History

For over 65 years General Plastics Manufacturing Company has been a pioneer in the plastics industry. Founded in 1941 by L.W. Schatz, GP began as a manufacturer of preservative coatings for wood and other organic materials and later expanded into fabricating phenolic-resin-impregnated composites for aircraft and commercial uses.

Since its start prior to WWII, General Plastics products and materials have significantly expanded and evolved. Customers will discover as they get to know us that we are a versatile company with capabilities beyond the manufacturing of high-density polyurethane foam.

Prime mover L.W. Schatz saw an innovative opportunity in the polyurethanes that came out of the Second World War. By specially formulating the polyurethane material, General Plastics was able to make foam blocks which could be used for a wide array of aerospace applications. In our evolution, General Plastics also began fabricating parts for high-performance structures.

In 1981, our facilities moved from the Nalley Valley in Tacoma, Washington into its current 100,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in south Tacoma. A 35,000-square-foot addition was completed in 1985. Currently employing over 150 skilled professionals, General Plastics’ manufacturing and production facility is more equipped than ever to accommodate any parts for production needs.

Today, General Plastics produces high-temp and industry standard tooling board, thermal insulating bearing blocks, flexible seals, nuclear containers and a variety of aerospace and military custom applications. We encourage you to check out our Product Finder for more information on our current products.