Supplier No. 12 Asahi Kasei Plastics North America | Best Places to Work 2025

Fowlerville, Mich.-based Asahi Kasei Plastics North America has invested in its employees and their benefits — and it's paid off. The company has made Plastics News' Best Places to Work list every year since 2015.

APNA utilizes individual development and formal leadership development programs as well as on-demand courses through a learning management system. Tuition assistance is available for employees working toward two- and four-year degrees and graduate certificates.

"Our robust training and development programs support continuous growth, empowering our team to thrive in an ever-evolving industry," said the company, which won the Emerging Manufacturer of the Year award in 2024 by the Business Council of Alabama and the Alabama Technology Network.

APNA's Success Program is a formal employee recognition initiative that encourages team members to nominate their peers for outstanding contributions, fostering a culture of appreciation and recognition. These often include monetary awards.

"We recently celebrated a streak of being injury-free with catered lunches for all shifts and customized 32-ounce Yeti growlers for all employees," said the manufacturer of high-performance, engineered polymers, chemically coupled polypropylene resins and purging compounds in its Best Places to Work survey.

"For anniversaries, we give employees plaques in recognition. Starting at 10-year anniversaries, and every five years after, [employees receive] a booklet where co-workers say nice things about you. We also have a gift catalog to celebrate the milestone. On anniversary years, you get a bump in vacation," the company added.

In terms of financial well-being, APNA offers SmartDollar to help educate employees about making sound financial decisions to set their families up for success both in the long and short term.

To shake off the workday stress, employees can take advantage of team outings to sporting events, amusement parks, curling, axe throwing, dinner cruises and on-site charity work. Internal events include company holiday parties, fantasy football and basketball contests, chili cook-offs and other days dedicated to employees' well-being.

"Asaclean, an APNA business unit, has a 20-plus-year tradition where all full-time employees get a free trip to Japan after three years with the company. The trip consists of visiting AK's corporate headquarters in Tokyo and sightseeing in Tokyo and Kyoto," the company said.

"Our culture reflects the unique blend of our global Japanese parent company and a local community feel, with many 20-plus-year team members. This cultural fusion provides structure and fosters a sense of belonging, where contributions are valued and collaboration is encouraged. With strong retention and engagement, we're honored to be considered for recognition as a top workplace, offering an environment where employees feel supported and connected," the company said.

"We've been honored with several awards and recognitions from our customers as a top supplier, showcasing our commitment to excellence and reliability. … These achievements underscore our commitment to creating a workplace where our people can thrive, contribute meaningfully and celebrate shared successes."