An Associate’s Journey at Plastipak
July 22, 2024
Each and every associate at our 60 facilities around the globe plays a role in helping Plastipak create our innovative and environmentally conscious packaging. But their work goes far beyond just the product.
We start every project with a people-first approach that benefits both our associates and the communities in which they live and work. We’ve also committed to ensuring safe, fair, and equitable conditions for all. Here are just a few ways we’ve been leaning into our corporate social responsibility philosophy at home and around the globe.
One of the greatest benefits of becoming a member of the Plastipak team is that there are real and meaningful opportunities for professional advancement. We can see that reality play out in the professional journey of Jake Silvester, a Plastipak project manager who has made a rapid ascent through the organization in a relatively short time. Jake sat down with us recently and shared his story, providing some firsthand insight into not only his own Plastipak experiences, but also the opportunities available to both current and future Plastipak team members.
Jake has been with Plastipak for four years, joining the organization after graduating from Michigan State University with a bachelor’s degree in environmental biology/biochemistry in 2020. He was originally hired as a Quality Engineer working out of our Westland facility and has been working as a Project Manager out of our Global Business & Technology Center in Plymouth for the last two years. In his current role, he focuses on ensuring projects move forward on time and within budgetary parameters, coordinating and communicating with all stakeholders to ensure a successful outcome.
What does an average day look like?
There are no average days. Each day, I am doing a different kind of work. Every project is unique in its own way, with its own problems that need to be solved. A big part of my job is finding creative and effective solutions to those problems.
How do you navigate the complexity that comes with projects that have so many moving parts — and so many different parties — involved?
It’s cliché, but communication and coordination are absolutely critical. A big part of that is having structure. I lead weekly touchpoint meetings that bring all stakeholders together. That way, I can make sure that not only are we all on the same page in terms of updates and accurate timelines, but that we all understand what is needed, as well as any potential risks that could cause a delay or change the scope of the project.
That kind of coordination only works if you have a strong culture in place. How would you describe our company culture to someone who isn’t familiar with it?
Plastipak is a place with a collaborative, fast-paced environment that only works if you have open communication between supportive cross-functional teams. The supportive part is key. We lift each other up, and the organization really does value your professional growth, helping you move forward with mentorship support and new opportunities to develop your technical skills. Plastipak Cares isn’t just a catchphrase; it’s an accurate description of the culture we have fostered. And the best thing about being a part of that is the support that comes from colleagues. Leadership trusts us to solve complex problems and be a part of creative solutions, and they create an environment where we can lift each other up as we do so. I am continually surprised at how close everyone is with one another in this organization, regardless of which division, location or role we operate in. You really do build a special connection with your coworkers, and I don’t take that for granted.
So, it truly is a tight-knit professional community?
Absolutely. In fact, that theme of community is something you see playing out across the organization. Not just the community that’s been established within Plastipak, but the connections with and commitment to the communities where we live and work. You even see that in our commitment to sustainability, which has been a priority since the company was founded. It’s not a coincidence that we take on challenges head-on and are an industry leader in developing packaging with a high percentage of post-consumer resin (PCR) and ultralightweight packages. CleanTech recycles billions of single-use packages yearly, and we are constantly looking to introduce new and improved resin streams into the market. Growing up in the Plymouth-Canton area, I saw a Plastipak Holdings affiliate attend virtually every major community event. They support numerous youth and civic groups as well. I grew up drinking Absopure water, another brand in the Plastipak family, on the hockey bench for 15 years straight!
You made the jump to project manager and transitioned from the plant to marketing in a relatively short amount of time after joining the team. What was that process like?
My transition from the plant to a corporate setting might be something some people would look at as challenging, but I felt extremely comfortable in doing so. Part of that is the environment here at the company and the structural support I received in making that move, but I think it also helps that I’m a good communicator and someone who can be flexible when it comes to thriving in different environments. I will say that there are some similarities between my roles at Plastipak. Both gave me vast responsibility and allowed me immense satisfaction in solving problems, and both have allowed me to learn a tremendous amount about all aspects of the company.
That’s inspiring for new (and aspiring) Plastipak team members. What advice would you give to new recruits?
Take everything in stride. Learn as much as possible. Be proud of the work you do. If you work hard and commit to what you do, you will be rewarded for it.
Looking for a New Start?
At Plastipak, we offer the chance to grow and challenge yourself through your work while earning a good living. We’re always looking for committed workers who want to connect with their coworkers and solve problems together. If you’re interested in working for us, visit our careers page to view our open positions.
About Plastipak Packaging, Inc.
Plastipak Packaging, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Plastipak Holdings, Inc., is a world leader in the design and manufacture of high-quality, rigid plastic containers for the food, beverage, and consumer products industries. Plastipak is also a leading recycler of rigid plastic packaging, producing food-grade post-consumer recycled resin for inclusion in new packaging. Plastipak operates more than 40 sites in the United States, South America and Europe, with a total of over 6,500 employees. Its customers include some of the world’s most respected and recognized consumer brands. Plastipak is also a leading innovator in the packaging industry, holding more than 420 United States patents for its state-of-the-art package designs and manufacturing processes. In addition, Plastipak licenses various packaging technologies around the world. Plastipak was founded in 1967 and is headquartered in Plymouth, Michigan. Additional information about Plastipak can be found at www.plastipak.com.
Statements in this press release concerning Plastipak’s intentions, expectations or predictions about future results or events are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements reflect management’s current expectations or beliefs, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or events to vary from stated expectations, which variations could be material and adverse. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the time made, and the Company assumes no obligation to publicly update any such statements.