Amara Forges a Molding Powerhouse with Thomson Plastics Acquisition

THOMSON, GA – December 09, 2025 – In a decisive move that reshapes the landscape of North American manufacturing, Amara Industries has acquired Thomson Plastics, a recognized leader in large-tonnage injection molding. The deal merges a newly-focused custom solutions provider with a veteran of high-tech manufacturing, creating a formidable entity poised to dominate the market for high-performance molded products. This isn't merely a transaction; it's a calculated strategic play that underscores the powerful trends of technological integration, supply chain regionalization, and market consolidation driving industrial innovation today.

Amara Industries, recently launched as an independent entity from the customs division of the well-known Gracious Living Corporation, now acts as the parent company to the Gracious Living group. This acquisition is its inaugural, and significant, strategic milestone. By absorbing Thomson's two advanced facilities in Georgia and North Carolina, Amara instantly expands its footprint to five manufacturing sites, gaining a critical foothold in the booming Southeastern United States. The move signals an aggressive growth strategy aimed squarely at the industrial, automotive, and commercial sectors.

A Union of Scale and Strategy

The strategic value of this acquisition lies in the complementary strengths of the two companies. Amara Industries was formed to provide end-to-end custom manufacturing solutions, from design and engineering to materials science. Thomson Plastics brings the specialized, high-volume production muscle required to execute that vision at an elite level.

At the heart of Thomson's capabilities is its expertise in large-tonnage injection molding—a specialized field where less than 4% of U.S. plastics manufacturers compete. With machines boasting clamping forces up to 3,700 tons, and with nearly a third of its fleet exceeding the 1,000-ton mark, Thomson can produce the massive, single-piece components essential for automotive body panels, industrial containers, and large consumer goods. This scale is what allows manufacturers to replace complex, multi-part assemblies with stronger, lighter, and more cost-effective molded parts.

"The addition of Thomson Plastics represents a strategic milestone for our organization," said Vince Orlando, Co-President at Amara Industries, in the official announcement. "The advanced molding capabilities, technical expertise, and culture of innovation will enhance our ability to serve customers with scale, speed, and precision across North America." This statement highlights the core rationale: combining Amara's comprehensive service model with Thomson's proven production prowess to create a more agile and powerful manufacturing partner for a demanding market.

The Automation and Technology Advantage

Beyond sheer scale, the acquisition is a significant technological upgrade. Thomson Plastics is not just a molder; it is a trendsetter in automation. With an estimated 95% of its machinery integrated with 3- to 6-axis robotics, the company has cultivated a culture of extreme efficiency and reliability. This isn't off-the-shelf automation; Thomson has developed in-house expertise for designing, customizing, and maintaining its robotic systems, including the critical end-of-arm tooling that handles complex parts with precision. This deep integration of robotics minimizes cycle times, reduces waste, and ensures a level of consistency that is difficult to achieve manually.

The technical portfolio gained by Amara is extensive. It includes advanced processes like gas-assisted molding, which reduces the weight and cycle time of large, dense parts, and over-molding, a key process for creating components with multiple materials, such as soft-grip handles on power tools or automotive steering wheels. By bringing this expertise under its umbrella, Amara is better equipped to tackle complex engineering challenges and offer a wider range of solutions to its clients. This technological depth aligns perfectly with the broader Industry 4.0 trend, where data-driven, automated processes are becoming the standard for competitive manufacturing.

Strengthening the Southeastern Manufacturing Corridor

This acquisition is also a story about geography. By establishing a major presence in Georgia and North Carolina, Amara Industries is tapping into the Southeast's burgeoning manufacturing ecosystem. The region has become a magnet for industrial investment, thanks to a business-friendly climate, a growing skilled workforce, and significant government support for reshoring initiatives. Since 2020, the region has seen an influx of over 650,000 workers into production and warehouse roles, with job growth outpacing the national average.

Placing these advanced manufacturing capabilities in the Southeast directly addresses one of the most pressing challenges of the last decade: supply chain fragility. For customers in the automotive, appliance, and industrial sectors concentrated in the region, the ability to source large, critical components locally is a massive advantage. It means faster delivery, reduced logistics costs, and greater agility to respond to market shifts. This move strengthens regional supply chains, making them more resilient and less dependent on overseas production. It's a practical application of the nearshoring trend that many analysts have been advocating for, promising tangible benefits in efficiency and reliability for Amara's customers.

Positioned for a Growing Market

Ultimately, this acquisition positions the newly unified company to capitalize on a robust and expanding market. The North American injection molding industry is projected to grow steadily, reaching an estimated value of over $81 billion by 2033. This growth is fueled by relentless demand from the automotive sector for lightweight components to improve fuel efficiency, as well as by innovation in consumer goods and packaging.

With Thomson's advanced automation and Amara's full-service approach, the combined entity is well-prepared to meet the rising demand for customization, sustainability, and technological sophistication. The integration of advanced materials, such as composites and bioplastics, will be crucial for staying ahead. By combining scale, technology, and strategic geographic placement, Amara Industries has not just bought a company; it has engineered a powerful platform for future growth, ready to meet the complex demands of modern manufacturing head-on.