Our Story
Founded in 1934, Plastic-Craft began as a small operation in a loft in Lower Manhattan. Today, we operate out of a modern 33,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in West Nyack, New York, just 30 minutes north of New York City. Our journey from humble beginnings to industry leader is a testament to innovation, resilience, and the entrepreneurial spirit.
The Story Begins: A Leap of Faith
Clyde Robinson, an electrical engineer working for Westinghouse in the 1930s, was introduced to the emerging field of plastics. Fascinated by the potential of this revolutionary material, Clyde spent years learning and understanding its applications. In 1934, he made the bold decision to leave Westinghouse and start his own company, Plastic-Craft. Fueled by the spirit of the American Dream, Clyde took this massive leap of faith during one of the most challenging periods in U.S. history—the Great Depression. His courage and vision were a testament to his belief in the future of plastics and his unwavering determination to succeed against the odds.
Patriotism and Purpose
As World War II began, Clyde found a unique way to contribute to the war effort. At 40 years old, he was considered too old for active military service, but his patriotic spirit remained strong. Determined to support his country, he shifted Plastic-Craft's focus to producing engraved nameplates for submarines and ships for the U.S. Navy. Clyde set up his first shop on historic Canal Street in Lower Manhattan, a bustling hub known as the birthplace for many plastic manufacturers in the 1930s and 1940s. This strategic location allowed him to tap into the growing demand for custom plastic products and connect with other innovators in the industry. This critical contribution not only supported the military but also earned Plastic-Craft early recognition and success. Clyde's ingenuity and commitment to aiding the war effort solidified his company's reputation and laid the groundwork for future growth.
After the War
In 1947, Clyde moved the business to West Nyack, New York, purchasing land near the local train station. He built the facility we still call home today. This period marked a shift from producing nameplates to manufacturing and fabricating plastic parts and materials for a variety of industries..
Climbing the Ladder
As the business expanded, Clyde made the bold decision in 1973 to sell off nearly everything and rebuild from the ground up. To embark on this new chapter, he enlisted the help of his son-in-law, Mark Brecher. At the time, Mark held a degree in social psychology and had minimal experience in the plastics industry. Together, they began purchasing acrylic sheets, cutting them to size for resale, and taking on small projects to make ends meet.
Expansion
By 1985, just 12 years later, Clyde and his business partner, Mark, had grown the company enough to warrant expansion. They decided to transform their modest facility into the 33,000-square-foot complex that serves as our base today. This upgrade provided the space needed for the business to evolve into not only a larger fabrication company but also a global supplier of plastic materials. These early efforts laid the foundation for what Plastic-Craft has proudly become today.
Clyde's Passing
In the summer of 1998, Clyde Robinson passed away at the age of 95, just five years into his retirement. Upon his passing, he entrusted the company to his son-in-law, Mark, who has led the business for the past 25 years. Over time, Mark welcomed Clyde's grandson, Dane, into the family business. Having worked at Plastic-Craft intermittently during his high school years, Dane eventually found a more permanent role alongside his father, continuing the legacy of innovation and growth.
Furthering Opportunities
To accommodate Plastic-Craft's growth and better serve its clients, the family corporation recently expanded by adding a new 6500 square foot building. This state-of-the-art facility enhances our manufacturing capabilities, allowing us to handle a wider range of custom projects with greater efficiency. The new space includes advanced machinery and a spacious area for work, ensuring that we can continue to innovate and meet the evolving needs of our industry.
Present Day
Since the rebrand in 1973, Plastic-Craft has grown over 10 times in size employing over 30 people compared to the original roster of 3 they grew from. Today Plastic-Craft is a worldwide supplier of all types of plastic materials, parts, components, and assemblies. Specializing in fabricating products made from high-performance grades of engineered plastic in order to deliver the highest quality of service to our clients. Our manufacturing facility has the in-house capabilities necessary to handle any type of requirements any custom project may need.
Our Products
Plastic-Craft Products provides a high level of customization, fabrication, and assembly for all your plastic needs. We stock sheets, rods, tubes, discs, and shapes in a multitude of plastic varieties. Our state-of-the-art facility has grown with us and is fully capable of cutting any ordered piece to size, with expert staff contain the knowledge and expertise to weld or machine plastic.
With over 80 years in business, our engineering and sales staff are ready to help you design and complete virtually any plastic project. We are certified as ISO 9001:2015 and have fully staffed engineering and quality control departments.
