Redline Plastics LLC, a family-owned and -operated manufacturer of molded and vacuum-formed plastics, as well as leather and textile cut-and-sew products, is expanding its facility operations in Manitowoc—a $12 million project expected to create 44 jobs over the next three years.
“This investment by Redline Plastics solidifies the company’s continued commitment to Wisconsin and is a testament to the strength of our manufacturing industry,” said Mark R. Hogan, secretary and CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), the state’s lead economic development organization. “In addition to the jobs created by this project, this expansion will allow Redline Plastics to take advantage of a variety of markets and better position itself for future growth.”
WEDC is supporting the project by authorizing up to $150,000 in state income tax credits over the next three years. The actual amount of tax credits Redline Plastics will receive is contingent upon the actual number of jobs created and amount of capital investment.
“We are growing our operations in Wisconsin thanks to the great business climate in the state, in addition to the wonderful workforce and abundance of customers in the Midwest,” said Chuck Webster, owner and president of Redline Plastics.
The project includes the construction of a new 117,500-square-foot manufacturing facility in Manitowoc, complete with a manufacturing warehouse on the ground level and 11,000 square feet of office space on a mezzanine.
The facility will house rotational molding, vacuum forming and cut-and-sew operations for Redline Plastics and Dowco Powersports. The project is expected to be completed in November 2019.
“It’s great to see local, family-owned businesses investing in our community,” said state Rep. Paul Tittl. “It is an example of what I have been saying for years: Supporting the existing businesses in our own backyard is the key to creating jobs.”
In addition to the 44 jobs expected to be created by Redline Plastics, an economic modeling study estimates the project could indirectly generate 120 additional jobs in the region. Those 164 new jobs are expected to generate over $300,000 in state income tax revenue through the end of the project.
Today, Redline Plastics is a growing manufacturer of rotationally molded and vacuum-formed products for a wide array of industries. In addition, the company designs and manufactures leather and textile products primarily for the powersports industry. Powersports products include motorcycle covers and luggage for Harley-Davidson, Indian, Honda, Yamaha and Kawasaki motorcycles. Plastic products include UTV roofs, cargo boxes, tanks, grass catchers, fuel tanks and other components for companies like Manitou Group, 3M, Miller Electric, Pentair, SCAG, Eaton, National Seating, Lucky Duck and many more.
The company was founded in 1922 as Dow Canvas, a manufacturer of tent and awning products. In 1975, the Webster family purchased the company and grew it into a leader in marine and powersports covers and luggage. The Dow Canvas name was changed to Dowco in 1996. In 2016, the company extended into plastics fabrication when they purchased Premier Plastics in Hoyt Lakes, MN, and all plastics manufacturing operations were moved to Manitowoc a year later. The Webster family sold the Dowco Marine division in 2018 and renamed the plastics and powersports businesses as Redline Plastics.