It’s in Our Chemistry
General Plastics has been an industry trailblazer since our founding in 1941. In the 1940s, we ushered in the composites industry with new phenolic-resin plastic laminates. In the 1950s, we pioneered our acclaimed rigid and flexible polyurethane foams with unique cell structures. Today’s LAST-A-FOAM® products, in densities ranging from three to 50 pounds, satisfy a myriad of applications.In addition to producing our signature LAST-A-FOAM® rigid and flexible polyurethane foam sheets, General Plastics molds, fabricates and constructs parts and assemblies. We also offer custom foam formulation for specialized needs.
Beyond the aerospace and defense partners our company has served since its earliest days, we are privileged to support engineers and design teams in many evolving industries. We supply machined and fabricated items for diverse commercial, industrial, military and composite-manufacturing applications.
Not all foams – or suppliers – are created equal
The people of General Plastics Manufacturing Company proudly stand behind all of our LAST-A-FOAM® materials and fabricated parts, ensuring unmatched performance and long-lasting value in any application.Ongoing research and development equip us to continually introduce new materials and make our existing products even better. Because we control our own chemical formulas and raw material supplies, we can assure consistent quality. Rigorous inspections and testing – and certificates of conformance – guarantee that the products you receive meet your drawings and exact specifications.
Benefit from broad and deep expertise. The General Plastics team includes chemical engineers, synthetic chemists, physical chemists and certified quality engineers to support you and offer solutions. We know better than anyone how our products perform, including their capabilities and limitations. So we’ll make sure specified products offer the right fit and properties for your project.
Exceeding customer expectations
Founded by L.W. Schatz and still privately held, General Plastics focuses on building enduring relationships with our customers, employees and distributor partners — not catering to shareholders or short-term demands. Earning that trust drives everything that we do: supplying materials and parts of the highest quality and uniform consistency. Developing novel products and cost-effective approaches. Ensuring on-time delivery – and delivering exactly what we promise. Holding ourselves accountable.From our R&D group to customer service to our build-to-print parts team, every individual here is fully committed to taking care of our customers. With 15 years’ average tenure and diverse industry backgrounds, our creative, dedicated employees bring decades of knowledge to their work. That continuity, coupled with foresight, also drives new solutions and continual improvement.
For seven decades, General Plastics’ high-quality materials and cost-effective solutions have enabled exacting customers around the world to attain their goals, aim higher and redefine what’s possible. We are passionate about continually expanding our expertise, products and services to propel your success.
General Plastics offers high-strength, low-weight solutions for the following markets:
- Aerospace – Composites for cabin and flight deck applications
- Defense – Shock isolation and blast mitigation systems
- Construction – Thermal column-bearing blocks
- Marine – Wood alternative for fiberglass laminating
- Nuclear – Protective transportation containers
- Solar and Wind Energy – Solar panel structural backing and composite parts
- Medical and Life Science – Imaging equipment, diagnostic tables, artificial bone media
- Tooling and Molds – Boards for composites, prepregs, molds, vacuum forming
- Prototyping – Product replicas, design models, topographical maps
- Signage/Display – Durable, easily finished 3-D wood alternative
- Composite Core – Board stock, machined parts and foam cores
- Sports and Recreation – Lightweight sports floor and equipment cores
