When the Veterans' Employment Services reached out to Plascon to write an article highlighting our veteran workforce, we happily invited them to learn more about our valuable team members that come from military backgrounds. The result was the below article that VES granted us permission to publish on our blog as well. For more information on the services offered by VES, visit their website.
"At Traverse-City-based Plascon, innovation and integrity are more than just business principles, they are part of a broader mission rooted in community, opportunity and service. As a manufacturer of specialty plastic packaging for the food service, institutional and pharmaceutical industries, Plascon takes pride in delivering custom solutions and exceptional customer support. But behind the cutting-edge products is a company that values people just as much as progress—especially those who have served our country.
Since its founding in 2000, Plascon has grown from a two-person operation into a thriving business with a mission that extends well beyond manufacturing. Initially launched with a unique social purpose—to create jobs for inmates in jails—the company later expanded its employment model to include Community Work Programs for the developmentally disabled. This foundation of inclusion and service has naturally extended to another group of high-value team members: military veterans.
Plascon is proud to support and actively recruit veterans across all levels of its organization. Nearly 6% of Plascon’s current workforce is made up of veterans, and in the past year alone, more than 15% of all new hires were individuals with military backgrounds. This focus isn’t just about numbers, it reflects a strategic commitment to hiring individuals who bring leadership, dedication and a unique skill set honed through service.
As a result of these efforts, Plascon was honored with the Michigan Veteran-Friendly Employer Bronze Level Award, recognizing the company’s proactive approach to veteran hiring, retention, and professional development. This statewide recognition underscores Plascon’s role as a leader in providing meaningful career opportunities for those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
“We are incredibly honored to receive the Bronze Level Veteran-Friendly Employer award,” said Elaine Hanson, Human Resources Director at Plascon. “Our veteran employees bring a level of discipline, commitment, and teamwork that truly strengthens our organization. We are deeply grateful for their service and proud to support them in building successful careers after the military.”
To support this mission, Plascon actively collaborates with Veterans’ Employment Services and Michigan Works!, streamlining the pathway for veterans to transition into the civilian workforce. These partnerships help identify veteran talent and connect them directly with Plascon’s job openings, ensuring vacancies are filled by individuals who bring invaluable experience and a deep sense of purpose to their work.
As Plascon moves forward, its mission remains clear: to innovate with purpose, support its people, and foster a workplace where veterans and all employees can thrive. Through this ongoing dedication, Plascon proves that building better products starts with building a better team."
We extend our sincere gratitude to Veterans’ Employment Services for their thoughtful feature. We take great pride in the talented veterans who enrich our team with their diverse experience and unwavering dedication.
The original VES article can be viewed here.
To learn more about Plascon products, visit our website or contact us today!