630-350-9500
630-350-9500
GAIM Plastics is a custom plastic injection molder that supports OEM customers with production molding programs. Tool transfers and supplier transfers are the primary focus — moving existing tooling into GAIM’s Elmhurst, Illinois facility for ongoing production — but the team also takes on new tool builds, new part launches, and design for manufacturing (DFM) and new product introduction (NPI) work. The emphasis is on repetitive, ongoing production runs.
GAIM Plastics primarily serves OEMs across four industries: appliances, consumer products, lawn and garden, and transportation.
GAIM Plastics operates out of a 22,000 sq ft facility at 950 N Oaklawn Ave, Elmhurst, IL 60126, just outside Chicago. The company primarily serves OEM customers within roughly 500 miles, covering most of the Midwest and parts of the East Coast, Southeast, and Plains states. Contact the team to confirm fit for your location.
GAIM Plastics was founded in 1989 and has operated as a family-owned business for over three decades.
GAIM Plastics does not currently hold formal third-party certifications such as ISO 9001. Quality is managed through internal QC processes built around the requirements of long-running OEM programs. Customers who require certified suppliers should confirm fit during the quoting process.
GAIM Plastics is not registered as a certified diverse supplier. The company is a family-owned business that has served OEM customers since 1989.
Start by visiting the Contact page to set up an introductory call. A free consultation is typically available within 24 hours. From there, the team will walk through what’s needed for an accurate quote, which typically includes part drawings or 3D files, target annual volumes, material requirements, and any post-mold or packaging needs.
Standard quote turnaround is three business days or better. A free consultation is usually available within 24 hours, so the team can scope the project and confirm what’s needed for pricing.
Pricing is built from four core inputs: machine time, labor, manufacturing overhead, and resin cost. Resin pricing fluctuates with the market, so quotes are typically tied to current material costs at the time of order.
Yes. Tooling is a separate upfront cost. GAIM Plastics outsources mold builds to qualified toolmakers and manages the process on behalf of the customer, from kickoff through first-article samples.
The minimum order quantity is 1,000 pieces per run. This aligns with the production-volume programs GAIM Plastics is set up to support.
Standard lead time is three weeks or better from order release, depending on press availability and material.
Press availability across GAIM’s 14 machines is the primary driver. Order timing relative to other scheduled production runs is what most often shifts a lead time forward or back.
Yes. Rush orders can be accommodated based on current press schedules and material availability. Reach out as early as possible so the team can confirm timing.
Yes. Blanket purchase orders and scheduled releases are supported and work well for customers with predictable annual demand.
Yes. First-article samples are produced from the tool before full production begins so the customer can review and approve parts ahead of any production run.
GAIM Plastics routinely runs polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate (PC), ABS, nylons, PVC, PC/ABS blends, and polyethylene (PE). Other engineering-grade resins can be evaluated during quoting. Bio-based and biodegradable resin options are also available for customers focused on sustainability.
GAIM Plastics operates 14 injection molding machines with clamping force ranging from 55 to 385 tons, and shot size capability from 0.1 oz to 40 oz. Programs requiring 55 to 350 tons are the sweet spot. The Elmhurst facility supports production runs across appliance, consumer goods, lawn and garden, and transportation applications.
GAIM Plastics operates 14 injection molding machines ranging from 55 to 385 tons of clamping force, housed in a 22,000 sq ft facility in Elmhurst, Illinois. Programs in the 55 to 350 ton range fit best with the current press lineup.
Yes. Tool and supplier transfers are a core part of GAIM Plastics’ business. Existing tooling can be moved into the Elmhurst facility, sampled, and put into production with minimal disruption. The team handles the transfer process, including initial tool inspection, sampling, first-article approval, and ramp into ongoing production. Tool transfers are also a common path for reshoring production from overseas back to the US.
Overmolding is supported, which is commonly used for soft-touch grips, seals, and multi-material components.
No. Tooling is outsourced to qualified mold builders, but GAIM Plastics manages the full process for the customer — from toolmaker selection and build coordination through first-article approval and production.
Yes. Metal-to-plastic conversions are supported through manufacturability reviews and design for manufacturing (DFM) input. The goal is typically to reduce weight, lower part cost, or consolidate multiple components into a single molded piece.
GAIM Plastics does not operate a clean room and is not set up for medical or other clean-room-required applications. The focus is on appliance, consumer goods, lawn and garden, and transportation programs.
Post-mold services include light assembly, warehousing, and retail-ready packaging. Market-ready services such as branding, packaging design, and Amazon and retail prep are also available. These services let customers consolidate suppliers and ship finished goods directly from GAIM Plastics.
GAIM Plastics operates two sonic welders, one thermal staker, and two milling centers in-house, supporting secondary operations such as sonic welding, sonic inserting, thermostaking, and light machining. These capabilities allow customers to combine molding and secondary assembly under one roof, which simplifies sourcing and reduces handling between suppliers.
Quality is managed through in-process inspection, with parts checked throughout the day during every production run. This catches variation early and keeps parts within spec across long runs.
Standard orders ship without documentation. If a program requires Certificates of Conformance, inspection reports, or other documentation, GAIM Plastics will accommodate those needs when defined up front during quoting.
No. Tooling is outsourced to qualified mold builders, but GAIM Plastics manages the full process for the customer — from toolmaker selection and build coordination through first-article approval and production.