Through a CIRAS supplier scouting project conducted for Blue-9, Lomont Molding gained new business after being identified and selected as a plastics manufacturing partner. The project highlights how CIRAS connects Iowa companies using data-driven insight and internal collaboration to strengthen local supply chains.
Company Overview
Lomont Molding LLC, based in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, is a leader in plastic molding, providing high-quality, innovative solutions across the United States and internationally. Since 1982, Lomont Molding has grown into a leading custom plastic molder, offering a full range of services including injection molding, structural foam molding, blow molding, nitrogen gas-assist, over-molding, and in-mold technology. The company supports a wide range of industries with scalable production capacity and experience manufacturing durable, high-performance plastic products designed to meet demanding use requirements.
Situation
Blue-9, an Iowa company specializing in dog training products, was developing a new, smaller pet training platform made primarily from plastic. As part of the product development process, Blue-9 needed to identify a qualified plastics manufacturer and determine whether injection molding or blow molding would be the most appropriate manufacturing method.
Blue-9 contacted CIRAS for supplier scouting support to help identify Iowa-based manufacturers with the technical capability, capacity, and experience to provide both manufacturing options and early design input before Blue-9 committed to tooling or production.
“As we developed a new plastic-based training platform, it was critical to identify the right manufacturing partner before committing to tooling. CIRAS helped us quickly evaluate qualified Iowa suppliers and connect with a company that could provide both technical guidance and the production capability we needed. Their supplier scouting support saved time, reduced risk, and accelerated our path to manufacturing,” said David Blake, president and founder of Blue-9.
Solution
CIRAS met with Blue-9 to clarify product requirements, anticipated production volumes, and performance needs, including a minimum load capacity of 300 pounds. CIRAS then conducted a targeted supplier scouting effort focused on identifying Iowa manufacturers with both injection molding and blow molding capabilities.
Rather than relying on a simple data search, the CIRAS team leveraged supplier intelligence developed through prior work with the Supply Chain Optimization Intelligence Network, along with internal collaboration and shared knowledge across staff, to efficiently identify and pre-vet potential suppliers. Companies were evaluated for capability, capacity, and interest, and NDAs were facilitated to allow for detailed discussions.
Through this process, Lomont Molding was identified as a strong potential match. Lomont manufacturing capabilities, production scale, and experience producing high-strength plastic products aligned well with Blue-9 requirements. CIRAS facilitated the introduction, allowing Blue-9 and Lomont to engage directly in discussions related to design considerations, manufacturing feasibility, and cost.
Following these discussions, Blue-9 selected Lomont Molding as the manufacturing partner and issued a purchase order.
“CIRAS played a key role in connecting us with Blue‑9 at exactly the right stage of their product development. Being involved early allowed our engineering and manufacturing teams to collaborate on design considerations that ensured the product could be produced efficiently and at the strength levels required. We value opportunities like this to support a fellow Iowa company and appreciate CIRAS helping make the connection,” said Ted Richardson, EVP of Lomont Molding LLC.
Results
As a result of the CIRAS supplier scouting project, Lomont Molding reported an initial $80,000 economic impact, including $40,000 in new sales and $40,000 in retained sales over the next 12 months.
As the project progresses through tooling, testing, and production ramp-up, Lomont anticipates the opportunity to grow into a $150,000 account once manufacturing is fully underway. Beyond the direct financial impact, the project demonstrates how CIRAS supplier scouting connects Iowa companies, supports product innovation, and helps keep manufacturing opportunities within the state.
Contact Melissa Burant to learn more.