Hoffer Plastics Expands Sales Team to Deliver Deeper Industry Expertise

SOUTH ELGIN, Ill. (December 10, 2024) – Hoffer Plastics (“Hoffer” or “The Company”), a leading provider of custom injection

molding solutions, today announced key additions and promotions within its sales organization to expand customer partnerships and deepen expertise across Packaging, Medical, Automotive, Food and Beverage, Consumer, Industrial and Appliance sectors. By welcoming a new Vice President of Sales, a Business Development Manager and promoting two key sales team members, Hoffer is strengthening its ability to anticipate customer needs, provide tailored expertise and drive growth alongside its partners.

Joe Ziegler has joined Hoffer as Vice President of Sales to lead the sales organization while driving revenue growth in ways that create value for customers, partners and the company alike. In this role, Ziegler will build upon strong customer relationships by implementing strategies that enhance capabilities, strengthen collaboration and deliver custom solutions.

Ziegler brings more than two decades of proven success in building high-performing sales organizations and strengthening customer partnerships. Most recently, he served as Senior Director of Sales at Liberty Packaging, where he managed sales teams and drove record revenue growth. He also brings deep expertise in plastics manufacturing, with a focus on closures and bottles. Prior to Liberty, Ziegler held leadership roles at Berry Global and Rieke Packaging Systems, where he successfully expanded into new markets including Food and Beverage, Healthcare and Spirits – diversifying business segments and fueling long-term growth.

Mercedes Candedo has joined Hoffer as Business Development Manager where she will support the growth of the company’s Lok family of caps and spouts for flexible and rigid packaging. With extensive experience in driving technology adoption across the Packaging industry, she will help customers integrate innovative solutions that improve efficiency, reduce costs and strengthen shelf impact. Most recently, she served as Sales Director at Karlville, where she spearheaded growth initiatives and oversaw marketing strategies. Previously, she worked as Strategic Marketing Manager for AMCOR Rigid Plastics in Latin America, bringing extensive regional and technical expertise.

In recognition of his leadership in advancing customer solutions and industry collaboration, John Strubulis was promoted to Senior Product Manager. Since joining Hoffer in 2022, he has been a trusted partner and go-to source for customers, helping them identify the right cap and spout solutions to meet their unique application needs and maximize packaging performance.

Additionally, Strubulis continues to play an instrumental role in building and fostering industry partnerships, including the collaboration with Effytec, Dukane and LD Pack to develop the Ultrasonic Spouted Pouch – a sophisticated mono-material polyethylene (PE) spouted pouch solution. His deep expertise, strategic mindset and collaborative drive continues to strengthen Hoffer’s role as an industry innovator, creating new opportunities and results for customers.

In his expanded leadership role as Sales Manager, Drew Wessel will lead Hoffer’s efforts in managing existing business and strengthening its commercial strategy across its custom injection molded product lines. Wessel will oversee key customer relationships, ensuring continued satisfaction while delivering responsive service, product insight and solutions designed to meet their evolving needs.

Additionally, Wessel will collaborate closely with the commercial team to develop and execute strategic initiatives that support growth within the company’s custom molding portfolio. He will guide and support the sales team in pricing, account management and customer engagement best practices, while also driving alignment between sales and operations. His leadership in fostering stronger internal collaboration and advancing customer-focused processes continues to reinforce Hoffer’s commitment to delivering exceptional service and long-term value.

“The addition of Joe and Mercedes, along with John and Drew’s well-deserved promotions, strengthens our ability to deliver innovation and value for customers across every market we serve, particularly the growing Packaging sector” said co-CEO Alex Hoffer. “Their leadership will create opportunities for customers to access new solutions, realize greater efficiencies and bring differentiated products to market faster. At the same time, their expertise will empower our team with the tools, guidance and vision to grow in their roles and continue raising the standard of service and innovation.”

To learn more about Hoffer Plastics, visit hofferplastics.com.