Growth by delivering parts under pressure

John Grundy, a plastics industry sales veteran, founded Profile Plastics, Inc. in Northbrook, IL. He started with a used vacuum forming machine and rented garage.

Profile built an all-new facility in Northbrook to support the growing business

Grundy joined the SPE and helped create the Thermoforming Division. He served on the board for many years.

Profile set up one of the first computerized business systems in the industry

Profile installed the FIRST CNC machine in the thermoforming industry, which also happened to be the first Thermwood 5-axis machine. It would be more than 10 years before automated trimming became standard in the industry.

Collaboration with 7 other SPE thermoformers introduced modern pressure forming. Profile created the pressure box for use on a vacuum forming machine with a die-cutting platen.

Won a 1st place parts competition award with a pressure formed air plenum used in data centers. This part remains in production today!

Chemical Engineer Steve Murrill, formerly with Signode, bought Profile from Grundy.

Grundy was recognized as Thermoformer of the Year by SPE Thermoforming Division for his many contributions to our industry and the association

Profile collaborated with other thermoformers and machine builders to develop twin-sheet forming as a natural progression from pressure forming.

The business ran out of room in Northbrook. Profile built a larger all-new 100,000 sq. ft. facility in Lake Bluff, IL.

Murrill was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award from SPE Thermoforming Division for his ongoing contributions to the industry and the association. He served on the board and as a speaker for many years.

Chief Engineer Stephen Sweig was recognized as Thermoformer of the Year for his contributions to the development of pressure forming equipment and the process. He was the first honoree who wasn’t a company owner.

Profile acquired Arrem Plastics in Addison, IL and consolidated the business to Lake Bluff. Almost every employee stayed with the company.

Profile purchased the building across the street at 950 Albrecht in Lake Bluff, adding 70,000 sq. ft. of manufacturing and warehouse space.

Profile acquired the thermoforming business of Pullman Manufacturing in Rochester, NY.

Murrill was recognized as Thermoformer of the Year for continuing to promote and educate our industry. This made Profile the only company in the industry with 3 honorees.

Profile acquired Safety Security Products from Plasticade in Des Plaines, IL.

Profile acquired A&E Plastics / TCI Vacuum Forming in Elgin, IL.

Murrill stepped back from Profile’s day-to-day operations, becoming Chairman of the board.

Profile acquired Lester L. Brossard company in Woodstock, IL.

Profile celebrated 65 years in business