Press release submitted on behalf of DeKALB.
Longtime leader Rick Walters transitions to Chairman role
BUTLER, IN – DeKALB Molded Plastics, a leading custom structural plastics molder serving the material handling, medical, agriculture, and water filtration industries, has announced the appointment of Doug Bonecutter as President, effective October 15, 2025.
Bonecutter succeeds Rick Walters, who will continue to serve as Chairman and remain active in guiding DeKALB’s long-term vision and culture.
“DeKALB has long been recognized as a strong company in the structural plastics industry, built on relationships, integrity, and care for people,” said Walters. “We have always put people first, starting with our employees and extending that same respect to our customers, suppliers, and community. Doug shares this philosophy and is deeply committed to DeKALB’s continued success.”
Bonecutter joined DeKALB Molded Plastics in 2017 and was promoted to Vice President in 2022. He brings more than a decade of leadership experience in manufacturing operations, including previous roles as Plant Manager for Winzler Stampings and Multi-Site Plant Manager for Tenneco Automotive, where he led teams focused on continuous improvement, operational excellence, and customer satisfaction.
“I am honored to carry forward the legacy Rick and the DeKALB team have built,” said Bonecutter. “DeKALB’s strength comes from its people and its connection to the community. As an organization, we are driven to improve our company and community through growth and empowerment, one person at a time.”
Bonecutter sees strong potential for DeKALB’s next chapter: “We have a significant opportunity to deepen relationships with our existing customers by understanding their evolving needs and providing tailored, value-driven solutions,” he said. “We also see room to broaden our reach within current markets, leveraging our experience, infrastructure, and brand recognition for scalable growth.”
As DeKALB looks ahead, Bonecutter emphasizes the company’s readiness for the future: “We have built a strong, forward-looking team that is both experienced and adaptable. Our people are aligned, capable, and committed to continuous improvement, which positions us well for long-term success.”
Walters added, “Doug is an engaged and operationally driven leader who cares deeply about our employees and our customers. I am confident that under his leadership, DeKALB will continue to thrive and strengthen its role as a trusted partner in the plastics industry.”
About DeKALB Molded Plastics
Founded in 1978, DeKALB Molded Plastics is a custom structural foam molder specializing in large, multi-nozzle plastic products. As one of the first ISO 9002, currently 9001:2015, certified structural plastics molders in the United States, DeKALB offers a variety of value-added operations, including in-house post mold painting, plastic decorating capabilities, kitting, and assembly requirements for programs ranging from single stand-alone products to complex, multi-component, multi-operation programs.
For more information on DeKALB Molded Plastics, please call 260-868-2105 or visit www.dekalbplastics.com.