Scott Plumstead

For Sale: Legacy Niche Design Manufacturer with Proprietary, Tech, Triple Quality Certifications and Growth-Ready Platform. 📍 Location: Southern Connecticut 📈 Gross Revenue: $3,168,000 🔹 Asking: $2,895,000 Few manufacturers can claim the heritage, operational maturity, and future-ready positioning found in this opportunity. With a longstanding legacy serving diverse OEM industries, the company holds a strong reputation for quality, backed by unique ISO 9001 certifications in design, manufacturing, and distribution, an edge unmatched by competitors. ​ Recent investments totaling $700K have enabled the transition to U.S.-based manufacturing, supported by advanced machinery, proprietary polymer product development, and in-house design capabilities. This positions the business to benefit from the market’s shift toward domestic production.​ With scalable infrastructure, a professional team, and proprietary CRM and eCommerce systems in place, the business offers both stability and growth potential. It presents an attractive acquisition for buyers seeking a scalable operation with a strong foundation. For complete details: https://lnkd.in/ey3i4wvh #BusinessForSale #Manufacturing #Connecticut

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10 Years of PACK EXPO East: Here’s what we learned. PACK EXPO East 2026 just wrapped up its 10th-anniversary show, and the insights were world-class. If you couldn't make it to Philly, here are the 5 biggest trends driving our industry right now: 1️⃣ #Automation is the "Bottleneck Breaker": From startups to giants like Whole Foods, the shift from manual to automated processes is no longer optional—it’s the priority for 2026. 2️⃣ The "Local" Advantage: Regional shows are thriving because they allow entire engineering and production teams to attend without major facility downtime. 3️⃣ 2D Barcodes are Coming: The GS1 Sunrise 2027 deadline is a hot topic. Brands are already pivoting to single-barcode solutions for tracking and anti-counterfeiting. 4️⃣ Sustainability is Technical: It’s not just about "green" labels; it’s about how materials and automation work together to meet EPR regulations. 5️⃣ Small Business Support: New features like the SMB FastTrack are making high-tech robotics accessible for small-batch facilities. It’s clear the industry is ready to invest. Next stop: Chicago for PACK EXPO International! #SupplyChain #Manufacturing #Sustainability #PackExpo #Robotics Capstone Search Advisors

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Recently, a major apparel brand had to destroy over $300k worth of inventory. Not because of demand. Not because of shipping delays. Not even because of tariffs. Because of a preventable quality issue. One material wasn’t tested properly. Production continued anyway. The defect spread across every unit. The entire batch failed safety compliance. Here’s the scary part: It only takes ONE quality miss to wipe out a quarter’s profit. And this isn’t rare. • 1 product recall can cost $10M+ • 1% increase in return rate = millions lost in margin • 1 bad review can kill LTV Founders worry about ads, cash flow, and sourcing… But quality control is the real profit protector. This week, I’m breaking down: ✅ Why QC isn’t inspection — it’s system design ✅ The hidden cost of poor quality most brands ignore ✅ How to prevent issues before production even starts ✅ How the best brands scale with consistent quality Because quality isn’t an afterthought. It’s a competitive advantage.

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A West Haven food manufacturer has been acquired by a New Jersey-based pickle company, expanding the buyer’s specialty foods portfolio and adding a Connecticut operation to its footprint. https://ow.ly/n9At50XNICA

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The packaging companies winning right now are not hiring “salespeople.” They’re hiring technical problem solvers who can sell. I heard this again yesterday from an industry leader: “I don’t want a used-car salesperson. I want someone who understands the technical aspects of packaging and can ask the right questions.” Why? Because customers don’t need more product pitches. They need someone who understands: • film structures • production limitations • supply chain risks • performance requirements When a salesperson can speak that language, the conversation shifts from price → solutions. And that’s where the real business gets won.

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Elite Plastics Manufacturing Leadership Isn’t Sourced. It’s Curated. Plastics operations don’t struggle because of equipment — they struggle when technical leadership, process discipline, and commercial alignment aren’t positioned at the right time. At PlasticStaffing, we’ve curated a select slate of high-impact plastics leaders spanning engineering, operations, and technical sales across regulated and high-volume environments. This week’s talent includes: • Business Development Managers driving 400% account expansion through technical injection molding sales • Molding Engineering Managers with RJG Master Molder certification leading medical-focused process optimization • Capital Equipment Sales Managers covering U.S. & Canada with 20+ years of engineered systems expertise • Directors of Operations with 34 years of plastics leadership overseeing ISO, FDA, TS, AS, and BRC compliance • Senior Process Engineers with 20–32 years of scientific molding experience across 16–7,500 ton platforms These professionals have: ✔ Reduced defects 20%+ year-over-year in regulated facilities ✔ Led PPAP, IQ/OQ/PQ validation, and DOE execution in medical and automotive environments ✔ Scaled injection and blow molding operations under ISO 13485, AS9100, and FDA compliance ✔ Optimized cycle times, eliminated scrap, and improved OEE through data-driven scientific molding ✔ Closed complex technical sales across medical, aerospace, packaging, and high-spec industrial markets They are not résumé submissions — they are margin protectors, process stabilizers, and revenue drivers prepared for high-accountability manufacturing environments. High-level plastics leadership does not remain available for long. 📩 Connect with us today 🌐 https://lnkd.in/eWUrJpaP 📞 +1 (661) 369-7797 📧 robin@plasticstaffing.com #PlasticsLeadership #InjectionMolding #ScientificMolding #PlasticsManufacturing #LeanManufacturing #PlasticStaffing

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MKM Importers, Poised for Growth, Attracts Investors Founder Mark Marino Partners with Red Rock Capital & Advisory CONNECTICUT — April 2025 — MKM Importers, a trusted provider of high‑quality printing‑press equipment for more than 36 years, announced a strategic partnership with Red Rock Capital & Advisory to expand inventory, enhance service capabilities, and meet rising customer demand. Red Rock Capital & Advisory, recognized for scaling businesses and fostering innovation, brings leadership, vision, and resources to position MKM for long‑term success. Brian Miller joins MKM as Managing Partner, bringing a decorated Military career and extensive experience in finance, capital markets, and strategic planning. Miller will work closely with Founder, Mark Marino along with President Doug Whitacre and Vice President of Operations Steve Amundsen to drive the company’s next stage of growth. “After more than three decades of building MKM into the industry’s trusted source for premium equipment, the time is right to bring in leadership that can take the company to new heights,” said Mark Marino. “Our new leadership shares MKM’s core values and bring fresh energy and deep operational expertise. I look forward to developing new opportunities and expanding MKM’s reach and impact.” Brian Miller added: “MKM’s legacy rests on Mark’s vision, integrity, dedication to quality and service; I am honored to work alongside the core team at MKM Headquarters, our sales reps and technicians in the field, and our customers and suppliers as we broaden our offerings and deepen customer relationships.” Grounded in its founding principles—exceptional service, superior products, and trusted customer partnerships—MKM Importers is poised for bold new growth through expanded leadership and strategic investment. About MKM Importers Founded in 1989, MKM Importers primarily supplies the commercial and packaging industries with high-end offset printing presses and a wide selection of post-press solutions, including die-cutters, folder-gluers and sheeters. Serving customers worldwide, MKM Importers is known for meticulous quality inspections, seamless turnkey installations, and a commitment to lifelong customer support. About Red Rock Capital & Advisory Red Rock Capital & Advisory—led by Rocco Coniglio—partners with founder-led businesses in services, sales, healthcare, and manufacturing, providing the capital, strategic guidance, and operational resources needed to unlock scale and long-term value. Media Contact Office Manager, Jen Melendez, MKM Importers Jen@mkmimporters.com • +1 860‑665‑7885

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CEOs, Presidents, VPs, GMs, Managers of plastics companies....listen up! If you’re not regularly giving genuine compliments to employees who are doing a good job, you’re making a mistake. Here’s why. When I place someone with a company, I always follow up. The hiring manager will tell me: “Things are great. We love this person. They’ve added so much value.” Then I call the candidate and ask how it’s going. Their response? “I think it’s going OK, but I’m not sure. I think I’m doing what I’m supposed to be doing.” They had no idea their boss felt that way. So I end up being the messenger by sharing positive feedback that should have been coming from their manager all along. Don’t make that mistake. Don’t hold back praise until there’s a problem. Your employees need to know when they’re on the right track. That simple recognition goes a long way toward keeping them happy and keeping them around.

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SILVERTON PACKAGING CORP Certified By the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council    [Monroe, NJ]—02/23/2026—SILVERTON PACKAGING CORP, a business specializing in industrial bags and packaging materials, is proud to announce national [re-certification] as a Women’s Business Enterprise by the WBE METRO NY COUNCIL, a regional certifying partner of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). WBENC Certification is the gold standard for women-owned business certification in the United States.   The WBENC standard of certification implemented by the METRO NY COUNCIL is a meticulous process, including an in-depth review of the business and site inspection. The certification process is designed to confirm the business is at least 51% owned, operated, and controlled by a woman or women, and that the business has appropriate structure and strategic business planning and implementation in place. By including women-owned businesses among their suppliers, corporations and government agencies demonstrate their commitment to fostering diversity and the continued development of their supplier diversity programs, which in turn empowers women as leaders and brings about a more diverse, balanced and sustainable economy. WBENC Certification combined with professional development and engagement in the WBENC network provides unsurpassed opportunities year-round, both virtually and in-person, for women-owned businesses to grow and expand their business and innovation through events, programming and connections with major corporations and other WBEs. To learn more about SILVERTON PACKAGING CORP, please visit https://lnkd.in/ewNsTWXc

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King Industries Inc., a Norwalk, Connecticut, U.S.-based specialty chemicals company with manufacturing operations, has announced that its new production facility in Waterbury, Connecticut, is fully operational, representing a major capacity expansion for the company's NA-LUBE® KR alkylated naphthalene (AN) product line. #alkylatednaphthalene #Connecticut #Grease #GroupVbaseoil #industriallubricants #KingIndustries #lubricantadditives #NALUBEKR #SpecialtyChemicals #syntheticbaseoil #Waterbury Follow F&L Asia Ltd. for more industry updates here: https://lnkd.in/fGDzetn Subscribe here: https://lnkd.in/g-9sDz3PIn

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Elite Plastics Manufacturing Leadership Isn’t Sourced. It’s Curated. Plastics operations don’t struggle because of equipment — they struggle when technical leadership, process discipline, and commercial alignment aren’t positioned at the right time. At PlasticStaffing, we’ve curated a select slate of high-impact plastics leaders spanning engineering, operations, and technical sales across regulated and high-volume environments. This week’s talent includes: • Business Development Managers driving 400% account expansion through technical injection molding sales • Molding Engineering Managers with RJG Master Molder certification leading medical-focused process optimization • Capital Equipment Sales Managers covering U.S. & Canada with 20+ years of engineered systems expertise • Directors of Operations with 34 years of plastics leadership overseeing ISO, FDA, TS, AS, and BRC compliance • Senior Process Engineers with 20–32 years of scientific molding experience across 16–7,500 ton platforms These professionals have: ✔ Reduced defects 20%+ year-over-year in regulated facilities ✔ Led PPAP, IQ/OQ/PQ validation, and DOE execution in medical and automotive environments ✔ Scaled injection and blow molding operations under ISO 13485, AS9100, and FDA compliance ✔ Optimized cycle times, eliminated scrap, and improved OEE through data-driven scientific molding ✔ Closed complex technical sales across medical, aerospace, packaging, and high-spec industrial markets They are not résumé submissions — they are margin protectors, process stabilizers, and revenue drivers prepared for high-accountability manufacturing environments. High-level plastics leadership does not remain available for long. 📩 Connect with us today 🌐 https://lnkd.in/ewEHjW3R 📞 +1 (661) 369-7797 📧 robin@plasticstaffing.com #PlasticsLeadership #InjectionMolding #ScientificMolding #PlasticsManufacturing #LeanManufacturing #PlasticStaffing

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Vention’s Alex Koepsel shares the benefits of the company’s third generation rapid series palletizer at #PackExpo East. “We want to make our palletizers as easy as possible for everyone to use, without any programming,” he said Follow Packaging OEM for more coverage from Philadelphia 📦🤖 #packaging #robotics #manufacturing FANUC America Corporation

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We’re excited to welcome Pack4, LLC to Veritiv! This acquisition strengthens our specialty packaging platform, expands our presence in New England, and enhances the custom protective packaging solutions we deliver—especially in the healthcare sector. With Pack4’s expertise and Veritiv’s 120+ locations across the U.S., Mexico, and Asia, customers gain greater resources, expanded reach, and the same trusted service they rely on. 👉 Click here to learn more. #Packaging #Growth #Acquisition #Healthcare

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Breweries are a key industry for inclusion. Taprooms are places where people gather and come together. We know not everyone can make it to the New York State Brewers Association conference so we created a FREE GUIDE for brewery owners and operators. Get yours today to find out how disability inclusion can help your business. https://lnkd.in/euXeXtGU #brewery #inclusivity #goodbusiness #freeresources

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Packaging doesn’t have to cost the Earth. The printing & packaging industry is on a mission to reduce environmental impact—one box, label, and sleeve at a time. 📉 Paperboard made from recycled fibers ♻️ Water-based inks replacing solvents 🌍 Mono-material films for easier recycling Sustainability is no longer a differentiator. It’s the expectation. The leaders of tomorrow are designing with end-of-life in mind—from raw material sourcing to circular logistics. Let’s innovate with intention. 💡 Have a great weekend! #SustainablePackaging #EcoFriendlyPrinting #CircularEconomy #GreenDesign #PrintIndustry

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In order to win the war for talent, Printing, Packaging & Paper companies must win the battles of these 4 trends!

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ProMach has acquired American Holt Corp. from Arcline Investment Management, an exciting step that expands capabilities across precision packaging components. Together as AmHolt, these teams bring deep experience serving the beverage, food, protein, home care, and aluminium can markets. Their expertise strengthens ProMach’s Primary Packaging portfolio and adds even more depth to the solutions customers rely on every day. Equally important is welcoming the talented AmHolt team to ProMach. Their innovation, technical knowledge, and customer focus will play a key role moving forward. Looking forward to seeing what is next!

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Great insight from Ian Shiemke on how to stand out in an interview for a leadership role! A couple of the key components he talks about: ⚡ Be confident in talking about yourself and your leadership style. ⚡ Build the story of your accomplishments. ⚡ Always come prepared with questions. A couple of quick tips to help you prepare for your next interview!

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