BELMONT, N.C. – Wilbert Plastic Services President and CEO Greg M. Botner announced his retirement from the role following 15 years of leadership. His commitment to the company and its growth, reputation and community presence earned Botner numerous accolades and esteem for his business acumen, his industry expertise and his community support across the greater Charlotte, N.C., region.
Botner began his career in plastics manufacturing 45 years ago working as a supervisor trainee at an automobile parts manufacturer in Michigan. In subsequent decades, his drive to succeed combined with his focus on efficient operations landed Botner in positions of increasing responsibility. He managed multiple acquisitions and divestitures throughout his career as well as several turnarounds for companies within the industry. He joined Wilbert Plastic Services as a director in 2004 and assumed his current role of president and chief executive officer in 2008.
During Botner’s tenure with Wilbert Plastic Services, he led the 2010 relocation of the business’ headquarters from Chicago, Ill., to Belmont, N.C. He guided the company from underperforming in 2008 to significant success today, more than doubling sales under his leadership. Wilbert is now one of the top 50 companies in the U.S. for thermoforming and injection molding plastics manufacturing.
Botner’s contributions to the community have also been significant. For several years, he served as a director for the Southeast Michigan March of Dimes. In 2018, he received the “Leadership in International Commerce” award from the Carolina World Trade Association. Botner was founding chair of the Gaston Business Association and member of numerous local, state and industry boards. He still holds directorships with Ovation Polymer Technology and Engineered Materials, Inc., and the Gaston County Schools Business Advisory Board. Botner is a strong advocate for vocational training at the high school level – a passion that he will continue pursuing in retirement.
“Business is made up of people and that’s what I will miss the most,” said Botner. “We have a great team of dedicated, loyal and talented people. I know that they’ll continue to support and build upon the foundation that I’ve been honored to create these last two decades.”
For more information, www.wilbertplastics.com/.
