Press release submitted on behalf of Viking Plastics/Hoffmann Family of Companies.
Gross to Take Helm November 2024, Signaling a New Era of Leadership
Viking Plastics, Corry, Pennsylvania, a subsidiary of Hoffmann Family of Companies, and a leader in injection molding and engineered solutions, announced today the planned transition of its leadership team as part of a greater succession strategy. Kelly Goodsel will step down from his role as Chief Executive Officer and Chairman, effective November 1, 2024. Shawn Gross, the current President, will succeed Mr. Goodsel as CEO, beginning the same day. Mr. Goodsel will continue serving as Chairman until the end of October and remain involved as a trusted advisor and business ambassador.
“I am excited to welcome Shawn as the next CEO of Viking Plastics,” said Geoff Hoffmann, Co-CEO of Hoffmann Family of Companies. “Shawn’s extensive plastics expertise, intensive focus on quality and unwavering commitment to driving a culture of continuous improvement will take the company to new heights. Under Kelly’s leadership, Viking Plastics has seen tremendous growth, establishing itself as a leader in the injection molding and assembled products industry with a trusted brand and strong financial foundation. We wish Kelly all the best in this next chapter of his life.”
Since 1972, Viking Plastics has created innovative, cost-effective solutions for complex engineering challenges. With extensive expertise in custom molding, the company operates over 50 injection molding machines and multiple automated assembly cells across its U.S. manufacturing facilities in Kentucky, Indiana and Pennsylvania. From its headquarters in Corry, Pennsylvania, Viking Plastics serves customers globally.
Shawn Gross, the incoming CEO of Viking Plastics, expressed his appreciation for Kelly Goodsel’s impactful leadership over the years, stating, “On behalf of Viking Plastics’ stakeholders—including our customers, employees, shareholders, suppliers and community members—I want to sincerely thank Kelly for his 24 years of dedicated service, during which he held key roles as President, CEO, Chairman and owner.”
“His diverse skill set and focused leadership over the past two decades have earned him the highest respect from Viking’s employees, industry peers and customers alike. Kelly’s tremendous efforts guided the company through the 2008-2009 recession, the challenges of COVID, ownership transitions, and both domestic and international expansions through acquisitions. Most notably, he helped implement an exceptional culture rooted in 2-Second Lean, a book written by Paul Akers, transforming the way we operate.”
Kelly Goodsel, CEO of Viking Plastics, added, “It has been an honor to lead such an exceptional team at Viking Plastics as President and CEO over the past two decades. I’m deeply grateful for the countless opportunities and experiences throughout my career. I’m incredibly proud of our employees and their unwavering dedication to serving our customers. With the strength of our people, products and processes, I’m confident the company is well-positioned for continued growth and success. Shawn is a well-rounded executive with a proven track record, and I’m certain he, along with the management team, will further strengthen Viking’s position as the partner of choice across all areas of the business.”
Gross commented, “I am incredibly excited to serve as Viking’s next CEO and would like to thank Kelly for his steady guidance and strategic leadership. Our Company has a very strong foundation, and I look forward to building an even stronger future with our highly talented team who is deeply committed to innovation and exceptional customer service.”
For more information about the Hoffmann Family of Companies and its recent acquisitions, please visit HFCompanies.com.
About Viking Plastics
Founded in 1972, Viking Plastics is a leader in custom plastic injection molding, specializing in high-quality sealing closures for automotive and HVAC industries. With over 50 injection molding machines and automated assembly cells, Viking Plastics serves North America and international markets, including Central Europe and the Far East. Headquartered in Corry, Pennsylvania, with facilities in Kentucky and Indiana, they deliver cutting-edge, cost-effective solutions. Committed to engineering excellence, Viking Plastics continually advances the industry with proprietary
technologies and a customer-focused approach. For more information, visit www.vikingplastics.com.
About Hoffmann Family of Companies
Hoffmann Family of Companies is a multi-vertical, family-owned private equity firm consisting of over 110 global brands, and employs 11,000 employees with businesses located in 30 countries and 400 locations around the world. Hoffmann Family of Companies’ verticals include Aviation, Agriculture, Financial Services, Hospitality, Business & Professional Services, Industrial, Manufacturing, Marine, Media & Marketing, Real Estate, and Transportation. For more information, visit www.hfcompanies.com.
