Able Plastics going strong after 20 years

Bruce Manson and his son, Dan, started working on small plastics projects out of some friends’ garages in 1993 and this year they are preparing to celebrate 20 years in the business of plastics.

Trail-based Able Plastics manufactures, assembles and repairs all manner of plastic products, from fiberglass to flat stock plastics and pipes.

“We supply flat stock plastics, pipes and other fittings to cities and industries,” said Dan Manson, who took over ownership of the business he and his father built in 2008 along with his wife Kristen. “We have teams of field workers that come on site to do fiberglass repairs, plastic welding repairs and neoprene for lining or patching. Heavy industry in the Kootenays is our main focus. We help out small businesses and the general public as well.”

Dan’s father Bruce learned the plastics trade while working at Cominco (now Teck Metals) in Trail. When they set out on their own 20 years ago they were working out of a 250-square-foot rental space. But it didn’t take long for things to boom and in 1994 they purchased the piece of land and building just off Old Waneta Road where their business is still based today.

Twenty years later, the younger Manson is expanding the business again, with a brand new office and warehouse complex on the same piece of land.

How things have changed

Over the past two decades, Manson said, plastics themselves haven’t changed much, but the business side certainly has.

“There is more of a focus on safety now than ever before, which is obviously good,” Manson said. “As we earn the trust of our clients, the size of the projects entrusted to us grows. And each project we complete gives us greater confidence in our business model.”

When asked what keeps him involved and interested in his business, Manson said it’s the challenge of solving problems.

“We’re involved in emergency repairs quite often, which requires us to be quite innovative at times. I also love watching projects that are executed well take shape and come to completion, with everyone feeling like it was a job well done, completed on time and done so in a safe manner.”

Secrets of success

How has Able Plastics survived and thrived through the ups and downs of two decades in business?

“Don’t get too big too fast,” Manson said. “Make sure you have a solid foundation at each step before you try to build on it. Hire quality people that are courteous and care about each other and the wellbeing of the company. Take care of your employees; without them you wouldn’t have a business. Treat everyone you meet the way you want to be treated. One more thing: optimism and a pleasant demeanour attract the best clients.”

While the company’s 20th anniversary crept up so fast it was barely noticed, Manson said he’s happy to see the milestone arrive.

“I’m proud that we’re still in business and we’re looking forward to seeing where we go from here,” he said.

He said there are plans to celebrate the 20th anniversary with a company barbecue and an afternoon off for a staff golfing excursion.

To learn more about Able Plastics, visit ableplastics.ca