Have you ever visited Beaverton, Michigan? Beaverton is the town closest to Robinson Industries. You may have been here during one of our famous 4th of July celebrations — complete with turtle racing at the Beaverton Tavern — or you may have been here to enjoy some fishing or camping along the Tobacco River.

If you happen to find yourself near Beaverton this fall, you will want to make a point to visit the Beaverton Activity Center. An exhibit is currently being crafted that will pay tribute to the founders of the modern thermoforming plastics industry. Surprisingly, Beaverton, Michigan is known as the thermoforming capital of the world. The original manufacturers of plastics and thermoforming machinery are right here in our backyard — literally! Fred Robinson, the founder of Robinson Industries will be one of four people honored in this project.

Last week in a brainstorming session for this exhibit, I remembered a toy I received for Christmas sometime in the 1960s. It was called the Vac-U-Form and it was one of my favorites. Click here to see the old commercial. Bring back any memories?

It’s been a long cold winter here in mid-Michigan but this project has been a lot of fun. We have a very creative and proud group of people who are excited to share our history, encourage young people to make this their home and to join our industry.

We hope to see you this fall!