Leading with Purpose: How a woman-led manufacturer thrived with workforce support

A smiling woman in a black dress holds a star-shaped award while standing beside red, white and black balloons at an event. — *Kathy Bodor, president of Plastics Plus Technology at the 2025 Spirit of Entrepreneur Awards Gala.*

In November, Kathy Bodor’s decades of grit and innovation were honored when Plastics Plus Technology won the California State University of San Bernardino Spirit of the Entrepreneur Award for Manufacturer of the Year, and Kathy Bodor received the Top Female Entrepreneur Award — a recognition that surprised her but moved her deeply after so many years of pushing through industry barriers.

These honors reflect not only Bodor’s resilience but also a company culture rooted in loyalty, integrity and craftsmanship — values that have been further strengthened through key partnerships, including the support Plastics Plus has received from the San Bernardino County Workforce Development Board.

When Bodor first joined Plastics Plus Technology nearly 40 years ago, she never imagined she would one day lead the company, let alone guide it to award-winning recognition as one of the Inland Empire’s top manufacturers. What began as a temporary role answering phones gradually transformed into a career built on persistence, self-taught expertise and an unwavering belief that the company could be saved.

Bodor not only kept Plastics Plus alive — she rebuilt it. She negotiated down debt that exceeded the company’s annual revenue, learned injection molding from the ground up and earned the trust of major clients long before they knew she was the one running the operation.

“This is exactly the kind of innovative, community-focused manufacturer we want to support. Their story reflects the powerful impact of WDB programs on local businesses and the regional economy,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman and Third District Supervisor Dawn Rowe.

The workforce challenge: Growing the team while maintaining quality

Bodor’s rise in a male-dominated manufacturing sector was far from easy. Throughout her early career, she often entered meetings where clients refused to speak to her or asked if a man was available to negotiate.

“I’ve been turned down, ignored and talked over,” she said. “Some never believed I was the owner, even after years of top-quality work.” Yet she persisted. Over time, Plastics Plus became widely respected in the injection molding industry — producing millions of precision components each year, including life-sustaining medical devices.

Many of Bodor’s employees have been with her for decades, and her leadership philosophy— “treat people the way you want to be treated”—has created a workplace grounded in mutual respect. Employees who once struggled to maintain steady work found success through training and mentorship. Several now hold long-term careers—some spanning 15 to 30 years. “We’ve trained people who didn’t think they could do this work,” Bodor shared. “It’s changed their lives.”

As the business expanded from the city of Industry to Ontario and eventually to a larger facility in Redlands, workforce shortages posed significant obstacles. It was challenging to find trained machine operators and even harder to retain them, and maintaining Plastics Plus’ rigorous quality standards required specialized skill-building.

“We were having trouble getting people and keeping people,” Bodor explained. “Injection molding requires training, and we just weren’t finding the right candidates.”

At the same time, the company needed advanced training to enhance processes, strengthen the quality system and support continuous improvement across its operations. That’s when the Workforce Development Board stepped in.

Through a long-standing connection with Workforce Development’s Business Services representatives, Plastics Plus began utilizing a suite of federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act-funded programs designed to build workforce skills and operational capacity. With Workforce Development’s support, Plastics Plus received on-the-job training wage reimbursements for new hires, improved quality management through specialized process improvement training, and provided hands-on machine operator training to build technical skills among employees. The impact was immediate and measurable.

“It strengthened our processes, helped us nail down our systems, and made us more competitive,” Bodor said. “Our whole quality management system has grown through the help we were given.”

Innovating for the future and building a legacy of quality, trust and community impact

Recent months have marked the strongest production period in the company’s history. Plastics Plus has invested in new injection molding machines with advanced capabilities, expanded its automation infrastructure and achieved record output.

“I see nothing but opportunity ahead,” Bodor said. “We’re expanding, updating equipment and competing with larger companies.” For Bodor, success is measured not only in awards or revenue, but in relationships — many of which span decades. Plastics Plus continues to offer stable, meaningful jobs with strong benefits, and employees are like family, and so are their customers — they fly in from across the country to visit and greet her with hugs.

“I want Plastics Plus to be known for producing good products that make a difference in people’s lives,” she said. “And I hope others learn to do business the way we do — through trust, integrity and genuine relationships.”

“Plastics Plus Technology shows what’s possible when a business invests in its people,” said William Sterling, Chairman of the San Bernardino County Workforce Development Board. “Their partnership with WDB demonstrates how targeted training strengthens companies and creates long-term career pathways for our residents.”

Programs like these are made possible through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). The San Bernardino County Workforce Development Board continues to deliver career services and customized support that equip residents with the tools they need to thrive.

To connect with business resources, please visit our website or contact our Business Services Manager, Curtis Compton at 909-215-7255 or ccompton@wdd.sbcounty.gov. You can also follow us on social media at @SBCWorkforce.

Additional County Update News – January 15