Exo-s Provides Opportunity to Community, Automotive Industry, and Team Members
With a legacy spanning more than five decades, Exo-s has solidified its position as a leading designer and manufacturer of plastic functional systems, utilizing advanced injection and molding processes. Founded in 1968 in Bombardier, Quebec, the company initially specialized in producing skis and tracks for snowmobiles. Since then, Exo-s has expanded its footprint internationally, now operating manufacturing facilities in Canada, the United States, and Mexico, and employing over 1,000 professionals worldwide.
The company’s journey is marked by strategic acquisitions, including Camoplast Thermoplastic Group in 1982 and Three River Crocker Limited in 2005. In 2012, Exo-s rebranded to its current name.
Exo-s of Howe, Indiana plays a crucial role in the company’s international operations, employing approximately 140 individuals. Plant Manager Mitch Herber credits the facility’s strong culture and morale to the company’s core values: entrepreneur, teamwork, trustworthy, balance, and fun factor, with a special emphasis on work-life balance and a fun work environment.
“The leadership team really showcases these values, mission, and vision. We respect and appreciate our team’s time, so we want to show them how much we value them by incorporating the fun factor and promoting a healthy work-life balance,” said Herber. “We also encourage our team members to think like entrepreneurs—does this opportunity make sense for the company and our team? We want our team to act in the company’s best interest and collaborate creatively across departments.”
A testament to these values is the recent renovation of the Howe office space, which removed cubicles in favor of an open-plan design. This shift has fostered better collaboration, communication, and a more dynamic working atmosphere, significantly boosting employee morale.
Beyond manufacturing blow-molded plastic components for the automotive industry, Exo-s of Howe houses a dedicated tool shop. This integrated approach allows the company to control costs and oversee every step of the production process. The facility is renowned for its specialized molds that incorporate hydraulics and electrical systems, enhancing efficiency and setting Exo-s apart from competitors globally.
Exo-s caters to the medical, automotive, and industrial sectors, with the Howe plant currently focused on producing automotive parts for automakers like Detroit’s major automakers—Stellantis, Ford, and General Motors. The facility manufactures a wide range of products, including HVAC ducts, coolant reservoirs, and windshield washer fluid bottles. These parts are produced in high volumes over extended periods, supporting both new vehicle production and the supply of replacement components.
The Howe facility employs a diverse team of professionals across various disciplines, including accounting, administration, production, maintenance, engineering, and management.
“I hope individuals are aware of the scope of employment opportunities that we and many manufacturers employ – we have individuals working in the tool shop, designing products, working in maintenance, and in administration. Our team members are diverse in that some are highly skilled in specialized areas, while others are not but are given the opportunity can learn and grow within our team,” Mitch added.
Looking to the future, Exo-s is committed to innovation by integrating robotics into its manufacturing processes. This strategic move aims to address labor shortages and sustain high levels of production efficiency. This forward-thinking approach underscores Exo-s’s dedication to staying at the forefront of manufacturing technology.
As Exo-s continues to evolve, its unwavering commitment to core values, employee well-being, and innovative practices positions it for sustained growth and success in the competitive plastic manufacturing landscape.
For more information about Exo-s and its operations, visit www.exo-s.com
