2009 - Latest News from Pioneer

May 4, 2009: Pioneer ranked among Top 500 Minority Owned Companies in America

In recognition of the economic power of privately held businesses, DiversityBusiness.com, the nations’ leading business-to-business internet site, recently named Pioneer Plastics, Inc and its group of companies as one of the top businesses in the United States.

This is the 9th annual listing of the America’s Top 500 Minority Owned businesses by DiversityBusiness.com and Top 100 Minnesota Companies listed on the Top Business Lists represent the Nation’s top multicultural earners and challenge the long-held notion that a privately held business is small or insignificant. Winners are sought after by major corporations wishing to increase spending with small businesses.

“Entrepreneurs are a growing force in the U.S. economy, and a force to be reckoned with,” said Kenton Clarke, CEO of Computer Consulting Associates International, the company that built DiversityBusiness.com. This is a whole business segment that can carry its own, that provides jobs, products and services, and generates wealth for their communities. These are the new leaders in American business.”

Minnesota based Pioneer Plastics, Inc. has grown from a local Midwestern manufacturer of plastic components and products to a global player among its major competitors. Over the past five years, Pioneer has grown through acquisitions and diversification. Pioneer’s two main US based subsidiaries, Thermotech, Inc., based in Hopkins, MN with two operating facilities in Mexico and Group Tool, Inc. based in Normal and Lexington, IL have continued to grow and expand through Pioneer’s worldwide network of partners and suppliers.

“We face challenges each day, it’s our discipline, commitment and attention to detail that makes us among the best in this industry”, said Mr. Minou Hussain, Chairman and CEO of Pioneer Plastics. “Our growing success is the direct reflection of our customer’s reward for our hard work”, he added. By serving over 270 customers in 16 countries Pioneer and its divisions Thermotech and Group Tool have propelled us to the top in 2008.
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August 20, 2008: Pioneer Goes Green with Electric Molding Machinery

As energy costs continue to escalate and costs adversely affect production, Pioneer has purchased over 10 new electric molding machines ranging from 65 Tons to 600 Tons throughout its operating plants between its US and Mexico facilities. By replacing a majority of its existing hydraulic molding machines over the next 5 years, Pioneer hopes to improve quality while going green. This plan also includes the replacement of other industrial machinery and fixtures, such as thermal management and lighting at its facilities worldwide.

Pioneer believes the benefits of these and other facility improvements will translate to improved quality, consistent production, reduced energy costs and a smaller carbon footprint in its manufacturing operations. Pioneer remains committed to sustainable energy solutions that serve its social and environmental responsibility. To learn more, contact your customer service representative.

December 17, 2007: Pioneer Acquires Thermotech, Inc.

Pioneer's management has successfully closed the acquisition of Hopkins, MN based Thermotech, Inc. Since 1949, Thermotech has build a legendary reputation as a premiere injection molder in the United States and Mexico. The acquisition now extends Pioneer's capabilities to include an additional 130 thermoplastic and thermoset molding machines, bringing the total to 270 worldwide. With over 580 employees located between Thermotech's US and Mexico operations, Pioneer plans to synergize operations between all its facilities by implementing a centralized MRP systems and integrated management programs. To learn more about Thermotech, please visit - www.thermotech.com.

Details of the acquisition remain confidential under the sale agreement.

March 8, 2006: Pioneer Expands Logistics Services to 9 International Cities

As global sourcing continue to strain customer supply chains, Pioneer now offers global warehousing and distribution in 5 additional countries. The total now includes Dublin (Ireland), Budapest (Hungary), Guadalajara (Mexico), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Singapore, Taiwan, Shenzhen and Shanghai (China) including corporate headquarters in Eagan, MN (USA). Pioneer plans to expand to over a dozen cities by mid-2008.

The strategic value emphasis Pioneer's ambitions to support customers who need JIT and Kanban finished products worldwide. Pioneer works closely with customers to streamline operations and create and maintain a more centralized logistics network. By uncovering several areas for real cost savings as a result of reducing inbound carrier discrepancies, eliminating unnecessary premium costs and reducing shipment overages. Plus, Pioneer implements accountability procedures and advanced logistics management technologies to gain more visibility of its overall supply network.

To learn more, contact Pioneer's customer services to get further details.

September 21, 2005: Pioneer Broaden's Capacity By Acquiring Group Tool & Die, Inc.

Pioneer Plastics is proud to announce that it has acquired Group Tool & Die, Inc. of Normal, Illinois. The acquisition is a strategic move to build and strengthen more than 35 years of Group Tool's skilled engineering, machining and molding services while adding to Pioneer's growing demand for light industrial injection molding and precision machining services in the U.S. while broadening its suite of manufacturing capabilities.

Since 1969, Group Tool & Die, Inc. with its 2 locations in Normal and Lexington, Illinois have operated over 30 thermoplastic injection molding presses ranging from 75 Ton to 700 Ton as well as two types of thermoset molding, injection and compression, at the Lexington facility. The Normal, IL, plant offers extensive tooling and machining services that include mold design and repair services. The company presently serves over 25 Fortune 1000 and 7 Fortune's Global 1000 ranked customers worldwide.

According to Minou Hussain, CEO of Pioneer Plastics, the rationale for the acquisition included Group Tool's strong relationships with its customers, its long-term supply agreements, and reputation for great service. "Group is an ideal addition to our long term strategy in the U.S. as domestic manufacturing demand rebounds in the coming years. Their engineering and manufacturing services complement our operations and provide a greater breadth of services for our major customers."

Pioneer's ability to engage in this deal is testament to the execution of its strategic business plan as it continues to bring additional services to its customers. Management plans to add new equipment, logistic services and extended operational resources to streamline current operations. New supply chain and customer relationship software will be added to enhance Group Tool's current services to include global sourcing, inventory management, integrated account management and logistics.

In recognition, Minou Hussain highlighted that "Pioneer and its employees wish to thank George Gilmore and Don Liming, co-founders of Group Tool & Die, Inc. for establishing a successful, world-class manufacturing company dedicated to its customers and employees. We welcome Group Tool's loyal and invaluable employees who will continue to help strengthen the company's future." According to Matt Mahmood, COO of Pioneer Plastics, "Mr. Liming will remain with Group Tool as its Director of Operations, assisting us as we add Pioneer's global suite of services to Group Tool's customers worldwide and vice versa." Pioneer plans to change the company name to 'Group Tool, Inc.', allowing the company to focus on its core competency of tooling and molding. In addition, Pioneer will leverage its sales and marketing to extend synergies of both companies to customers globally.

To learn more, please contact our client services manager, Jennifer Ripple (651) 204-0138

May 21, 2005: Pioneer Expands Warehouse Space in Eagan

Pioneer Plastics, Inc. announces that it has added an additional 25,000 sq. ft. of warehouse space to its existing facility in Eagan that was previously leased. The expansion will allow Pioneer to install a new racking system which would hold up to 420 additional pallets, bringing the total pallet racking capacity to 1,180. For now, the remaining 15,000 sq. ft. of floor space will be used to store raw materials, machinery and equipment. The expanded area of the building includes two additional loading docks that will rapidly improve multi-carrier loading times.

The added space will allow Pioneer to expand its inventory management system while supporting a larger warehouse for its Kanban system. The 60,000 sq. ft. facility was built four years ago to support Pioneer's strategic long-term goals and over the next few years, Pioneer intends to offer customers the added space to hold more products that are "work-in-progress" and finished goods. Customers will be able to hold large inventories of goods and supplies at Pioneer's facility for future needs while mitigating their overhead and operational costs.

To understand how your organization can benefit from our recent expansion, contact us for more information.

Please check back soon.... More exciting news to come!!