Grand Traverse Plastics

Over 250 miles from the Motor City, a small community in Northwest Michigan hosts a major player in the automotive industry. Based in Williamsburg, halfway between Traverse City and Kalkaska, Grand Traverse Plastics has contributed to the state’s robust manufacturing heritage as a Tier 1 automotive and material handling supplier since 1981. The leader in functional injection molding is focused on the production of engineered plastic under-the-hood components for battery systems, engines and transmission applications, as well as conveyor system components.

In 2021, Grand Traverse Plastics announced plans to expand its operations in Michigan with the support of the Michigan Business Development Program (MBDP) from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). The Michigan Strategic Fund Board approved a $430,000 MBDP performance-based grant, which supported a 45,000 square-foot expansion tied to advanced manufacturing and automotive and mobility sectors, specifically tied to EV production. The expansion extended high bays and added a shipping dock, cold storage, manufacturing space, and a tool room.

“The MEDC’s partnership through the MBDP program gave Grand Traverse Plastics the confidence to keep investing in advanced manufacturing, our Williamsburg campus and the people who make our performance possible,” said CEO Bill Knable. “Operating a high-precision technical molding facility in Northern Michigan requires discipline, curiosity, and a willingness to take smart risks when the opportunity is right. MEDC’s support helped us expand capacity, strengthen training, integrate advanced technologies and continue building a workplace where employees can grow, work safely and take pride in the impact they have. We are proud to show that world-class manufacturing is not limited to major metro hubs – it is thriving here in Grand Traverse County.”

Life in Plastic, It’s Fantastic

In the five years since announcing the expansion, Grand Traverse Plastics has continued to build momentum. The company is averaging nearly 20 more employees than the MBDP grant helped achieve, and projects they will have around 228 employees by 2027, making the company an employer of choice in the Northwest Michigan region. Roles span operators, skilled labor, maintenance, technical support, and other critical positions.

“At a time when some manufacturers are closing facilities or reducing headcount, Grand Traverse Plastics is choosing disciplined growth, investing in our workforce and strengthening our role as a dependable economic partner in Northern Michigan,” Knable said. “We believe strong companies are built by people who are given the opportunity to learn, contribute and grow. We are focused on developing technical leaders from within our region by creating clearer career pathways, supporting curiosity and helping employees build skills that can carry them through long-term careers in manufacturing.”

To support its workforce development initiatives, Grand Traverse Plastics collaborates with local academic institutions and vocational programs, including Northwestern Michigan College, local Career Tech programs, Michigan Tech, Baker College and area high schools. Through these partnerships, the company provides hands-on internships, co-ops and career exposure in robotics, processing engineering, maintenance and related technical fields. Most recently, the company launched GTP Practical Electrical Training with Northwestern Michigan College, a staggered 12-week program that helps employees better understand safe operating practices when working with electrical circuits.

In addition to attracting new talent, Grand Traverse Plastics invests in upskilling its employees through specialized programs, including leadership training, and provides internal mobility tracks to allow entry-level operators to train into roles with greater responsibility, broader skills and higher pay.

And with its CEO being a U.S. Army veteran, the company is also committed to working with local veterans’ organizations to provide career opportunities to those returning to Northern Michigan. Through these various avenues, Grand Traverse Plastics is solidifying its presence as a key employer and partner in the region.

Breaking the Mold

Looking ahead, Grand Traverse Plastics plans to build on its technical molding expertise, continuing its leadership in functional under-hood and powertrain black plastics while expanding into complex thermal fluid management systems, washer bottle assemblies, high-precision pressure relief valves for ICE, EV and hybrid powertrains and other industrial applications.

The company is also developing expanded apprenticeship and training pathways designed to recruit, support and retain local talent, as well as exploring artificial intelligence tools and automation on its press floor to support predictive maintenance, improve energy efficiency, strengthen quality systems and help its teams make better decisions.

Finally, Grand Traverse Plastics is looking at the next phase of expansion, including approval of a 44,000 square-foot building.

“While other manufacturers, including some in the automotive sector, are downsizing or closing facilities in Michigan and beyond, GTP is growing thoughtfully,” said Knable. “We see that as both an opportunity and a responsibility: to be a strong economic partner, a dependable employer and a company that continues to invest in people, safety and the future of advanced manufacturing in Northern Michigan.”

Learn how the MEDC supports the growth of Michigan companies like Grand Traverse Plastics.