Supplier No. 1 Lone Star Chemical | Best Places to Work 2025

More than 50 years ago, Michael McAlister left his successful role as a national sales manager for polystyrene and established Lone Star Chemical as a distribution partner for his former company's plastics output.

Kip McAlister, Michael McAlister's son, joined the family-owned and -operated company in 1993 and is now its president and CEO.

"Under [Kip's] lead, the company increased its sales force and added several new suppliers," the company says on its website.

"We've had several customers for decades, and they are part of the LSC family," Michael McAlister says on the company's website. "Kip has continued my philosophy that building strong relationships is our most valuable tool."

The company started with polystyrene and has since expanded to offer a full range of products, from polypropylene and polyethylene to engineering resins and bioplastics.

Lone Star Chemical has been named the top supplier to work for in the plastics industry, according to Plastics News.

"At Lone Star Chemical, we believe that our people are our greatest asset," according to the company's website. "When you join our team, you'll be part of a company that values:

• Customer relations: Celebrating 50 years in the business, we are a family-owned and -operated enterprise. We encourage our team to think creatively and develop solutions for our customers.

• Teamwork: We foster a collaborative work environment where diverse talents come together to achieve common goals.

• Impact: Our daily communication with major world producers and suppliers keep us on top of the changing market. Our efficiencies make the difference, and we pass the savings on to our customers."

The company regularly gives back to the community; it sends donations and volunteers for various local charities. Activities for staff include birthday lunches and holiday celebrations such as Halloween costume contests and a Christmas party. To recognize the accomplishments of its employees, Lone Star Chemical conducts a combination of internal emails, LinkedIn announcements and team celebrations.

The market is always changing and evolving. To recruit and retain a diverse workforce, the company receives referrals from industry contacts.

"We always look to bring in new talent that can help us grow and expand our product line; sharing and training new innovations with existing employees; [and] keeping them up with what is new in the market and what is foreseen to come," the company said of its strategy, adding that "bringing in a new generation of talent keeps us in the forefront of this industry."

In terms of health and wellness benefits, Lone Star Chemical pays 100 percent of premiums for medical, dental and vision coverage for its employees and their dependents. It also offers fully paid maternity leave.

Family-friendly benefits include schedule flexibility to attend children's school events and time off to take family members to medical appointments.

Lone Star Chemical reports 0 percent annual voluntary turnover and a workforce of 30 percent remote workers that stay engaged through daily communication via phone/email.

Lone Star Chemical Sales Director Lauren Enyeart said the company a big supporter of training its workers, and its core value is family values. "Treat everyone like family, support each other through the ups and downs," she said.

"I have really enjoyed having you all in my life, and I'm grateful and thankful to have had the opportunity to do business with you for the past 50 years," McAlister said on the company's website regarding the people he has known and worked with over the years. "I owe everything to these very important people and relationships."

This is Lone Star Chemical's first appearance on PN's Best Places to Work list.