Home / About – Main ABOUT US We aspire to be the best, not the biggest. Our goal is to become an invaluable customer resource and build close, long lasting relationships. Our customers count on us to solve technically challenging jobs requiring some combination of ultra or high performance injection molding thermoplastic expertise, insert molding (a.k.a. overmolding), tight tolerances and intricate or thin walled part geometries. We are committed to solving your engineering challenges and delivering a component that enhances product performance. TOUR OUR FACILITY COMPANY HISTORY Performance Plastics Ltd. was founded in 1982 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Since inception, we have partnered with our customers to leverage the performance advantages of high temperature thermoplastics. In 1997, the company was acquired by Tom Mendel who brought his passion for solving customers’ most difficult problems along with his two decades of technical and management experience. Since that time, Performance Plastics has expanded its engineering and thermoplastic manufacturing bench strength with key team additions. Additionally, in 2015 Tom brought in MCM Capital, a microcap private equity firm, as a value added partner and source of additional capital to accelerate Performance Plastics’ growth. Our facility has recently been expanded and we have made significant investments in state-of-the-art tools in the form of the latest in electronic injection molding presses, robotic handling, automated vision inspection and quality equipment to facilitate our goal of being a world class manufacturer and designer of ultra and high performance thermoplastic components. Performance Plastics has molded PEEK since the material was first introduced in the early 1980’s and we have extensive experience injection molding Torlon, various fluoropolymers (e.g. PFA, FEP, PVDF, ETFE, etc.) and other high performance thermoplastic compounds. Further, our company is one of the few able to injection mold fluoropolymers using 8 cavity, high volume molds with hot runner systems to produce thin walled intricate parts. We Facilitate the Design Engineers Desire to Create Better Products. We help you understand and apply high performance plastics. There is no magic to what we do. It is the result of hard work based on the complimentary knowledge, skill set, passion and determination of our Engineers. It is the way we are wired. We thrive on the challenge of doing what no one else has done. We become your partner from design through production. It starts with an almost supernatural attention to details, asking, listening, analyzing data so we know everything we can about your application before we even consider recommending a solution. We can quickly evaluate ideas to see what does or doesn’t work. From 3D CAD models, we can machine samples from stock materials, create resin cut or layered prototypes or provide soft, bridge tooling to prove your ideas work before you make a significant capital investment. Our People Make the Difference Unmatched technical knowledge, tenacity, and solutions-centered mindset integrate individual expertise with decades of ‘in the trenches’ experience applying and molding high performance plastics materials. We know what we do is unique. Since the 1980s we have pioneered the requirements and processes that would allow the benefits of high performance, injection molded plastics into repeatable, sustainable and cost-effective hig volume applications to become fact rather than fiction. Our materials knowledge – especially with fluoropolymers – is world class and our suppliers incredibly supportive. Our expertise in sophisticated tooling design and materials insures the best mold solution for each application. And, when it’s ready to move into production, it’s the same detail focus that we apply to the upfront engineering. It’s all about consistency – the right temperatures, times, pressures, cycles and a variety of other details that have to come together to create the perfect part. We Help You Design It and Make It Having one partner for your most complex part requirements provides simplicity and accountability from design through production. Our combination of high performance material properties knowledge, proprietary manufacturing processes and unmatched engineering support are what differentiates us from the commodity plastics manufacturers. They do the easy stuff. For us, the tougher the part, the better we like it. MEET THE TEAM Chris Lawson Chief Operating Officer Chris has over 20 years of experience with PPL since graduating from the University of Akron with a degree in Industrial Management and Quality Control. He started as a process engineer and then advanced through roles in quality, safety, and manufacturing before assuming overall responsibility for operations. Chris has specialized knowledge in the areas of automation (for production and inspection), vision systems, high temperature polymer behavior, process optimization and employee training. Anthony Malone VP of Technology Anthony’s entire professional life has been connected to the field of thermoplastics, beginning with his BS in Plastics Engineering from Shawnee State University and an MBA from University of Kentucky. He joined PPL in 2010 from a Fortune 500 plastics manufacturer as Director of Engineering prior to assuming his current expanded role. Anthony’s special expertise extends into resin selection, part design and related mold design. He works extensively with customers early on in the product design cycle to optimize part performance, manufacturability and life cycle customer costs based on his extensive knowledge of advanced manufacturing techniques Rich Reed VP of Sales and Marketing Rich Reed has 30 years of experience helping customers design and develop solutions with high performance polymer materials. Rich began his career in R&D in the plastics field developing new products by focusing on customer needs. He has worked in Sales & Marketing for the majority of his career leading teams and solving customer problems in numerous markets including: medical, energy, aerospace & defense, industrial, and electronics. Mr. Reed has an A.S. in Chemistry, B.S. in Industrial Management, and an MBA with a specialization in Innovation and Technology. Rich enjoys working with design engineers to meet demanding product requirements. Contact him to discuss your project. Peggy Delany Controller Peggy has been with Performance Plastics for over 20 years working in accounting and project management. She holds a BS/BA in Accounting from Xavier University. She also has an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Cincinnati. Peggy is directly involved in new customer on-boarding and has customer coordination responsibilities with PPL’s primary accounts. Key Contacts Brian Black – Engineering Jake Edwards – Automation Aileen Crass – Marketing Taylor LaValley – Operations Tara Longstreet – Quality Board of Directors Greg Ott – Chairman & CEO Harry Shimp Mark Mansour Joseph Williams Our Services Capabilities Industrial CT Scanning Service Design Engineering Direct Gating Net Shape Molding Precision Injection Molding Quality Control & Credentials Products & Materials EnduroSharp® FEP & PFA (Fluoropolymer) PAI (Polyamidimide) Torlon® PEEK (Polyetheretherketone) PEI (Polyetherimide) Ultem® PPS (Polyphenylene Sulfide) Ryton® Support & Resources PPL News About Us Contact Request a Quote © 2021, Performance Plastics LTD. All Rights Reserved.