Plaskolite celebrates 75 years

Plaskolite, a provider of engineering thermoplastics, proudly marks its 75th anniversary in 2025. Founded April 20, 1950, by decorated U.S. Army veteran Donald G. Dunn, Plaskolite has grown from a small business in Columbus, Ohio, into a worldwide industry leader with over 2,000 employees.

While the company’s early days focused on manufacturing drinking straws, fly swatters, and hula-hoops, it quickly evolved to meet the growing demand for acrylic. Today, Plaskolite continues that legacy, producing a variety of thermoplastics that serve many industries.

Throughout 2025, Plaskolite will celebrate this milestone with employees, customers, and the communities that have shaped its success. Events across global locations will include cookouts, employee recognition programs, alumni reunions, and family days — reinforcing the company’s long-standing commitment to its people.

“As we look back on the journey from a handful of employees on City Park Avenue in Columbus to nearly 2,000 worldwide, one thing has remained constant: our people,” said John Szlag, retiring chief commercial officer, who has spent nearly 40 years with Plaskolite. “Our success has been built on the dedication of our employees and our commitment to providing the highest quality products and services for our customers. It’s why we say, ’Our people are our greatest asset’.”

Plaskolite will also give back to the towns and communities that have supported its growth. In honor of the anniversary, employees across all locations will volunteer a collective 7,500 hours of their time to local charities and organizations, reinforcing the company’s culture of service.

While the anniversary celebrates Plaskolite’s history, it also serves as a moment to focus on the future. President and CEO Michael Gilbert emphasized that the company’s continued success will be driven by its people, innovation, and customer-centric approach.

“The success of Plaskolite has always been driven by the dedication of our people,” said Gilbert. “Looking ahead, our ability to lead the industry for another 75 years will be driven by the strength of our people and the commitment to building lasting relationships with our customers.”

Plaskolite’s journey from a small startup is said to reflect the vision of Dunn, who passed away in 2021 at age 98, and whose words from many years ago, continue to inspire the company:

“A business is many things. It carries the hopes and dreams of its founder, the sum total of years of effort and exhausting hard work. It is the lifeblood of its employees, and it must be a partner in the community and a leader in the industry.”