NPE: The Plastics Show

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!

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.

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 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.