MAPP’s Board of Directors encourages plastics processors to utilize the knowledge contained within the MAPP network. To familiarize readers with the Board, each member will be profiled by Plastics Business ENews over the next several issues. This month, get to know Kelly Goodsel, president of Viking Plastics.
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Kelly Goodsel, President and CEO, Viking Plastics, Corry, PA
MAPP Member Since: 2006
# of Employees: 110
# of Facilities: 3
# of Presses: 48
Industries Served? Automotive, Appliance, Industrial
How did plastics become your career?
I went to a private college to study petroleum engineering, but after a couple of years of ‘enjoying’ the college experience, oil prices bottomed out – and so did my grades. I made the mature decision (before my father made it for me) to transfer to Ferris State. I graduated from Ferris State with a BS in plastics engineering and a BS in marketing and sales. After college, I went to DuPont for its management training opportunities. I then worked with Huron Plastics, which was a family business, until its acquisition by LDM Technologies, and was employed by the Fremont Plastic Products Division of The Plastics Group. In 2000, I was recruited by a private equity group to join Viking Plastics as its president and CEO, which I purchased in 2006.
Describe Viking Plastics.
Viking Plastics is 2/3 automotive and 1/3 appliance/HVAC. We anticipate production of over $20-million in the U.S. this year. Our U.S. manufacturing plant and headquarters is located in Corry, PA, and we have two distributors of a proprietary line of HVAC products, located in Texas and Italy. We also have a 33 percent partnership with two other U.S.-based companies that owns a production facility in Suzhou, China, outside of Shanghai. The Viking facility ships globally, while the Chinese operation was established to serve the Chinese-market-based customers. Additionally, in 2013, Viking purchased a facility in Sao Paulo, Brazil, focused on servicing the South American marketplace.
In what areas are you willing to share your experiences with other processors?
I’d say there are three areas where I could be of some use to other processors. First, obviously, is international business (China and Brazil). I spend significant time overseas each year and can offer insights into the culture and business practices of the country. Second, I could talk about why Viking is still in automotive when many other molders have gotten out. You can make money in automotive – and we do. In our case, that is a direct result of our methods of tool management and manufacturing systems. Third, I have a background in mergers and acquisitions. I’ve been involved in the sale of four businesses and the acquisition of three, so I can provide a MAPP member perspective on the process, which is different from that provided by a broker or advisor. I’m a blunt guy, and the answers I give might not be exactly what everyone wants to hear, but I think I can help people find the right strategies if they ask me the right questions.
Contact Kelly Goodsel at 814.664.8671 x112 or email [email protected].
Previous Profiles
MAPP Board Members
Former Board Members
Other MAPP Members have offered their advice and expertise on job costing, automation, clean room technology and more through the Business and Technical Resources area of the MAPP website. Also visit the MAPP Forum for posts on business practices, equipment and materials.
Updated Sept. 8, 2014
