Unsupported Plastics Profile Shapes

According to industry statistics, about 200 establishments were engaged in manufacturing unsupported plastics profiles, rods, tubes, and other shapes. Total industry output was valued at $575.2 million in 2008 with industry-wide employment of 7,185 workers. The average number of employees per establishment was 36 and the average sales per establishment was an estimated $3.8 million. Although California was responsible for 9.1 percent in market share, Connecticut, with a mere 1.9 percent in market share, was responsible for the bulk of industry shipments, $101.2 million. The top products by share in the industry are those made from polyethylene (27%), vinyl (12%), polypropylene (9%), acrylates (8%), polystyrene (6%), and styrene copolymer (less than 1%).

Throughout the late 2000s, some manufacturers were forced to cut operating costs as the economy worsened, energy prices soared, and material costs increased. For instance, FreeMotion Fitness, a segment of ICON, moved its operations from Silver Springs, Colorado, to Odgen, Utah, thus consolidating operations with parent ICON. "We're adjusting to the economic conditions by leveraging the strengths of our corporate parent and maximizing the synergies within the businesses," Patrick Hald noted in Club Industry in July 2008, adding that "The logistical benefits are tremendous. With cutbacks at retail, price increases for steel, fuel, inflation in Asia and a weak dollar, reducing expenses is vital."

ICON Health and Fitness Inc.--the industry leader and manufacturer of indoor fitness equipment such as Nordic Track--experienced turbulence in the late 1990s. After sales skyrocketed from $403.0 million in May 1994 to $836.2 million in 1997, sales in 1998 plummeted 10.4 percent to $749.3 million. Ironically, the company had just taken on more debt, attempting to leverage higher profits. The bottom eventually fell out of the indoor fitness equipment business, forcing ICON to restructure yet again with the assistance of Wall Street investment bank Credit Suisse First Boston. Company sales began rebounding in 1999. By 2005 the firm was able to post revenues of $852 million. Privately held ICON employed nearly 2,500 employees in 2008 with nine locations.

Other industry leaders included Fraser, Michigan-based Cadence Innovations LLC, formerly known as Venture Industries Inc.; Troy, Michigan-based Cadillac Plastic Group Inc.; Sheboygan, Wisconsin-based VPI Corporation, formerly Vinyl Plastics Inc.; and Columbus, Ohio-based Crane Plastics Company L.P.