Processor No. 7 Team 1 Plastics | Best Places to Work 2025

The secret to Team 1 Plastics being an exceptional company is building exceptional teams with exceptional people.

The Albion, Mich.-based injection molder says on its Meet Our Team webpage that it seeks "team members who are honest, demonstrate a high level of integrity, have an eagerness to learn, contribute to a safe work environment and value each person in a diverse work force."

"At Team 1 Plastics, we believe our continued success comes from the commitment to our Championship Dream. Composed of four tenets, it outlines how the company lives and breathes as it conducts its business. By focusing on excellent customer service, providing growth opportunities for our team members and giving back to the community, we create an environment where customers and team members feel rewarded and want to continue their partnership with the company," the company said in its Best Places to Work survey.

Team activities sometimes include monthly theme days, such as Sports Day, Pajama Day or Comfy Day; step challenge games with giveaways to promote a healthy work environment; and other contests throughout the year, such as costume contests.

Staff member birthdays are posted on breakroom television screens. Employees receive a customized treat gift mailed to their home and get to spin a wheel for a chance to win cash or paid time off.

The company emphasizes "creating a work atmosphere where team members have the freedom to succeed," and Team 1 Plastics "makes a positive difference for its customers and the community every day."

The team donates about $50,000 annually to community organizations. The company also contributes up to $1,040 to employees' health savings accounts, based on their insurance plan.

Recognition of work anniversaries includes awards at companywide meetings, as well as special clothing, plaques or other personalized gifts. Safety milestones incorporate a team picture and gift.

A top priority for Team 1 is a safe environment, which it views as "the best measure of the value that it places on its team members." The company has achieved more than 5,700 consecutive days without a lost-time accident — more than 15 years.

Team 1 Plastics was founded in 1987 by Jim Capo, Craig Carrel and Gary Grigowski, who all had the dream of starting a world-class plastic molding company. They saw the need for a company in the Midwest to work with international automotive suppliers and raised the capital needed from family and friends. In 1993, the company made Inc. magazine's top 500 fastest-growing private companies in the United States.

This is Team 1 Plastics' 11th appearance on Plastics News' Best Places to Work list since 2014. It ranks at No. 327 in PN's list of injection molders with $13 million in estimated sales.