Company Overview
UNIQUE EXPERTISE FROM MATERIALS TO MOLDINGAGS Technology produces high-performance custom injection molded products, specializing in recycled materials. AGS is minority-owned and delivers quality parts, on-time at a low cost to OEMs and Tier 1 companies in North America.
Vision
Provide our customers a sustainable competitive advantage with quality injection molded components made from recycled plastics.
Mission
Continuously maintaining our industry leadership with custom processing of proprietary recycled plastics into their highest end-use applications.
Minority Owned Business
We are proudly certified as a minority-owned business by the Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council, one of 23 affiliates of the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC).
AGS CARE Values
Continuous Improvement
Accountable
Respect
Excellence
Our Team
Chris Racelis
President & Co-Founder
Over the last 26 years Chris has guided AGS from a start-up molder to a leading supplier of injection molded parts made from recycled plastics.
Chris grew up in Glenview IL, attended New Trier high school and graduated Honors with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Iowa. After graduation and a few weeks backpacking in Europe, Chris joined MRC Polymers, a Chicago based compounder of recycled plastic pellets. Chris started on the production floor and realized the importance of a strong quality management system to make consistent product from plastic regrind. Chris soon became Quality Assurance Manager and as the product improved moved to a technical sales position.
Chris’ unique experience in production, quality, and technical sales was the genesis of AGS Technology. Chris realized there was an opportunity to direct inject regrind into a plastic part saving cost, a heat history, and the finger pointing between the OEM, molder, and raw material supplier. In 1995 Chris co-founded AGS Technology with two injection molding machines and a lot of adrenaline.
Chris’ personal mantra can be summed up in three words; Learn-Earn-Return.
- Learn – There is no such thing as an expert. There are always opportunities to improve and become better.
- Earn – Money pays the bills, but more important is the respect and satisfaction of working with others on a challenging project.
- Return – Always give back to help customers, colleagues and community succeed.
Chris is married with three children and lives in the Chicago area. In his free time Chris enjoys being with family, watching his beloved Chicago sports teams, playing basketball, and participating in motorsport events.
George Staniulis
Vice President & Co-Founder
George has served in many roles at AGS, leading Sales, recycled raw material procurement, and developing recycled polymer compounds.
George graduated from Wayne State University and has spent his 50+ year career in the plastics industry. Early on, George focused on ”up-cycling” various plastic waste streams by converting them into higher value products. For decades, George has been a realist of the recycling dilemma and helped found and lead numerous companies by developing cutting-edge recycling processes.
He is past president of the Society of Plastic Engineers Recycling Division and has presented technical papers, and written numerous articles for, the Society of Automotive Engineers, the Society of Plastics Engineers, the Society of American Chemical Engineers, National Plastics Exposition, Plastics News, Plastics Engineering, local/national governmental conferences, and other industries.
George has a lot of experience in various aspects of plastics recycling technology, including de-polymerization, melt phase compounding, polymer modification, and application development. Highlights of his career include being the technical lead in the launch of MRC Polymers and the subsequent co-founding of AGS Technology in 1995. Interestingly enough, AGS Technology gets its name from George’s initials (his first name is Aras), as he and business partner Chris Racelis told each other that the company would be named after whomever left their current employer first. Now, when asked what “AGS” stands for, George replies “All Good Stuff.”
George is married with two children and two grandchildren and lives in the Chicago area. In his free time, he takes his 1966 BSA motorcycle on long rides in the country. He and his wife Ruta love to travel and they go fishing whenever they can.
Craig Sable
Sales Engineer, Shareholder, and Board Member
Craig Sable has spent 40+ years in the automotive industry. Craig became an equity shareholder in AGS, six months after its founding, serves as a Board of Director and is an active salesperson. His belief that recycling is the right thing to do has fueled his optimism through the ups and downs of the automotive business.
Craig holds a Bachelor in Science degree from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. After graduation, he spent 10 years at General Motors as a Test/Development Engineer and as a Design Release Engineer. He has always been grateful for that opportunity to learn about the automotive business from that perspective, believing it was a critical factor to his success in sales. He is also well aware that success in sales cannot happen without a great team behind him. He knows that AGS’ commitment to maintaining a world class focus from supply, to manufacturing, to customer delivery has been a key to becoming the supplier of choice for our customers.
Craig and his wife live in the Brighton, Michigan area, have three children and three grandchildren. He enjoys playing acoustic guitar, boating, cycling, good food and occasionally a good round of golf.
Terry Moore
Chief Financial Officer and Business Advisor
Terry Moore joined AGS Technology in 2018 to develop a strategic plan for the company to recapitalize and reposition the company for its next chapter of growth. Since then, he has also transitioned into financial and operational roles, currently serving as Chief Financial Officer. In 2009, he founded Best Way Advisors, which currently provides strategic guidance to multiple organizations in advisory, senior management, and board capacities with companies in the technology, education, publishing, agriculture, manufacturing, and construction industries.
He was a founding partner of Wrightwood Capital, a privately held commercial real estate finance and fund management company headquartered in Chicago and operating nationally. He served as Managing Director & Chief Financial Officer from 2003 through 2009. Mr. Moore also served as a voting member of Wrightwood Capital’s Executive and Investment Committees. Responsibilities encompassed development and oversight of the company’s strategy, financing, reporting, loan servicing, and infrastructure, which included all aspects of accounting, treasury, legal, risk management, human resources, and technology.
Prior to joining Wrightwood Capital, from early 1997 through 2003, Mr. Moore served concurrently as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer for Cohen Financial, a privately held commercial real estate finance and investment banking company headquartered in Chicago and operating nationally. He was responsible for overseeing acquisitions, operations, and finance for the company.
Earlier in his career, Mr. Moore served as the Chief Financial Officer for a newly created commercial real estate company in Chicago, managed a national portfolio of commercial real estate assets for Jones Lang LaSalle, a Chicago-based international real estate company, and was a Senior Manager for PricewaterhouseCoopers in Chicago and Los Angeles as a practicing Certified Public Accountant focused primarily on public security filings, auditing, and consulting for real estate companies.
Mr. Moore received his BS in Business, with an emphasis in Accounting from the Marshall School of Business at the University of Southern California. He is married and has lived in the Barrington, Illinois area for many years. He is also active in his community, serving on several boards, including the Finance Chairman on a board of an international non-profit organization for many years.
Steve Racelis
Commercial Manager
AGS Technology is excited to announce the addition of Sales Manager, Steve Racelis. He comes to AGS with over 20 years sales management experience in the automotive industry working for companies such as Uniform Color, Johnson Controls, Prince, and MRC Polymers. Steve recently spent 11+ years in education helping a fast-growing company grow from $5 million in revenue to $150+ million.
“I’m excited to work for the leader in recycled plastics being up-cycled into molded parts. I have not seen anyone doing what AGS does and I’m excited to expand it’s reach!” said Steve. Some of the things that excite Steve as he embarks on this new chapter are:
- 25 years of a spotless delivery record to some of the worlds’ most demanding customers.
- The leader in recycled plastics finding homes in high-end applications.
- Strength of position in automotive while eagerness to grow non-automotive customers too.
- Leadership team stability of 25+ years at AGS and 30+ years together.
- Domestic supply position, located in the heart of the Midwest.
- Excitement to expand representation with non-automotive reps.
Steve added, “there is so much rich history at AGS! I can’t believe I get a chance to work with this great team of innovators.” He also said his work with George and Chris at MRC Polymers remains a highlight of his career. A huge plus is the family relationship and obvious bond with brother Chris Racelis, President of AGS Technology. This is going to be an exciting chapter for Steve and AGS in 2020 and beyond!
Scot Colby
Plant Manager
Scot comes with decades of experience having worked in manufacturing leadership positions at Continental Plastic Containers, FUJIFILM, Kosto Food Products, Berry Global and Flavorchem. His experience brings knowledge in GMP, FDA, 5S, Lean manufacturing, various MRP, ERP platforms, ISO9001 & ISO14001 and a variety of extrusion experience.
He graduated with a Bachelor of Science as a Packaging Engineer from Michigan State University. He has a passion for creating win-win situations with employees and focusing on efficiencies of the overall plant. A longtime resident of Elk Grove, he is married and has two children.
In his free time he enjoys the outdoors and a variety of hobbies.
Jordan Ginsbach
Quoting Engineer
Jordan Ginsbach graduated from Purdue University with a Bachelor of Science Computer Graphics focused on CAD and Data Management. Jordan is currently working at AGS Technology as a Project / Quoting Engineer. This role works in new product development and launch which includes quoting, project management, implementing engineering changes, and new technology spotting and introduction.
After graduating, Jordan worked as a tooling engineer in New Albany, IN. He was there for three years where he helped in procuring 70+ tools per year. He honed his experience in CAD, Design for Manufacturing (DFM), and project manage tooling builds from launch to approval.
He then went to PMC Smart Solutions where he was a Simulation Engineer for two years. Focusing on part design, tool design, quoting new business, and Moldflow simulations. This big picture overview of simulation was key in Jordan’s knowledge of the overall process of setting a project up for a successful launch.
Jordan has enjoyed moving to the Chicago area and has so many interests it is tough to pin down one. To name a few: he is an avid gamer, a lifetime Detroit Redwings fan, 3D printing, and loves caring for his cats.
Yelda Kivarkis
Quality Manager
Yelda has diverse experience in Quality Engineering and Quality Management activities in manufacturing and industrial assembly for over 36 years. Experienced in driving continuous improvement, developing, and facilitating training in lean manufacturing and 5S. Plans coordinates and directs quality management system to ensure continuous production of products consistent with customers’ specific requirements. Responsible for monitoring suppliers’ performance and conducting internal auditing to IATF-16949 standards.
Yelda participates in Advance Product Quality Planning (APQP) and prepares all PPAP documentation for newly designed products. Develop process flow diagrams, control plans, pFMEA, and documentation for all inspection processes. Develop quality procedures, work instructions, and forms including inspection check sheets.
- Certified ISO 9000 and 9001 Documentation Training
- Certified ISO/ IATF 16949 Internal Auditor
- Certified VDA- (PSCR) Product Safety & Conformity Representative
He enjoys watching sports, reading, and spending time with his family and friends.
Yelda is married with two children and lives in the Chicago area.
Gerry DeJesus
Quoting and Project management
Gerardo DeJesus, also goes by Gerry, has been with AGS Technology for over a decade. Fresh out of high school in 2011, he got a summer job as a press operator so he could build money to go off to his desired collage of The Illinois Institute of Art. As he continued to work, he was asked to start to fill positions as they came available. From Shipping and Receiving to Quality Control, even worked as a Floor Supervisor which led to his longest position at AGS Technology, working on the Tool Room learning the ins and outs of molds and fabrication for mold repairs. Now he has been entrusted to work and handle the quoting and project management side of operations working a long side Jordan Ginsbach and Chris Racelis. Gerry hopes to continue to watch the company grow and is excited to be given the opportunity to grow in the company.
Gerry’s many hobbies include working on 3D modeling, video games and tabletop, paintball, and drawing/painting. In 2023, he and his wife welcomed their first children, a set of twins. Gerry is ecstatic to be a father and has now dedicated most of his free time spent at home with his family.
Paula Wilcox
Controller
Paula has grown her 25+ year career in small manufacturing companies. Her focus on manufacturing comes from being curious about how everything is made.
She’s a life-long learner who loves to learn about new technologies for everyday life and work. Paula is a graduate of Eastern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Science in Business. She is married with two young adult children. She loves to read books on US History. Her goal is to travel to all 50 states, she’s currently at 33 states visited.
Darius Juska
Lab Manager
Darius graduated from Florida Atlantic University with a bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry and worked at the University as a research assistant, and later in an environmental analysis lab. He joined the AGS Raw Material Department in 2015 and has headed the polymer analysis lab since 2021.
His responsibilities include managing the testing and analysis of incoming regrind and certifying its properties for production. He also verifies the accuracy of test results, monitors testing procedures, ensures the proper function and calibration of testing equipment, and develops new testing methodology. In addition, he investigates issues that sometimes occur using recycled material, trouble-shooting problems that arise during production and performing failure analysis. Furthermore, he continues to study polymer chemistry and seeks out opportunities to educate the Raw Material team and himself. Darius finds working with the real-world challenges of injection molding exciting and rewarding. “I take pleasure in assuring that our raw material is of the highest quality,” he states.
Darius lives in Woodridge, Illinois. He enjoys coin collecting, hiking in the woods with his dog and snow skiing.
Maria Estrada
Human Resources
Maria received her Master’s Business Administration (MBA) degree and a bachelor’s degree in Business/Management (B.S) from Kaplan University, Fort Lauderdale, FL.; she also received an Associate’s of Science degree (A.S) with a concentration in International Business Management from Elgin Community College.
Maria has a wide range of expertise in project management, operations management, process improvement, quality assurance and human resources in a manufacturing environment. She has lived in GA for the past 20 years, applying her expertise at Amazon, Inc., and Carson Industries, Inc., a federal government contractor providing military accessories including thermal optics and night vision technology.
Born and raised in the Illinois area, her in-state experience includes sixteen years in two-way radio business administration, multimedia operations management, and consumer products quality assurance for Motorola, Inc., previously located in Schaumburg, IL
Having a vast and diversified background, Maria utilizes her expertise to focus on assisting with and fulfilling organizational human resources needs and requirements at AGS Technology. With an overall goal of using her bilingual communication skills to ensure employees are well informed on policies and procedures, while still using her management and organizational skills to achieve the company’s HR goals.
Certifications
Facilities
AGS Technology Inc. operates two facilities in Batavia, Illinois with over 100,000-square-feet of space. Our facilities are built to grow and are well maintained to produce quality, reliable parts.
How It Started
AGS Technology has been partnering with companies for over 29 years. See how we got started.