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TALLMADGE TOWNSHIP - Business has been good for Agape Plastics Inc. the last couple of years, but now the firm is preparing for a lean year ahead: Orders from the auto industry are predicted to be down in 2008, perhaps by 10 to 15 percent.
When asked if Agape is primarily an auto supplier, President and CEO David M. Cornelius replied, "Very much so not that we're not trying to diversify."
Agape Plastics is located on the eastern edge of Ottawa County, just west of Standale.
Founded in the early 1970s by the late Tom Alt as primarily a tool and die shop, Agape got into plastic injection molding in the late 1970s, providing parts to Steelcase and American Seating. The automotive business began in 1983 with a two-bolt stud plate, developed with GM's Oldsmobile division. The stud plate was patented and led to a series of insert molded fasteners that remain the core of its insert molding business.
At that time the business was located closer to downtown Grand Rapids. The "plant" was about 5,000 square feet in an old brewery complex. By early 1986, the business had grown, with 15 to 20 shipments being made per month. By way of comparison, Agape Plastics now makes around 1,500 shipments...