The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced Plas-Tech Tooling, Inc. of Garner, Iowa as one of the ten semifinalists advancing in the Patriot Pitch Competition, the agency’s Freedom 250 initiative celebrating 250 years of American small businesses that drive innovation, create jobs, and generate economic growth for local communities.
Plas-Tech Tooling is an advanced manufacturing company specializing in precision machining, injection mold design and building, and plastic injection molding. Using advanced engineering, CAD/CAM technology, and state-of-the-art manufacturing processes, the company develops custom tooling and plastic components for customers across North America. Plas-Tech serves a variety of industries, including heavy equipment, agriculture, aerospace, defense, and other industrial sectors, with a focus on delivering high-quality, precision manufacturing solutions. Plas-Tech is an exemplar of how small businesses are strengthening American manufacturing, reshoring critical component and part manufacturing and creating valuable local jobs.
Dean and Marcia Sonquist founded Plas-Tech Tooling in 1993, armed with a two-year Tool & Die program degree, a few years of work experience, and a dream to succeed. They have since established a multigenerational business generating economic growth in North Iowa and playing a key role in reshoring manufacturing to the United States. As Plas-Tech Tooling has grown from a two-car garage to 40,000 square feet of manufacturing space, it has shown how hard work, determination, and a two-year vocational degree can create extraordinary opportunities. Marcia Sonquist said, “Plas-Tech’s success is thanks in part to our community, NIACC, and the SBDC, but also thanks to our employees and professional team who make us who we are.”
When Dean and Marcia’s sons Andrew Sonquist and Ryan Sonquist joined the family business, they helped Plas-Tech take its next steps into leveraging innovation to create a competitive edge as they successfully compete against global companies. Dean Sonquist said, “When Marcia and I started Plas-Tech, we never lost sight of the importance of planning ahead. Bringing Andrew and Ryan into the business gave us the chance to build on what we’ve worked hard for and keep it moving in the right direction. Knowing the next generation is committed to our employees, our customers, and the company gives us confidence that Plas-Tech will stay strong for years to come.”
Plas-Tech’s investment in innovations like advanced equipment, robotics, digital systems, and artificial intelligence to improve efficiency, increase precision, and streamline daily operations while maintaining the high standards its customers expect. “Technology isn’t replacing what we do, it’s helping us do it better,” said Andrew Sonquist. “By investing in automation, robotics, AI, and continuous process improvements, we’re proving that American manufacturers can compete with anyone in the world while delivering the quality, precision, and reliability our customers deserve.” Ryan Sonquist shared that “Plas-Tech is more than a manufacturing company, it’s a family. We believe that investing in our employees through meaningful careers, ongoing training, and opportunities to grow creates lasting success for our business, their families, and our community.”
Plas-Tech Tooling has powered their innovation and growth through strategically utilizing regional resources and community partnerships. Candi Karsjens, Executive Director of the NIACC Pappajohn Center, said “Plas-Tech Tooling represents the very best of Iowa entrepreneurship. They collaborated with partners across Iowa’s small business development ecosystem, from SBDC counseling and Venture School to CIRAS, Hancock County Economic Development, and NIACC’s workforce training and certification programs. They embraced every opportunity to improve, innovate, and grow. Their advocacy for programs such as NIACC’s 260E and 260F reflects their belief that investing in people and partnerships is essential to building a strong business and a strong community.”
Plas-Tech also invests in the future of the region by partnering with local schools and supporting workforce development initiatives that build skilled talent and contribute to long-term economic growth. Mayor Tim Schmidt said, “As mayor of Garner and a good friend to the Sonquist family I have had the pleasure of watching Plas-Tech grow from a garage into the beautiful facility it is now, and see how much of an impact they have had on our community. From day one, the whole Sonquist family has given back to the community of Garner.”
Jill Kramer, Executive Director of Hancock County Economic Development, extended her congratulations to the entire Plas-Tech family, noting that “This recognition reflects not only an exceptional business, but a company that has created quality jobs, invested in people, and contributed to the growth of Hancock County. Their success is a reminder of the incredible businesses proud to call Garner home.”
Plas-Tech Tooling will advance to the next stage of judging for the chance to earn a spot in the finals event in Washington D.C. this September, where five finalists will pitch before a panel of judges and a live audience. A total of 1,182 small businesses submitted applications to the Patriot 250 Pitch Competition. Contestants are evaluated on their ability to strengthen American competitiveness, demonstrate strong small business performance and innovation, create economic impact and quality jobs, and show sound business fundamentals and execution readiness. At the live competition, finalists will compete for five prizes totaling $1 million.
