Plastics CEO shares his love for Bolton

We recently met Mike Cyr, owner of Rotogran International who talked about his business journey and passion for community initiatives. Rotogran International Inc. recently relocated from Vaughan to a 20,000 square foot facility in Bolton and currently employs 20 staff members. 

Tell us about Rotogran International Inc.?

Rotogran International is a North American manufacturer of size reduction equipment for the plastics and recycling industry. Rotogran designs single pass, high capacity granulators capable of reprocessing plastic scrap into valuable regrind regardless of its original shape or size. Rotogran also partners with Zero Waste, a company that focus on environmentally responsible and profitable waste recovery and waste-to-energy solutions.

We receive just as many compliments for quality and durability as we do for the people who stand behind it. When you buy a piece of equipment from Rotogran you may be purchasing steel and paint but you are actually getting heart and soul included as well.

Tell us about your journey with the company?

I started working directly with Rotogran International as Vice President of Sales in 1992 and utilized all my extensive experience as a machinist and salesperson as well as all my knowledge of engineering applications towards the growth of the company.

I was born to sell.
-- Mike Cyr

I feel as though I was born to sell, and my passion for Rotogran products has always been so big that I purchased the company as soon as the opportunity arrived. My team and I proudly developed and grew Rotogran International to the company that it is today.

Why did Rotogran choose Caledon as a place to relocate their facilities?

We recently moved from Vaughan to a larger facility in Bolton. Many advantages of relocating to Bolton are lower taxes, good infrastructure, close proximity to the airport and GTA. Another important reason is that Bolton to me is a human town, not a cold industrialized environment. We found that people in Bolton have good hearts, which is exactly the way that we run our company -  with heart.

Do you find it challenging to fill positions?

Where employment is concerned, we are an equal opportunity employer, meaning that we are a strong supporter of hiring new immigrants/newcomers and youth creating new opportunities for them and a better future for all employees. Our responsibility is not just to our employees but to the well-being of their families as well.

Rotogran works closely with Humberview Secondary School in Caledon as a proud sponsor of their strong Robotics program "Alpha Dogs". For an example, we recently hired an electrical and millwright apprentice from Humberview who is learning valuable job skills while developing his career.

What are your future plans for the company/ business?

Rotogran International Inc. focuses on the North American market. We are committed to efficiency, therefore instead of looking to expand by introducing new products, we improve existing operations, increase sales and product reliability. We plan on utilizing the upper portion of the building by expanding our engineering department and/or introducing a standalone electrical department.

If necessary, we can start a second shift for new hires. The expansion we have in mind needs new people and new ideas. We're excited about our future plans for growth, hiring new employees, closing new sales and maintaining our valued existing clientele.

Tell us about the highlight of your day. What inspires you?

I believe in manufacturing high-quality products and reliable equipment. I am passionate about achieving sales targets and meeting our customer needs. I was born to sell. I worked 20 years earning commission only, so if I wanted a raise, I had to sell more. That was my formula for success.

We strongly believe in connecting and engaging with our clients. We don’t close a customer’s file until I personally followed up with them to ensure they are satisfied with the purchased product and service provided. When you call here, there is no automated machine, we believe in people talking to people, that is the only way to provide a true customer service experience. Some people call it old-fashioned, but we just call it being human.

Fun fact: Did you know? There is a Rotogran granulator size reducing empty water bottles located at the base of the Statue of Liberty!

For more information about Rotogran International Inc, please visit www.rotogran.com