KONG Cruiser, a high-end rotomolded wheeled cooler. Since 2017, KONG Coolers has been helping customers journey longer with coolers that retain ice for longer than almost any other cooler brand in the industry. Now, adventurers can journey further
EPI Ranked No.7 Rotomolder in North America
SOUTH BEND, IND. – Elkhart Plastics, Inc. (EPI) ranked No.7 for overall rotomolding sales in North America in Plastics News’ 2020 Rotational Molders Ranking report. The company ranks No. 2 for top custom rotomolders. EPI ranks in the top 10 for the fifth consecutive year and maintains its rank from last year. One hundred
EPI Supports Booming Outdoor Industry
Elkhart Plastics, Inc. (EPI) is using its expertise in rotomolding to supply the thriving outdoor recreation industry this summer. Travel experts are reporting that the way Americans spend their weekends and vacations is shifting due to COVID-19. Instead of hopping on planes we’re turning to road trips, and we’re finding more ways to stay adventurous
A COVID-19 Update from EPI
The impact of COVID-19 both on the world and on our industry is far greater than any of us could have anticipated. We are all struggling with this new normal, but we wanted to let you know that Elkhart Plastics, Inc. (EPI) is still here for our customers and for anyone in need of our
EPI Uses Award-Winning DEF Tank Assembly Process
Customers purchasing DEF Tanks from Elkhart Plastics, Inc. (EPI) South Bend are receiving high quality parts with traceability back to manufacturing and quality testing with the company's DEF Tank assembly process. The company received Industry 4.0 Consortium’s Most Innovative Automation in Manufacturing Implementation Award for its DEF Tank manufacturing and assembly process. A Technologically Advanced
EPI Promotes Mark Nichols to Director of Operations
SOUTH BEND, IND. – Elkhart Plastics, Inc. (EPI) is pleased to announce the promotion of Mark Nichols. His role as Director of Operations – Middlebury Plant has been expanded to include the company’s Elkhart and South Bend facilities. In his new role, Nichols will work with plant managers at the company’s three Indiana locations to
EPI Promotes Josh Quake to Middlebury Plant Manager
SOUTH BEND, IND. – Elkhart Plastics, Inc. (EPI) is pleased to announce to promotion of Josh Quake to Middlebury Plant Manager. In his new role, Quake will oversee daily operations at the company’s Middlebury, Ind. manufacturing location to ensure the production facility is efficient, productive, and safe. Quake has been with EPI for more than
EPI Promotes Heather Keel to Quality Manager
SOUTH BEND, IND. – Elkhart Plastics (EPI) is pleased to announce the promotion of Heather Keel to Quality Manager. Keel has worked for the company since 2018 as Quality Engineer for the company’s Elkhart, Ind. facility. In her new role, Keel is responsible for promoting quality and quality policies and procedures for both the South
Elkhart Plastics, Inc. Now Offering Residential Refuse Carts
SOUTH BEND, IND. –Elkhart Plastics, Inc. (EPI) is delivering improved safety and performance with a newly added product: residential refuse carts. EPI’s residential refuse, recycling, and yard waste carts offer durability, curb appeal, and years of trouble-free service. The carts are made with medium-density polyethylene (MDPE) resins to be tough and lightweight. The cart’s single
Elkhart Plastics, Inc. Ranked in Top 10 for Fourth Year
SOUTH BEND, IND. – Elkhart Plastics, Inc. (EPI) is ranked in the Top 10 for overall rotomolding sales in North America in Plastics News’ 2019 Rotational Molders Ranking report for the fourth year in a row. EPI ranks No. 7 in overall rotomolding sales out of 99 companies included in the report. While the company
EPI Provides USGA With Custom Coolers, Event Support
SOUTH BEND, IND. – Elkhart Plastics, Inc. (EPI) is proud to support the 40th U.S. Senior Open Championship with custom coolers and event support. The championship is taking place this week, June 27-30, at Warren Golf Course at the University of Notre Dame, located near EPI’s corporate headquarters in South Bend, Ind. To show its
EPI’s KONG Coolers Adds Eight New Colors
KONG Coolers are now available in eight new colors. KONG Coolers, Elkhart Plastics, Inc.’s (EPI) premium cooler brand, recently launched the GR Series. This new line of coolers includes KONG Coolers’ five original colors with a granite twist. Customers can now purchase GR Series coolers in Rugged Red, Gorilla Gray, Winter White, Tactical Tan, and
Brian Myers Promoted to Corporate Compliance Manager
SOUTH BEND, IN – Elkhart Plastics, Inc. (EPI) is pleased to announce the promotion of Brian Myers to Corporate Compliance Manager. Myers has worked for the company since 2013 as Quality Manager for the South Bend facility. In his new role, Myers will actively assist EPI’s corporate team and all six company facilities in maintaining
Elkhart Plastics’ KONG Coolers Rated Best Rotomolded Cooler
We’ve all been there. You pack up the cooler and you’re on your way to do something fun. Maybe you’re heading to the campground for the weekend, out on the lake for the day, or on your way to your annual hunting trip. But then your day is interrupted because you need more ice and
EPI Employees Get Certified, Improve Processes
Elkhart Plastics’ (EPI) South Bend, Ind., plant has new processes in place that increase productivity and decrease costs after four employees got certified through the Purdue Manufacturing Extension Partnership’s (MEP) Team Member Lean Certificate Training and Lean Practitioner Implementation Certificate programs. The program provides employees of manufacturing companies with training on ways to to improve
New EPI Plant Builds KONG Coolers
Elkhart Plastics, Inc.’s (EPI) newest plant in Atlantic, Iowa, is now manufacturing KONG Coolers. The added capacity at the 215,000-square-foot Atlantic plant is allowing EPI to expand its production of KONG Coolers and other custom projects to accommodate increasing demand. Previously the coolers were solely manufactured at EPI’s Ridgefield, Washington, facility. KONG Coolers is a
Elkhart Plastics, Inc. Celebrates 30th Anniversary
This month, Elkhart Plastics, Inc. (EPI) is proud to celebrate its 30th anniversary. Humble Beginnings The company was founded on Nov. 15, 1988, in a 16,000-square-foot building in Elkhart, Ind. The location had one rotomolding machine, and its primary goal was to serve the recreational vehicle industry in
EPI Launches KONG Coolers Apparel
The brand new KONG Coolers apparel line gives customers who love Elkhart Plastics, Inc.’s (EPI) KONG Coolers a new way to show their adventurous spirits. The KONG Coolers-branded apparel is now available for sale at kongcoolers.com and at EPI’s Ridgefield location. The apparel collection includes three different KONG Coolers-branded t-shirts, one trucker-style hat offered in
Elkhart Plastics, Inc. Finalizes Acquisition
SOUTH BEND, IN – Elkhart Plastics, Inc. (EPI) has officially finalized its acquisition of the assets of The Plastic Professionals (P2) and Connect-A-Dock (CAD) today, Oct. 31, 2018. EPI officially announced its acquisition plans in late September this year. The finalized acquisition grows EPI’s footprint
Elkhart Plastics Employees Say Work is Fun, Rewarding
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oa75hFRELXQ Employees in Elkhart Plastics, Inc.’s (EPI) Ridgefield, Wash., plant are sharing why they love working for the company and in the manufacturing industry. A video recently published by Workforce Southwest Washington highlights Elkhart Plastics employees and staff from several other manufacturing companies in Southwest Washington. Throughout the video, workers share what they love
Elkhart Plastics, Inc. Acquires Iowa Rotomolder
Elkhart Plastics, Inc. (EPI) has signed a definitive agreement to purchase the assets of The Plastic Professionals (P2) and Connect-A-Dock (CAD). The transaction is expected to finalize within the next 30 days. EPI will then take ownership of P2 and CAD. P2 is a 15-year-old custom rotational molder that primarily serves the marine recreation and
Elkhart Plastics, Inc. Earns ‘Top 10’ Ranking for Third Year
Elkhart Plastics, Inc. is ranked in the top 10 categories for overall and custom rotomolding sales in North America in Plastic News’ 2018 Rotational Molders Ranking report. For the third year in a row, Elkhart Plastics ranks No. 2 in the top custom rotomolding sales category and No. 7 in overall rotomolding sales out of
Elkhart Plastics, Inc. Hires Dale Ohlrich as IBC Sales Manager
Elkhart Plastics Inc. (EPI) has hired Dale Ohlrich as Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) Sales Manager. Dale brings more than 20 years of manufacturing and business development experience to the position. His responsibilities include overseeing EPI's IBC division and contributing to strategic growth initiatives. Previously, Ohlrich served as the Director of Business Development at Packers Sanitation
Elkhart Plastics, Inc. Hires Hilary Welter as Marketing Manager
ELKHART, IN – Elkhart Plastics Inc. (EPI) has hired Hilary Welter to fill its newly created Marketing Manager position. Previously, Welter served as the Marketing and Research Coordinator for the Indianapolis-based North American Retail Hardware Association for four years. During her tenure, she participated in a work and travel program called Remote Year, during which
Elkhart Plastics Partners With Local Startup Figuro3D
Elkhart Plastics, Inc. (Elkhart Plastics) is excited to announce its partnership with Figuro3D, a 3D digital imaging company located in South Bend, Ind., where Elkhart Plastics is headquartered. Figuro3D, a company started by a team of University of Notre Dame faculty scientists, makes 3D scanners optimized for speed, ease of use and cost effectiveness to
Elkhart Plastics, Inc. Promotes Cullen Jones to Vice President of Sales and Marketing
ELKHART, IN – Elkhart Plastics Inc. (EPI) is pleased to announce the promotion of Cullen Jones to the role of Vice President of Sales and Marketing. Jones has worked for the company for a total of seven years including from 2005 to 2010 when EPI operated as Promens North America and since 2016 as EPI’s
KONG Coolers Adds Larger Capacity, Ability to Journey Even Longer
RIDGEFIELD, WA — KONG Coolers, a manufacturer of high-end, rotomolded coolers, has added a fourth size to its line of expedition-ready coolers. The new KONG 110 joins the brand’s existing 25-, 50-, and 70-quart models. Named for its capacity, KONG 110 is a 110-quart cooler offering long-lasting ice retention and rugged construction. Made and assembled
KONG Coolers to Support Veterans Hospitals with Every Cooler Sale in May
RIDGEFIELD, WA — KONG Coolers, an American manufacturer of rugged, rotomolded coolers, will support veterans throughout the month of May. For each KONG Cooler sold now through May 31, Elkhart Plastics Inc., KONG’s parent company, will donate $10 to a veterans hospital near its five United States manufacturing facilities, including: Ridgefield, Wash. – VA Portland Health
Elkhart Plastics, Inc. Featured in WNDU “Luring Workers” Story
WNDU visited our Middlebury plant on Wednesday, Oct. 11, for their "Luring Workers" spot. We are currently in need of at least 20 workers. Filling those positions is difficult with the low unemployment rate in Elkhart County, so we are promoting ourselves in new ways! We welcomed Elkhart County eighth graders in as part of
Elkhart Plastics, Inc. Earns Multiple ‘Top 10’ Rotomolding Rankings
ELKHART, IN – Elkhart Plastics, Inc. (Elkhart Plastics) is proud to be ranked in the Top 10 categories for overall and custom rotomolding sales in North America according to Plastics News’ 2017 North American Rotational Molders Rankings. For the second year in a row, Elkhart Plastics ranked second in custom rotomolding sales and seventh in
Elkhart Plastics, Inc. Introduces Rotomolded KONG Coolers
ELKHART, IN – Elkhart Plastics, Inc. (Elkhart Plastics) is excited to introduce its newest rotomolded product, the KONG Cooler, as its fourth new product launch of 2017. Designed and manufactured in the United States, KONG Coolers are extremely durable and more affordable than other expedition-ready, premium coolers on the market. Available in four sizes and
Elkhart Plastics, Inc. Offers Tuff Cube™ IBC to Canadian Market
ELKHART, IN – Elkhart Plastics, Inc. (Elkhart Plastics) has developed an Intermediate Bulk Container (IBCs) known as the Tuff Cube™ for the Canadian market. Designed to fit a variety of application and process uses, these IBCs are made using the highest-quality rotationally-molded plastic components. IBCs from Elkhart Plastics offer a more affordable option than steel-cage IBC
Elkhart Plastics, Inc. Enters Intermediate Bulk Container Market
ELKHART, IN – Elkhart Plastics, Inc. (Elkhart Plastics) has developed a series of Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs) to fit a variety of application and process uses. Using the highest-quality rotationally molded plastic components, IBCs from Elkhart Plastics offer a more affordable option than steel-cage IBC designs. Available in 120, 220, 275, and 330 gallon sizes,
Elkhart Plastics, Inc. Introduces New Rotomolded Pallet
ELKHART, IN – Elkhart Plastics, Inc. (Elkhart Plastics) is excited to unveil durable and reusable plastic pallets as its newest product. Made with the same rotomolding technique as its existing line of custom and off-the-shelf plastic products, these pallets offer longer life expectancy and lower costs to traditional wood pallet users. Plastic pallets from Elkhart
Elkhart Plastics Welcomes Workers from the South Bend Community Re-entry Center
Elkhart Plastics has welcomed workers from the South Bend Community Re-entry Center since April 2016. We currently have 19 participants from the center on the team at our Middlebury plant. Whether they are able to stay with us once they are fully released or not, we are happy to help them re-acclimate into the work
Elkhart Plastics, Inc. Earns Multiple ‘Top 10’ Rotomolding Rankings
Elkhart Plastics, Inc. (Elkhart Plastics) is proud to be ranked in the Top 10 categories for overall and custom rotomolding sales in North America according to Plastics News’ 2016 North American Rotational Molders Rankings. The company ranked second in custom rotomolding sales for the second year in a row and moved up to seventh in
Elkhart Plastics, Inc. Mark Nichols as South Bend Quality Manager
Elkhart Plastics Inc. (EPI) is pleased to announce the hiring of Mark Nichols as Quality Manager at the company’s South Bend facility. Nichols brings more than 25 years of manufacturing experience to the position. Nichols earned a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Purdue University. Prior to joining EPI, he worked at Bosch for more
Elkhart Plastics, Inc. Shares Fox 28 Videos
These videos were created by Fox 28 WSJV as part of its Bicentennial History Minutes series featuring Indiana businesses in celebration of the state's 200th anniversary of becoming a state. The Elkhart Plastics, Inc. team was proud to be featured in these videos as a way to thank the state and the Michiana region for
Elkhart Plastics, Inc. Hires Cullen Jones as Director of New Product Development
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 17, 2016 ELKHART, IN – Elkhart Plastics Inc. (EPI) is pleased to announce the hiring of Cullen Jones to the newly created position of Director of New Product Development. Jones previously worked for EPI from 2005 to 2010 when it operated as Promens North America. Working with the entire EPI team
Elkhart Plastics voted as a “Favorite Place to Work”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 4, 2016 ELKHART, IN – Elkhart Plastics, Inc. is proud to have been voted as a “Favorite Place to Work” by readers of The Elkhart Truth, our team members, friends, and supporters! “We are honored to be so highly thought of,” said Jack Welter, Elkhart Plastics’ CEO. “In addition to those
Elkhart Plastics, Inc. Hires Tyler Winright as Middlebury Plant Manager
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 26, 2016 ELKHART, IN – Elkhart Plastics Inc. (EPI) is pleased to announce the hiring of Tyler Winright as Plant Manager of its Middlebury location. Winright joined the company in March. He has more than 20 years of experience, the majority of which include practical LEAN experience. Winright earned LEAN Certification
Elkhart Plastics, Inc. Hires Susan Droptiny as Human Resources/Safety Manager
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 19, 2016 ELKHART, IN – Elkhart Plastics Inc. (EPI) is pleased to announce that Susan Droptiny has joined its team as Human Resources/Safety Manager. Droptiny will be based at Elkhart Plastics’ Middlebury location where she will be responsible for human resource and safety functions. Droptiny brings 20 years of experience to
Elkhart Plastics, Inc. Promotes Elie Azzi to Newly Created Position
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 12, 2016 ELKHART, IN – Elkhart Plastics Inc. (EPI) is pleased to announce the promotion of Elie Azzi, who has been with the company for 16 months, to the newly created position of Vice President of Quality & Midwest Operations. Azzi most recently served as Elkhart Plastics’ Corporate Director of Quality
Elkhart Plastics Vies for Best of Elkhart County Votes
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 22, 2016 ELKHART, IN – Elkhart Plastics, Inc. (Elkhart Plastics) is proud to be included in The Elkhart Truth's annual Best of Elkhart County competition in the "Best Place to Work" category. Public votes will determine the winner. Supporters are encouraged to vote once a day now through Sunday, April 3.
Elkhart Plastics, Inc. Ranks High Among Rotomolders
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 20, 2015 ELKHART, IN – Elkhart Plastics, Inc. (Elkhart Plastics) is proud to be ranked second in North America in custom rotomolding sales and eighth in overall sales according to Plastics News’ 2015 Rotomolder Rankings. Based on data from fiscal year 2014, Plastic News released the rankings in August. Spurred by
Elkhart Plastics, Inc. Welcomes New Quality Manager
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 13, 2015 ELKHART, IN – Elkhart Plastics, Inc. (Elkhart Plastics) is pleased to announce that Julia “Julie” Zakrowski has joined the company as a Quality Manager. Zakrowski will be based at Elkhart Plastics’ Middlebury, Ind., location. Zakrowski has spent more than 20 years in the quality field since earning a bachelor’s
Elkhart Plastics, Inc. Welcomes New Director of Human Resources
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 28, 2015 ELKHART, IN – Elkhart Plastics, Inc. (Elkhart Plastics) is pleased to announce that Bonnie Turner has joined the company as the Director of Human Resources. Turner will be based at Elkhart Plastics’ South Bend, Ind., location and replaces Frank Ermeti, who is retiring from Elkhart after eight years of
Elkhart Plastics, Inc. Welcomes New Industrial Engineer
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 21, 2015 ELKHART, IN – Elkhart Plastics, Inc. (Elkhart Plastics) is pleased to announce that Steven Burbank has joined the company as an Industrial Engineer. Burbank will be based at Elkhart Plastics’ Littleton, Colo., location. Burbank recently graduated from the University of Tennessee with a bachelor’s degree in Industrial and Systems
Elkhart Plastics, Inc. Welcomes New Project Engineer
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 5, 2015 ELKHART, IN – Elkhart Plastics, Inc. (Elkhart Plastics) is pleased to announce that Jason Furrer has joined the company as a Project Engineer. Furrer will be based at Elkhart Plastics’ Middlebury, Ind., location. Furrer is a graduate of Purdue University and a licensed Professional Engineer in Indiana and Illinois.
Elkhart Plastics, Inc. Ridgefield Facility Certified as Green Business
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 26, 2015 RIDGEFIELD, WA – Elkhart Plastics, Inc. (Elkhart Plastics) is pleased to announce that its Ridgefield, Wash., facility was recently certified by the Clark County Green Business Program. Elkhart Plastics representatives attended an awards ceremony on March 19 to accept the plaque designating the certification. The program recognizes and celebrates
