OPELIKA, ALABAMA – November 2026 – Sanko Gosei Technologies USA, Inc. (STU), a subsidiary of Japan-based Sanko Gosei Ltd., has completed the acquisition of Cumberland Plastic Systems (CPS), an established injection molding manufacturer located in Opelika, Alabama.
The acquisition represents a significant step in Sanko Gosei's strategy to expand its manufacturing capabilities and customer relationships across North America.
Founded in 2006 by a group of investors led by plastics industry veteran John Chuplis, Cumberland Plastic Systems has grown from an operation with two injection molding machines and 20,000 square feet of manufacturing space into a business operating more than 40 injection molding machines in a facility exceeding 200,000 square feet.
CPS serves the automotive industry as a Tier-2 supplier, as well as OEM customers in the powersports, lawn and garden equipment, and power tool industries. The Opelika operation employs approximately 135 associates.
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Sanko Gosei Ltd., founded in Japan in 1940, is a publicly traded global manufacturer specializing in precision plastic components and advanced injection molding technologies. Its U.S. subsidiary, STU, has operated from Fort Wayne, Indiana, since 2014 and currently employs 430 associates.
The addition of the Opelika facility establishes Sanko Gosei's second U.S. manufacturing location, expanding its domestic manufacturing capacity and strengthening its ability to support customers throughout the Southeastern United States.
Sanko Gosei intends to build upon CPS's established manufacturing capabilities, workforce and customer relationships, while pursuing further investment in large-tonnage injection molding equipment and new production opportunities.
John Chuplis, former owner and president of Cumberland Plastic Systems, commented:
“This is a terrific match for Cumberland, its customers and its employees. We welcome Sanko Gosei to Alabama and are excited about supporting their long-term growth plans.”
Chuplis will continue supporting the business during the ownership transition.
Opelika Mayor Eddie Smith said:
“We are excited to welcome Sanko Gosei Technologies USA to Opelika. John Chuplis and the Cumberland Plastics team have been a valued partner in our community for many years and with this acquisition by Sanko Gosei, it will position the Opelika operation to expand its manufacturing capabilities in the automotive industry and pursue new production opportunities. We look forward to supporting the new team and are thankful for the continued investment in our community.”
Laurence Tabner, president and CEO of Sanko Gosei Technologies USA, Inc., commented:
“We see this acquisition as an important step in the long-term development of Sanko Gosei's North American business. Cumberland has built a strong manufacturing operation with an experienced workforce, established customer relationships and a reputation for delivering quality products.”
“Our intention is to build upon those strengths, invest in additional manufacturing capabilities and create new opportunities for growth. With our operations in Fort Wayne and now Opelika, we are better positioned to support existing customers and pursue new business across the United States.”
“We are particularly pleased to welcome the Cumberland associates into the Sanko Gosei organization and look forward to working together to build a successful long term strategic future for the Opelika operation.”
The acquisition brings together the capabilities and resources of both businesses, creating opportunities for technical collaboration and increased manufacturing capacity with a combined 90 injection molding machines from 100 to 3,500 tons.
MBS Advisors, a plastics-focused investment banking firm based in Florence, Massachusetts, initiated the transaction and represented Sanko Gosei Technologies USA, Inc.
About Sanko Gosei Technologies USA, Inc.
Sanko Gosei Technologies USA, Inc. is the U.S. manufacturing subsidiary of Sanko Gosei Ltd., a global manufacturer of precision injection-molded plastic components serving automotive and industrial customers. The company operates North American manufacturing facilities in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Opelika, Alabama, and Celaya, Mexico, as well as manufacturing sites in 11 other countries.
