How To Find Jobs In The Plastics IndustryManufacturing was once the pinnacle of the American industrial machine. The term “Made In America” had a certain luster to it that has dissipated through the years.

And although that prestige is starting to return for the “Made In America” brand there is still the pressing matter of unemployment and the need for more plastics manufacturing employees.

During my time at PolyPak America there were quite a few new hires, and considering the size of the company, it was a marked increase, especially in the sales team.

During my year and a half, we hired two sales reps, two customer service reps, and an estimator.

This growth, which was foreshadowed during my initial interviews was one of the reasons I was excited to start in the plastics industry.

Not only was that a sign of a growing market, but it also spoke to the need for qualified candidates. Which to me meant that if anything were to ever happen to PolyPak or my employment there, I would have strong experience that I could take to another plastics industry company.

So knowing that there is growth in the industry, both now and in the expected future, where would one go to find available jobs within the plastics industry?

Luckily there are a few options to consider.
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Too Thick or Too Thin?

Often times the person buying polybags for their company is not a polybag expert. About 98% of the time I would say that is the case.

They are usually purchasers, sourcers, owners, or operation managers.

They may know a bit about polybags from buying them in the past, but again that is more often the exception than the rule.

So when someone calls in interesting in buying polybags there are a few questions they almost always have.

One of the most common is “How thick should my polybag be?” If you haven’t already seen the video I did a while back, check it out when you have a chance by following the link.

And although an experience polybag supplier can provide then with the ideal, or industry standard, there is still a little variance that is involved with determining the gauge of the poly film to use.

But which way should that variance take you?

Is it better to go too thick or too thin with your polybags? Well today we’re going to discuss that to help you make the right choice based on your circumstances.

Go Thick!

There are a few reasons you may want to adjust the gauge of your polybags to go a little thicker than the industry standard.

For example, if you will be holding product that has sharp edges such as decorative rocks or any rocks for that matter.
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The Rising Demand For Post Consumer Recycled Plastic

December 13, 2012

Post consumer recycled plastic is a hot topic I’ve touched on a few times in the past. Usually how it relates or differs from biodegradable plastics. As I’ve mentioned, both have their merits, but as of late new research is suggesting a marked increase in the demand for post consumer recycled plastic over biodegradable plastics. [...]

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How To Stay In Touch With The Plastics Industry

December 10, 2012

Since I’ve left PolyPak America it is obviously a little more difficult for me to keep in touch and “in the know” of the plastics industry. Instead of hearing about what is going on every day, I’ve had to be a bit more proactive in finding out the latest news and trends for plastics, polyethylene, polybags, etc. Luckily, I [...]

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What Is A Die Cut Handle?

December 7, 2012

Die cut handle bags are the kind of product you see everyday, but usually don’t know the name to.  And this type of feature on a polybag is extremely useful. Let me illustrate… I had the chance to attend a few trade shows during my time at PolyPak America. And like most trade shows I was inundated with branded [...]

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It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like….Ice Melt Time

November 30, 2012

Ice melt is something I’ve never seen used before, but it seems it’s that time of the year again. Shopping malls are chaos. Days are starting off cold and only getting colder. And in many parts of the country snow is beginning to fall. For those of you who enjoy warming up next to the fire with [...]

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Similarities Between A Manufacturing And Software Company

November 27, 2012

Last post I discussed many of the differences between manufacturing and software companies. The main differences I focused on were product, industry, and culture. Within culture I further defined dress, experience, and age as major differences I’ve noticed since leaving PolyPak America. Now I’d like to address some of the similarities that cross boundaries. Product [...]

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The Difference Between A Manufacturing And Software Company

November 24, 2012

As I mentioned in my last post I have since left PolyPak America and joined another organization as an Account Executive.  And as my days from PolyPak fade I’ve come to recognize many differences between my old and new employer. There are of course the obvious differences with a plastics manufacturer and software company. And [...]

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The Next Chapter For The Poly Bag Pro Blog

November 19, 2012

It may or not be a surprise but I am no longer with PolyPak America. This change was my decision and although I enjoyed my time with PolyPak I was contacted by another company with, and have since accepted, an offer I simply couldn’t refuse. This past week was actually my first with the new company. I [...]

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What A Second Term President Can Teach Us About Cold Calling

November 9, 2012

Democrat or Republican, no matter what your party, there is something to be learned from the most recent Presidential campaign. Although I was not part of a swing state which seemed to get massive amounts of campaign calls, I still can recognized the lessons that can be learned from President Obama’s campaign. Whether you believe in his [...]

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