SALEM, Ill. — A significant new industrial project is taking shape in Salem, as construction has commenced on a 35,000-square-foot facility at 154 North Selmaville Road. The plant will serve as the home of 618 Plastics, a company set to make a substantial investment in the local economy.

The concrete flooring for the building has been poured, and steel framework is now being erected. The company anticipates employing around ten people when operations begin in the summer of this year.

Investment and Business Strategy

The multimillion-dollar project represents a major investment in Salem’s industrial sector. For the first phase of operations, five new injection molding machines have been ordered, along with other essential support equipment. Cost-efficient techniques are being built into the production process to ensure the company maintains a competitive advantage when bidding for new contracts.

618 Plastics aims to establish itself as a key supplier to tier-one automotive companies while also diversifying into other plastic product markets. Beyond manufacturing, the company is exploring additional service offerings that most custom molding shops do not currently provide. These potential services include injection molding technician training, plastic pellet repackaging, mold storage and retrieval, new mold trials, plastic validation, and sampling, among others.

CEO and Founder Aaron Robb, who also owns Aaron Robb Trucking, expressed his enthusiasm about launching this new venture while continuing to expand his trucking business. "I’m excited to put together a team to bring this new company to life," Robb said. He credited the city of Salem for its continued support, not just for 618 Plastics but for several other projects his businesses have undertaken over the years.

Leadership and Financial Support

Don Hall, the President and Director of Operations, brings extensive experience to the company. Having worked for North American Lighting for 33 years—30 of which were spent at the Salem Plant’s Molding Department—he has a deep understanding of molding operations and engineering. Hall is confident that with Robb’s industry knowledge and business drive, 618 Plastics will thrive. "With Aaron’s ambition for new businesses and his knowledge and contacts within the injection molding and plastics industry, we can build something that will have a positive impact on the area for many years to come," Hall stated.

The Iuka State Bank has partnered with 618 Plastics to support the venture. Carson Smith, President of the bank, emphasized the economic benefits the company will bring to the region. "This multi-million dollar investment in the area will be great for the community, and we look forward to helping 618 Plastics strive and be successful from day one," Smith said.

Job Opportunities and Future Plans

618 Plastics will begin accepting applications as the facility nears completion, with hiring expected to commence in early summer. The company is focused on assembling a highly skilled team to ensure smooth operations from the outset.

Beyond its core business, 618 Plastics is also looking at expansion opportunities that could lead to more job creation and economic growth in Salem. The company is considering long-term plans for additional phases of development, which could include increased manufacturing capacity and expanded service offerings.

The establishment of 618 Plastics marks another milestone in Salem’s industrial development. As construction progresses, excitement continues to build around the potential economic impact this facility will have on the community. The combination of experienced leadership, innovative business strategies, and strong local support positions 618 Plastics as a promising new player in the region’s manufacturing sector.

Originally reported by Austin Williams in Southern Illinois Now.