Mack Molding has long been recognized for its contributions to the plastics industry, and this year, the spotlight shines brightly on three remarkable women who have been named among the Plastics News’ Women Breaking the Mold winners: Dwalin DeBoer, Casey Tsougranis and Ann Wedell. These women have not only excelled in their respective roles but have also broken barriers and set new standards for leadership in a traditionally male-dominated industry.
Dwalin DeBoer: Leading with Expertise and Passion
Dwalin DeBoer’s journey into the plastics industry began with a love for chemistry in high school, which led her to pursue a degree in chemical engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Her early hands-on experience at Monsanto Plastics solidified her passion for polymers, setting the stage for a successful career. Today, DeBoer leads a 13-person business unit at Mack Molding, overseeing account management, program management, and customer service for 51 clients.
Her role involves guiding customers through the complexities of plastic injection molding, ensuring that designs are manufacturable and that processes are robust and repeatable. DeBoer’s leadership has been instrumental in managing relationships and technical challenges, all while maintaining the highest standards of quality and customer satisfaction. Recognized as a “Rising Star” by Vermont Business Magazine in 2012, DeBoer continues to pave the way for other women in leadership roles, balancing a demanding career with a fulfilling family life. Read more from Plastics News.
Casey Tsougranis: Driving Growth and Innovation
Casey Tsougranis, the Director of Business Development at Mack Prototype Inc., exemplifies the blend of technical expertise and business acumen required to succeed in the plastics industry. After earning her degree in management engineering with a concentration in chemistry, Tsougranis joined Mack Molding as a business development manager. Her internship in program management provided her with invaluable exposure to the validation processes of the orthopedic industry, which fueled her interest in molding processes.
In 2022, Tsougranis was promoted to her current role, where she leads new business development at Mack Prototype, a division focused on rapid prototyping and low-volume manufacturing. Her responsibilities include driving sales growth, building customer relationships, and developing marketing strategies. Despite the challenges of establishing brand recognition in a competitive market, Tsougranis has successfully positioned Mack Prototype as a trusted partner in the industry. Her achievements are a testament to her perseverance and her ability to navigate a male-dominated field with confidence and expertise. Read more from Plastics News.
Ann Wedell: Mastering the Art of Materials Management
As the Materials Manager at Mack Molding, Ann Wedell plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth flow of materials and the timely delivery of products. Wedell’s career began in the pulp and paper industry, where she honed her skills as a process engineer before transitioning to the plastics industry. At Mack Molding, she has held various roles, including quality engineer and manufacturing engineer, before stepping into her current position.
Wedell’s team is responsible for inventory accuracy, scheduling, and materials planning, all of which are critical to meeting customer demands. She has been instrumental in streamlining the planning process and optimizing the use of the company’s ERP system to drive on-time delivery. As a mother of young children, Wedell is breaking the mold by demonstrating that it is possible to achieve success in a demanding career while also being an engaged parent. Read more from Plastics News.
Breaking the Mold and Inspiring the Next Generation
DeBoer, Tsougranis, and Wedell are not just leaders in their field; they are role models for the next generation of women in the plastics industry. Their achievements underscore the importance of diversity in leadership and the value of different perspectives in driving innovation and growth. As Mack Molding continues to thrive, it does so with the knowledge that it is in capable hands—hands that are not only shaping the future of the company but also inspiring countless others to follow in their footsteps.
