Founded in 1947, PLZ Corp is a leading manufacturer of specialty brand and private label aerosol and liquid products in North America, with a portfolio spanning the household, personal care, automotive, food service and industrial segments.
PLZ Corp has been a major name in the aerosol industry for over 70 years. How has the company evolved, and what are its production capabilities and operational services today?
PLZ started as a leading manufacturer of aerosol products in North America, but over the years we have built a diverse portfolio across cleaning, cooking sprays, automotive, paint, pesticides, adhesives and personal care products. We are now also a major liquid filler, offering our customers both formulation expertise and filling services for branded products and private labels.
Some products use aerosol delivery systems, while others use liquid forms with varying packaging technologies. Our capabilities range from automated high-speed lines to slower, more customized lines, depending on client needs. We operate 14 plants with 2,800 employees, strategically located to optimize supply chains and customer proximity. Currently, we package and fill up to 3 million units daily, up from 2 million units in mid-2024.
You recently opened an Innovation Center in Illinois. What exactly does that comprise, and what are PLZ Corp’s ambitions for the space?
Our Innovation Center in Bridgeview, Illinois, is a 10,000-square-foot hub for collaboration and problem-solving. It brings together customers, suppliers, chemists, and engineers to develop solutions for cooking, automotive, and industrial cleaning industries.
The center houses a test kitchen, automotive garage, over 12 stations for chemical formulating and packaging, and other facilities. It enables us to prototype multiple solutions, test efficacy, and offer customers "good, better, best" options tailored to their needs, all in a collaborative environment.
How do you balance ambitions to expand globally while maintaining localized production?
Sustainability is a priority for us. We have committed to ensuring that a majority of our supplier spend remains regional. This starts with analysing where inputs, factories, suppliers, and customers are located, and aligning them to minimize environmental impact.
As we expand, we apply the same philosophy, fostering partnerships and developing localized supply chains in new markets. This approach supports both sustainability and scalability as we grow. Meanwhile, the global nature of today's market allows our expertise to transcend borders. Once customers see our products' efficacy, it creates demand across new geographies, further reinforcing our reputation.
With the new incoming US administration, many are forecasting a more hands-off approach to environmental regulation. When we last spoke, you expressed concern over the stringency of the California Air Regulation Board. What are you anticipating from this term?
We do not anticipate a significant rollback of regulations but do hope for more open dialogues between regulators and manufacturers. Our experience with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) has been positive, demonstrating the value of collaborative discussions on exemptions and regulatory adjustments. Ultimately, manufacturers must prioritize safety and compliance while advocating for practical, effective policies.
Beyond regulation, our philosophy is simple: always do what is right. This includes ensuring our products are safe for customers to use on their bodies or in their homes. As the company behind some of the world’s most trusted brands, we have a responsibility to uphold their integrity through rigorous safety and quality measures.
What emerging chemical technologies are you most excited about exploring for improved sustainability and efficiency?
One example is transitioning from petroleum-based solutions to water-based alternatives. We have developed both petroleum and water-based brake cleaners, offering solutions that vary depending on application needs.
The lab is where the innovation happens. By experimenting with inputs and formulations, we continuously improve product efficacy, cost efficiency, and environmental responsibility, keeping PLZ at the forefront of sustainable chemistry.
Looking forward, which operational areas will PLZ Corp be seeking to develop in the coming year?
We have streamlined our business into three core areas: cleaning and food, personal care, and specialty products, which includes insecticides and pesticides. The specialty segment is particularly strong, given the stringent EPA regulations and the expertise required to formulate high-efficacy products. That's where we're looked at as experts. We fill for the majority of the players in the pesticide space.
Looking ahead, we are doubling down on innovation, enhancing service delivery, and building on our partnerships. With the economy showing signs of improvement, we are well-positioned to expand and continue delivering exceptional value to our clients.
