Maya Ellison
General Foam Plastics Corporation, often shortened to General Foam, was a company that specialized in manufacturing blow-molded plastic products. Founded in 1957 in Norfolk, Virginia, the company was part of the plastics product manufacturing industry. With 1,500 employees across its locations, the company generated significant sales, particularly through its expertise in creating plastic lawn figures, Christmas trees, pools, ponds, and planters. General Foam also acquired several other blow mold companies during its operation, including Beco Products, Empire Plastics, and Poloron Products. Despite its success, the rise in consumer preference for more convenient and easy-to-store decorations led to a decline in blow mold sales, impacting General Foam and its competitors.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Company Name | General Foam Plastics Corp. |
| Also Known As | General Foam Plastics, GFP |
| Location | Virginia Beach, VA, United States |
| Industry | Plastics Product Manufacturing, Plastics and Rubber Products Manufacturing, Injection Molding of Plastics, Plastics Processing |
| Employees | 1,500 |
| Sales | $97.52 million (USD) |
| Years Active | 1957–2017 |
| Specialization | Blow-Molded Plastic Products |
| Products | Lawn Figures, Christmas Trees, Pools, Ponds, Planters |
| Acquired Companies | Beco Products, Empire Plastics, Poloron Products, Santa's Best |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- General Foam Plastics Corp. is a brand within the plastics product manufacturing industry
- The company is based in Virginia Beach, VA, and has 1,500 employees
- They generate nearly $100 million in sales, offering injection moulding and plastics processing
- General Foam Plastics was a blow-mould manufacturing company that operated from 1957 to 2017
- They specialised in blow-moulded plastic lawn figures, Christmas trees, pools, ponds and planters
General Foam Plastics Corp. is a brand within the plastics product manufacturing industry
The company's operations extended across various locations, employing a total of 1,500 individuals and generating substantial sales figures, with an estimated $97.52 million in sales (USD). General Foam Plastics Corp. was part of a diverse manufacturing industry that included sectors such as aerospace, agriculture, construction, and even food and beverage production.
However, General Foam Plastics Corp.'s success faced challenges in the late 2000s due to changing consumer preferences. The rise in popularity of more convenient and easily storable decorations, like Airblown inflatables, led to a decline in sales for blow-molded products. This shift in the market dynamic contributed to the closure of several blow mold companies, and ultimately, General Foam Plastics Corp. ceased operations in 2017.
Despite its eventual demise, General Foam Plastics Corp. left a mark in the plastics product manufacturing industry. Its journey from a small company in Norfolk to a significant player in the seasonal blow mold market showcases the brand's impact within its industry. The company's legacy is also evident in the products it left behind, as its plastic creations continue to be used and enjoyed by consumers even today.
Plastic Pots: Keep or Toss?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The company is based in Virginia Beach, VA, and has 1,500 employees
General Foam Plastics Corp. is a company based in Virginia Beach, Virginia, United States. The company is part of the plastics product manufacturing industry, which includes plastics and rubber products, injection moulding, and plastics processing. With 1,500 employees across all of its locations, General Foam Plastics Corp. generates an impressive $97.52 million in sales (USD).
The company has a headquarters in Norfolk, Virginia, and additional locations involved in design and manufacturing in Kowloon, Hong Kong, and Succasunna, New Jersey. General Foam Plastics Corp. was founded in 1957 and continues to be a significant player in the plastics industry.
Its 1,500 employees are spread across multiple sites, with the company generating substantial revenue in the plastics product manufacturing industry. This industry encompasses a wide range of products, from plastics and rubber to injection-moulded items and processed plastics. General Foam Plastics Corp. is a well-established business with a significant presence in the United States, particularly on the East Coast, where its headquarters and primary locations are situated.
The company's size and employee count make it a significant employer in the region, and its sales figures indicate a successful and thriving business. With a history spanning over six decades, General Foam Plastics Corp. has likely experienced growth and expansion, solidifying its position in the industry.
General Foam Plastics Corp. is an established and prominent company within its industry, and its Virginia Beach location, along with its 1,500 employees, contributes to its overall success and impact in the market.
Plastic Pollution: Impact on the Hydrosphere
You may want to see also
Explore related products
They generate nearly $100 million in sales, offering injection moulding and plastics processing
General Foam Plastics Corp. is a company located in Virginia Beach, VA, United States. With 1,500 employees across all of its locations, the company generates almost $100 million in sales. More specifically, the sales figure is modelled at $97.52 million.
General Foam Plastics Corp. is part of the plastics product manufacturing industry and offers injection moulding and plastics processing. Injection moulding is a process that involves injecting molten material into a mould, where it cools and hardens into a specified shape. This process is commonly used in the plastics industry to create a wide range of products, from small components to large automotive parts.
The injection moulding industry is experiencing significant growth and transformation. The global market for plastic injection moulding was valued at $191 billion in 2023 and is projected to continue growing. The estimated market size is expected to reach $235.7 billion by 2029, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 4% to 5% from 2024 to 2029. This growth is driven by several factors, including technological advancements, sustainability initiatives, and increasing demand from various industries.
One of the key drivers of the injection moulding market is the automotive industry's emphasis on lightweight materials and innovative designs. The increasing adoption of plastic components in vehicles, coupled with the transition to electric vehicles (EVs), has created additional demand for plastic injection moulding applications. The average vehicle contains between 150 and 200 kg of plastics, highlighting the importance of injection moulding in automotive manufacturing.
Another significant contributor to the injection moulding market is the expanding consumer electronics sector. The continuous introduction of new electronic products, such as smart devices and IoT-enabled appliances, has led to a sustained demand for injection-moulded components. These modern devices require precise and complex parts, which can be effectively produced through injection moulding processes.
In summary, General Foam Plastics Corp., with its sales of nearly $100 million, is well-positioned within the thriving injection moulding and plastics processing industry. The company contributes to a dynamic market that is experiencing technological advancements, sustainability initiatives, and growing demand from various sectors, particularly automotive and consumer electronics.
Clipping a Greenhouse: Plastic to PVC
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$7.28 $8.99
General Foam Plastics was a blow-mould manufacturing company that operated from 1957 to 2017
General Foam Plastics, often shortened to General Foam or GFP, was founded in 1957 in Norfolk, Virginia. They specialised in manufacturing blow-moulded plastic products, including lawn figures, Christmas trees, pools, ponds, and planters. The company's engineering expertise and innovative use of automation allowed it to thrive and expand over several decades.
A pivotal moment in the company's history came in the year 2000 when they acquired Empire's decorative holiday and seasonal products division for approximately $3.7 million. This acquisition included machinery, inventory, and a vast manufacturing facility in Tarboro, North Carolina. However, despite its success, General Foam Plastics faced challenges in the late 2000s as sales of blow-mould products declined. Consumers were increasingly opting for more convenient and easy-to-store decorations.
As a result of declining sales and competition from overseas manufacturing, General Foam Plastics struggled to stay afloat. In August 2017, the company's CEO, William Arnold, announced the sale of its Norfolk factory. By March 2018, the company had officially become defunct, and all employees were laid off, marking the end of General Foam Plastics' six-decade-long operation.
The company's legacy includes the acquisition of several defunct blow-mould companies, such as Empire, Poloron, Santa's Best, and Beco, ensuring the continuation of their product lines. Additionally, Cado Products purchased several General Foam Plastics moulds in 2018, including the Nativity Set, Mrs Claus, and Dancing Santa, with plans to manufacture and feature them in their catalog.
Inserting Plastic Doll Joints: A Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
They specialised in blow-moulded plastic lawn figures, Christmas trees, pools, ponds and planters
General Foam Plastics Corp. is a company based in Virginia Beach, Virginia, in the United States. The company is part of the plastics product manufacturing industry and has 1500 employees across its locations.
They specialised in blow-moulded plastic products, including lawn figures, Christmas trees, pools, ponds, and planters. Their product range extended to other plastic items, catering to a variety of applications and industries. The company generated substantial sales, with figures estimated at $97.52 million in USD.
Their manufacturing capabilities included injection moulding of plastics and plastics processing. General Foam Plastics Corp. was a significant player in the plastics industry, providing a diverse range of products for consumers and contributing to the dynamic nature of the industry with their specialised offerings.
The company's expertise in blow-moulding allowed them to create hollow plastic products of various shapes and sizes, catering to both functional and decorative purposes. Blow-moulding is a versatile process that can create everything from simple to complex shapes, making it ideal for producing items like lawn figures and Christmas trees, as well as functional items like pools and planters.
General Foam Plastics Corp.'s product range likely found popularity among consumers due to the durability and lightweight nature of blow-moulded plastic products. The company's ability to utilise this manufacturing technique showcases their proficiency in the industry and their contribution to making plastic goods accessible to a wide customer base.
The Sweet Smell of Plastic: Why Maple Syrup?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, General Foam Plastics Corp. is a brand under which General Foam Plastics does business. The company is part of the plastics product manufacturing industry and is based in Virginia Beach, VA.
General Foam Plastics specialized in making blow-molded plastic products such as lawn figures, Christmas trees, pools, ponds, and planters.
General Foam Plastics was founded in 1957 in Norfolk, VA, and operated until 2017.
General Foam Plastics Corp. had a total of 1,500 employees across all its locations at the time of its closure in 2017.
