PlastiCert participates in Winona Composites Cluster Update.

Lewiston, MN July 17, 2017 – PlastiCert, a 36 year veteran of innovative and quality plastic injection molding design and manufacturing services, was used as a resource and insight provider for the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey School of Public Affairs’ update of the original MN DEED and University of MN Composites Cluster report of 1996. 

Over the last school year, students at the University of Minnesota Humphrey School of Public Affairs researched the previous documented “Composites Cluster” highlighted in a MN Department of Employment and Economic Development study originated in 1996 and updated in 2006. Since that update, the cluster has continued to evidence distinct cluster characteristics, and cluster companies have continued to thrive. This recent update, examined relevant factors to the Winona Composites Cluster’s status in the region and the national composite industry.

It also included recommend actions to take to insure its continued sustainability as a significant contributor to the southeast Minnesota regional economy and the national composites industry.

The graduate students queried PlastiCert President & Owner Craig Porter concerning how the cluster has changed in the last 10 years as well as the composites market in general. Recognizing the occurrence of a major recession, issues related to managing the insecurity and retrenchment, post-recession growth of both revenues and employment, and the cluster’s place statewide, regionally and nationally. “We talked about industry and how the Composites Engineering program at Winona State University is part of the cluster,” commented Porter. “We discussed how the cluster has evolved, and discussions to advance the WSU CE program to keep up with it. We also discussed the proliferation of composites through metal to composite conversion programs in automotive, avionics and numerous other markets.”

PlastiCert, founded in 1981, is a privately held corporation with headquarters and manufacturing in Lewiston Minnesota. Initially a custom molder targeted at the electronics industry, today PlastiCert is a one-stop shop for OEMs in telecom, industrial, computer, avionics, medical markets and more. PlastiCert provides both mold development/build and custom plastic injection molding; including insert molding and over molding. Also available are a compliment of value add capabilities including decorating and electro-mechanical assembly. For more information on PlastiCert and the opportunity we present users of custom molded plastic components, visit www.plasticert.com or call 507-523-2300.