Will Wilke of Automation Plastics Wins MAPP Above and Beyond Award

Will Wilke, production manager and sub-plant manager at Automation Plastics, was recognized by the Manufacturers Association for Plastics Processors (MAPP) with an Above & Beyond Award for leadership.

The MAPP Above & Beyond Awards were established to celebrate individuals who have made a major difference in their organizations. With the unique hardships of 2020, exceptional leadership has been especially meaningful in these difficult times. Through drive, innovation and ingenuity, these key players stepped up and took on new challenges despite everything going on, paving the way for their team’s success.

Wilke was recognized this year for his outstanding leadership not just in 2020, but for his more than 20-year tenure at Automation Plastics. Throughout that time, Wilke has stood as an example of initiative and excellence to those around him.

“Will leads by example through perseverance and grit,” said Harry Smith, president and CEO of Automation Plastics. “Every single day for the last 20 years, Will has gone above and beyond for his team and the company. He always puts in a full day of good, meaningful work, just to do it all again the next day. There’s nobody else with the drive and passion that Will has. He’s in a class all by himself.”

Under Wilke’s leadership as production manager, Automation Plastics’ facilities have remained operational throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Wilke helped secure Automation Plastics’ continued success by ensuring that equipment stays in top working order and that all levels of production are given the proper attention and support.

The manufacturing world is filled with frequent challenges, which is why having an experienced problem-solver at the helm can mean all the difference. Wilke ensures that both the right equipment and the right people are on each job. Every team member matters, and he puts in the effort to lift up everyone that he works with. That way, challenges can be overcome together as a unified team.

The MAPP Above & Beyond Award continues to recognize outstanding leadership at all levels of an organization. Automation Plastics is proud to have leaders like Wilke who set the standard for going above and beyond in manufacturing excellence.