In 1978, a group of local investors headed by Roy Baker, Wayne Baker and Glen Brandt began Springfield Plastics, Inc. With a background in agricultural drainage, Wayne insisted that the company produce products that would stand up to the demanding farm-drainage market. His experience from the early days of plastic drainage pipe also reinforced the idea that the products be consistent.
The company has since become a leading manufacturer of plastic corrugated drainage piping in the Midwest. Springfield Plastics Vice President Jennifer Furkin said, "Keeping quality and integrity as the highest priorities, the company made the decision in 2000 to become the only U.S. manufacturer certified as using 100% virgin material." Drainage materials made of virgin resin offers peace of mind to farmers, landowners and contractors because they know their investment will last for generations to come.
Over the years, relationships and community have played an integral part of the company's growth. "Working in agriculture for almost 50 years, we at Springfield Plastics understand that in order to do business, a trustworthy relationship has to be present," Furkin said. "Meeting with farmers, landowners and contractors in the field, getting to know their operations, their families and their goals allows Springfield Plastics to partner with them day to day."
The company is small enough that customers still know everyone, but large enough to offer all of the products and services they need to make their job easier.
"The relationships with the customers are lifelong," Furkin said. "Employees get to grow up alongside customers sharing details of weddings, birthdays, graduations, vacations and even their favorite types of pie."
The company's community outreach team is made up of employees from a variety of departments. They conduct volunteer and donation efforts to communities in need throughout the Midwest.
"These employees can always be found around the building packaging Soldiers' Angels stockings, school supplies, coat drives, Easter eggs or at the local Ronald McDonald House cooking meals," Furkin said. "This work is not just a benefit to the community but further develops relationships among coworkers."
Springfield Plastics' employees also take part in numerous fundraisers. The Drain for the Cure fundraiser began in 2014 as a way to raise money for cancer research and prevention. With Game for the Cure, employees, customers, vendors and the community have rallied to raise funds at volleyball and football games. They've also partnered with farmers in Grain for the Cure.
"They've sold raffle tickets, merchandise and competed in both pie-eating contests as well as pie-throwing contests," Furkin said. "To date, Drain for the Cure has donated over $1 million to Simmons Cancer Institute and John Stoddard Cancer Center. There is never any administrative holdback; 100% of donations go directly toward cancer research, better patient care, better treatment options and more awareness."
Having just added a 32,000-square-foot building for additional production, warehouse and office space, Springfield Plastics is geared up to continue its growth. The company operates one satellite yard in Humboldt, Iowa, and will open a second satellite in North Manchester, Indiana, in the summer of 2025.
While Springfield Plastics continues to be focused on agricultural business, it has branched out into commercial spaces over the past five years.
"The company is invested in continuing their growth pattern in agriculture and commercial industries but also continuing to invest in the community and the skillset of its employees," Furkin said. "Springfield Plastics focuses on quality, service and relationships in every aspect of business making it one of the best companies to work for."