People & Culture Archives - Hoffer Plastics

30 Under 30: The Next Generation Driving Innovation in MoldMaking

Hoffer Team — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 17:36:12 +0000

Young professionals are bringing new perspectives, technical skills and a strong commitment to the moldmaking industry. MoldMaking Technology recognizes these individuals through its 30 Under 30 program, highlighting emerging talent that is shaping the future of precision manufacturing.

Hoffer Plastics project engineer Jacob Trch exemplifies the next generation of innovators. With exceptional expertise in mold design, project management and manufacturability, Jacob has played a pivotal role in advancing complex automotive and consumer products.

Jacob’s clear communication, leadership and dedication to continuous improvement have earned him the trust of both colleagues and customers. Driven by passion and purpose, he represents the innovative spirit propelling the next generation of moldmakers forward.

Read the full 30 Under 30 feature

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Inside Hoffer Plastics’ Family Legacy and Leadership

Hoffer Team — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 14:56:41 +0000

Plastics Machinery & Manufacturing sat down with Hoffer Plastics co-CEO Gretchen Hoffer Farb to explore how the third-generation family business is preserving its legacy while adapting to the evolving needs of its employees and customers. Gretchen shared insights into how the company’s core values – family, integrity, service and trust – continue to shape decision-making and company culture, from hiring practices to leadership development.

In the interview, Gretchen details the importance of family legacy, including a leadership approach rooted in empathy, accountability and stewardship alongside her siblings – Charlotte Hoffer Canning and Alex Hoffer. By investing in employee well-being and sustaining strong family leadership, the company continues to build long-term success without sacrificing its founding principles.

Read June’s cover story from Plastics Machinery & Manufacturing

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72 Years of Manufacturing Excellence and Community Impact: VIDEO

Hoffer Team — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 14:43:31 +0000

https://hofferplastics.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/hoffer-infographic-animation-final.mp4

Founded in 1953 by Robert “Bob” and Helen Hoffer, Hoffer Plastics is celebrating its 72-year anniversary with an ongoing commitment to driving customer, employee and industry success. A full-service contract manufacturing partner, we produce more than three billion plastic parts annually with a consistent 99.45% on-time delivery record. The company serves customers in markets that include flexible packaging, medical, automotive, consumer, industrial and appliances. Located in South Elgin, Illinois, Hoffer employs more than 350 individuals within its 365,000-square-foot facility located on 24 acres. The company has pioneered numerous product innovations, including the company’s proprietary Lok family of products. Check out this infographic to learn more about the breadth of expertise and capabilities that have continuously exceeded expectations and set new standards for quality and performance.

Learn More

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Sustainability is an all-around concept for Hoffer Plastics

Hoffer Team — Wed, 26 Feb 2025 21:11:45 +0000

British Plastics & Rubber sat down with Hoffer Plastics Vice President of Quality Excellence, Jim Stoffel, to discuss how the company is redefining sustainability in manufacturing. As an organization, we’ve grown in our commitment to be an environmental steward over our 72-year history. Our early focus on environmental initiatives like recycling has today grown into a full-scale commitment to environmental responsibility. From cutting carbon emissions with energy-efficient equipment, to innovative lightweighting designs that use less plastic, to using post-consumer recycled (PCR) in projects, we’re constantly assessing ways to be a responsible corporation.

But the journey doesn’t stop there. We’re pushing further with zero landfill initiatives, water conservation efforts, and partnerships that enhance our sustainability. With plans for solar power, electric forklifts, and a dedicated Environmental and Sustainability specialist, the company is driving toward a future of lower emissions and long-term sustainability. Read more about how Hoffer is making a real impact.

Read more from British Plastics & Rubber.

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Hoffer Plastics Welcomes Hannah Mooberry as Environmental & Sustainability Specialist

Hoffer Team — Fri, 06 Dec 2024 18:34:24 +0000

New role reaffirms commitment to serving customers & the environment through sustainability initiatives.

SOUTH ELGIN, Ill. (December 10, 2024) – Hoffer Plastics, a leader in custom injection molding with over 71 years of excellence, proudly announces the hiring of Hannah Mooberry as its new Environmental & Sustainability Specialist. This strategic hire reinforces the company’s long-term vision of sustainability, an unwavering commitment that has been integral to the business since its inception.

A recent graduate of Northern Illinois University in environmental studies and policy, Hannah brings a fresh perspective and a strong academic foundation to this role. She will be responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive sustainability strategies including:

Partnering with Hoffer’s Focused Factories to implement a reuse, regrind resins program to reduce plastics going to landfills.
Developing a comprehensive carbon emissions calculator to evaluate waste, electricity, water consumption, upstream and downstream distribution, and transportation to inform emission reduction goals.
Collaborating with internal teams to pursue ISO 14001 certification to drive additional reductions in environmental impact.
Enhancing product recyclability and promoting circular economy principles in partnership with engineering and manufacturing.
Staying apprised of industry trends and regulatory requirements to ensure compliance through product innovation and operational enhancements.

"I'm excited to join Hoffer Plastics as its first-ever Environmental & Sustainability Specialist to directly contribute to a more sustainable future,” said Mooberry. “I'm eager to work with the entire team to implement innovative solutions and develop strategies for reducing carbon emissions. It's a privilege to be part of a company that prioritizes sustainability and continuous improvement while maintaining such high standards of excellence."

The creation of this position follows Hoffer Plastics' recent recognition with IndustryWeek’s Best Plant Award, a prestigious honor highlighting the company’s innovation, quality and operational efficiency. Building on this momentum, Mooberry will lead initiatives that focus on measuring and minimizing environmental impact to help both Hoffer Plastics and its customers meet rising demand for sustainable solutions.

“Adding this role is an important step in achieving the long-term sustainability goals set into motion by the first generation of Hoffer Plastics leadership,” said Charlotte Hoffer Canning, Co-CEO at Hoffer Plastics. “We know the critical role plastics manufacturers play in protecting the environment. It’s why we’ve been committed to sustainability from day one. Hannah’s dedicated focus on sustainability will allow us to uplevel our efforts even faster. She is already collecting and analyzing new data that will inform our strategic initiatives to reduce our overall environmental impact well into the future.”

To learn more about Hoffer Plastics, visit hofferplastics.com.

About Hoffer Plastics

Founded in 1953 by Robert “Bob” and Helen Hoffer, Hoffer Plastics is celebrating its 71-year anniversary with an ongoing commitment to driving customer, employee and industry success. A full-service contract manufacturing partner, Hoffer produces more than three billion plastic parts annually with a consistent 99% on-time delivery record. The company serves customers in markets that include flexible packaging, medical, automotive, consumer, industrial and appliances. Located in South Elgin, Illinois, Hoffer employs more than 350 individuals within its 365,000-square-foot facility located on 24 acres. The company has pioneered numerous product innovations, including the company’s proprietary Lok family of products. For more information, visit www.hofferplastics.com

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IndustryWeek Best Plants Award Winners: Championship Effort, Championship Achievement

Hoffer Team — Mon, 23 Sep 2024 11:07:04 +0000

Hoffer Plastics is humbled and honored to be chosen as a 2024 Best Plants Award Winner by IndustryWeek! This award recognizes more than 71 years of operational excellence, exceptional customer care and employee satisfaction within its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in South Elgin, Illinois.

The company’s success is attributed to its high-volume, high production capability, which involves manufacturing a diverse range of plastic parts from automotive components to consumer goods. Key to their achievements is a strong emphasis on relationships—internally among the three co-CEOs and employees, and externally with suppliers and customers. Hoffer Plastics maintains a 99.4% on-time delivery rate, excels in transparent internal communication and integrates technology solutions, including advanced robotics and automated systems.

Additionally, the company’s unique “plants within plants” structure and commitment to continuous improvement and employee involvement further distinguish it as a leader in manufacturing excellence.

Read more about the award from IndustryWeek and uncover why Hoffer Plastics was recognized as the best of the best.

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Five Pathways to a Thriving Workplace Culture in Food Manufacturing

Hoffer Team — Mon, 16 Sep 2024 13:12:59 +0000

Food Industry Executive shared insights into Hoffer Plastics’ commitment to creating a thriving workplace culture with perspectives from Hoffer Plastics team members Jeff Klabunde, Vice President of Operations and Shari Nelson, Director of Human Resources.

By prioritizing training, professional growth and embracing new technologies, companies like Hoffer Plastics foster a skilled, motivated workforce that drives innovation and long-term retention. Furthermore, companies that commit to sustainable practices enhance brand reputation, attract talent and strengthen employee morale.

As the manufacturing landscape continues to evolve, one truth remains constant: a thriving workplace culture is the cornerstone of success.

Learn More

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Hoffer Plastics Named an Industryweek 2024 Best Plants Finalist, Received Illinois Manufacturing Association’s Community Impact Award

Hoffer Team — Wed, 17 Jul 2024 10:37:59 +0000

Hoffer Plastics, a leading provider of custom injection molding solutions, is pleased to announce two significant achievements. The recognitions showcase a dual commitment to driving higher quality and greater productivity for customers, while strengthening the community through educational opportunities and engagements that provide pathways to a brighter future.

Named one of IndustryWeek’s 2024 Best Plants Award finalists, Hoffer Plastics is one of just five facilities from across the U.S. to make the cut. The prestigious award honors North American manufacturers who are leading efforts to increase competitiveness and customer satisfaction through reduced lead times and accelerated quality. It also recognizes those who are committed to creating stimulating and rewarding work environments for employees. The winning finalist will be announced later this summer.

Hoffer Plastics has also been awarded the 2024 Illinois Manufacturing Association’s Community Impact award for its exemplary leadership in serving its local community. Through the Hoffer Foundation, the company nurtures longstanding partnerships with local educational institutions, nonprofits and organizations. These partnerships include robust apprenticeship programs and leadership development opportunities that open new career opportunities while promoting the value of manufacturing careers throughout the region. This award also celebrates Hoffer Plastics’ commitment to sustainability, including the continued elimination of carbon dioxide emissions totaling 3,005 metric tons since 2019, the diversion of 250,000 pounds of plastic materials from landfills each year, and the ongoing monitoring of its own sustainability initiatives through meaningful, tangible metrics and goals.

“We are deeply touched by both of these recognitions,” said Co-CEOs Charlote Hoffer Canning on behalf of the Hoffer Plastics executive team. “Being a finalist for IndustryWeek’s 2024 Best Plants Award is humbling. But it’s a testament to the difference you can make when all your employees work together to leverage new technologies and innovate new solutions that prioritize customer satisfaction, performance and a cleaner, healthier environment.”

According to Co-CEO Gretchen Hoffer-Farb who oversees the Hoffer Foundation, “The Community Impact Award reaffirms our profound commitment to live the core values of Family, Integrity, Service and Trust that have been fundamental to Hoffer Plastics’ success since our inception in 1953. We are grateful to be part of the South Elgin community, and in return believe in the importance of being a good neighbor. To do so, we continue to grow our sustainable business practices while donating our resources to enrich the lives of others in the area.”

To learn more about Hoffer Plastics, visit hofferplastics.com.

About Hoffer Plastics

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Hoffer Plastics Empowers Long-Term Career Growth

Hoffer Team — Mon, 29 Jan 2024 19:32:42 +0000

The belief in nurturing talent, fostering growth and empowering the next generation of leaders in the manufacturing industry has been a guiding principle across generations of family leadership.

We continue to attract, retain and inspire the next workforce to grow not only its own future – but that of the manufacturing industry. In fact, we boast an average employee tenure of 14 years! And, our longest-tenured employees have been part of our team for more than 50 years. Check out this infographic to see how the Hoffer Plastics employees mold their own futures through career opportunities at Hoffer Plastics.

Explore Our Current Openings Today!

Click Here

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Molding the Future

Hoffer Team — Wed, 24 Jan 2024 15:13:34 +0000

Hoffer Plastics Puts People First to Drive Career and Business Success

Market trends evolve. Product demand ebbs and flows. Technologies advance. Yet, at the core of any successful manufacturing operation, there’s a crucial constant: the people.

We live this truth every day at Hoffer Plastics. For 70 years, our business has always succeeded – and continues to thrive – because of our team members. While the manufacturing industry continues to struggle with a skilled-worker shortage, we continue to nurture talent, foster growth and empower the next generation of leaders in the manufacturing industry.

Many Hoffer Plastics team members have been with us for decades. In fact, our team boasts an average tenure of 14 years – with an individual who’s been contributing to our success for 52 of our 70 years! Every day, we strive to celebrate and thank these employees – whether they are just starting out, or have been with us for decades.

Here’s a look at how we’re attracting, retaining and inspiring the workforce we need to keep building a brighter future.

Nurturing Excellence through Employee Development

We are passionate about empowering employees to take advantage of a wide array of training and ongoing education opportunities – whether it’s an entry-level position or a highly skilled role. By providing access to stable and exciting long-term careers in manufacturing, we are not just creating jobs; we are building pathways to success.

On-the-job training encourages our people to develop skills and explore new interests. Pathways include internal training, a DOL certification for our apprenticeship and an apprentice partnership with Elgin Community College to offer additional opportunities in maintenance, automation and beyond. Moreover, we offer tuition reimbursement for external education as well as ongoing educational opportunities outside of apprenticeships.

While our employees expand their skill sets, our company gains a greater breadth and depth of talent on our team. And everyone has the potential to turn that professional growth into leadership with the support of Hoffer’s leadership development program.

Energizing Our Team with New Technology

New technology means new opportunities – for our business and for our employees. It means higher precision. Fewer tedious tasks. More time to innovate. And more fun in an advanced, sophisticated and engaging environment.

Hoffer Plastics is leading the way to this vibrant future. Every year, we invest in advanced manufacturing equipment and automation including:

Advanced automation and robotics
Micro-molding and other unique processing techniques

We look at it as investing in people, so that they can advance their skills and put their talents to use with higher-value tasks. Simply put, new tech makes our workplace more exciting and rewarding.

Creating a Sustainable Future

The long-term viability of our industry, our company and by extension, our employees, depends on our ability to use resources as efficiently as possible.

That’s why we believe in creating critical solutions that support environmental sustainability today and for generations to come. Hoffer Plastics has long been a leader in advancing sustainable practices and materials. And our people are front and center in these efforts, including:

Implementing a facility-wide recycling program.
Reducing electricity and water consumption through wastewater capture and reuse.
Hold ourselves accountable and publish an annual scorecard report on our progress.
Developing biodegradable resins and recycle-ready products.

Elevating Our Community

Bob Hoffer, who founded Hoffer Plastics in 1953, taught us to “be a good neighbor.” As a result, we’re as connected to our community as our employees are.

Whether we’re pivoting to produce healthcare supplies during times of global crisis or providing the peace of mind of backup electricity to neighbors with our onsite power co-generation plant, we’re always ready to step up and help.

Meanwhile, working with local technical colleges and universities, high schools, middle schools, and veterans’ organizations, Hoffer provides a path to family-supporting careers for people across the community.

We also lend our heartfelt support to a variety of community initiatives. It’s not just about investing dollars – although we are blessed to have that ability through the Hoffer Foundation. We encourage team members to give back through service initiatives in partnership with the United Way, Boys and Girls Club, Habitat for Humanity, Food for Greater Elgin and many other worthy causes.

Prioritizing Health, Wellness & Safety

The wellbeing of our employees is always on our minds.

We’re on the forefront of safety initiatives in our industry, with practices including:

Training on fall protection and prevention for all mechanics.
Regular, ongoing safety audits and mock OSHA inspections.
Emergency event simulation training, such as fire and chemical incidents and other situations.

Hoffer Plastics also fosters a healthy work/life balance. Flexible work schedules, job sharing and a generous benefits package including paid family leave help give our employees room for their families, friends and interests.

In addition, we support them through challenges both at work and at home. An on-site chaplain provides free, confidential counseling guidance on almost any issue. Plus, work/life specialists are available to assist with child care, healthcare, legal questions and more.

Thriving Together Over the Long Term

As a third-generation family-owned business, we know we wouldn’t be here without our employees. Through our employee-centered practices, a culture of collaboration and a genuine, collective commitment to each other’s success, the people of Hoffer Plastics continue to perform at the highest level. We couldn’t be prouder of our team, and we can’t wait to take on the new challenges together.

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