Established in 1991 and headquartered in Livingston, N.J., Inteplast Group is a major manufacturer that has built a wide range of amazingly diverse and synergistic product lines, including packaging, industrial and stretch films; bags of all types; PVC products; injection molded items; and many other plastic products that allow it to successfully serve most major market segments, including foodservice.
In fact, Inteplast established a business unit solely focused on supporting the foodservice industry more than a decade ago, and its products and services for the industry have grown exponentially every year since. The company counts distributors and end-users, such as major restaurant chains and the lodging industry, among its many customers.
“The breadth and depth of our product line is one of our strengths,” says Paul Ulrich, general manager and senior director, Foodservice and Healthcare Business Unit.
It is easy to see why, as a review of the company’s offerings reveals wide-ranging application and a glimpse of how many vital food storage, protection, handling and containment products foodservice professionals require on a day-to-day basis.
Inteplast’s foodservice products include items such as can liners, T-Shirt bags, gloves, bread and bakery bags, foodservice wrap, reclosable freezer and food storage bags, poly aprons, deli and sandwich bags, bun rack and pan covers, and silverware bags; as well as food and utility bags, ice bags, ice bucket liners, pop-up deli sheets, wave-top bags for carryout, flat-bottom catering bags, and more. Custom graphics and printing are available.
Every Inteplast foodservice product is FDA-approved for safe food service, storage and handling. The company uses high-quality, 100 percent virgin resins, and products are designed for optimum fitness-for-use, health, safety and cost effectiveness. For example, packaging for Inteplast’s quick-dispensing Get Reddi® foodservice bags is designed for ease-of-use and to save counter and shelf space.
“We are quality driven, ISO-certified and audited by a number of third parties, so the marketplace can trust in the quality of our processes, products and packaging,” Ulrich says.
A robust supporter of American manufacturing, Inteplast has more than 50 locations in North America, encompassing manufacturing plants, distribution facilities and sales offices. Strong international sourcing capabilities and four locations in Asia enhance the company’s global supply chain.
One-Stop Supplier
Ulrich says Inteplast has an equally strong presence with independent distributors and large distribution corporations. “In the end-user segments, we work with many of the top-100 chain accounts, including leading casual dining concepts,” he says. “We have been able to introduce our customers to everything we offer under our one umbrella and demonstrate the advantages of working with us on more business.”
Inteplast’s one-stop supplier solutions are a major selling point. Many products can be bundled on one invoice, delivering efficiency and cost savings opportunities for distributors.
“Our goal is to make doing business with us as easy as possible,” says Ulrich. “Distributors truly appreciate our one invoice, one shipment bundling capabilities. End users, such as restaurants, are more focused on learning about product specifics and product functionality. Our national sales team provides as much detail as they need.”
When asked about Inteplast’s success in growing its product lines, Ulrich says, “We’ve been able to grow certain categories organically and others by acquisition. For instance, for years we had a great reputation as a high-density can liner company. We grew our linear low-density can liner capabilities through acquisition. Inteplast is now one of the nation’s leading suppliers of can liners. We manufacture them for institutional and consumer applications in every size, type and strength imaginable. Our can liner audits are a great tool for helping chain accounts reduce costs.”
Looking Forward
Ulrich says Inteplast will continue to grow. “We have substantially invested in and expanded our manufacturing capabilities in the U.S. and Canada,” he says. “We are building on the strengths of the talent within the company to evolve our products and processes, and we are also focusing on our logistical systems.”
He explains Inteplast plans early and reviews regularly, making adjustments as needed. “We have an eye on the future at all times. All of our products are recyclable and we have robust sustainability programs,” he says. “This is a strong, vibrant company with an excellent reputation. It is our challenge to keep that reality alive.”
As Inteplast continues to place high value on meeting the needs of customers and broadening its product portfolio, its future looks bright indeed.