A Journey of Innovation and Community Support: MP Global Spotlight
In the world of business, stories of resilience, innovation, and strong partnerships are the foundation of many success stories. Al Collison, the President of MP Global, offers an inspiring example. His journey, which began in the insulation business in 1975, has evolved into a multi-faceted enterprise that has continuously pushed the boundaries of product development, sustainability, and community engagement. Let’s take a closer look at Al’s entrepreneurial path and his long-standing relationship with Midwest Bank.
From Insulation to QuietWalk: The Birth of MP Global
Al Collison’s entrepreneurial journey began in 1975 when he entered the insulation industry. Through the years, he also started Window World and Green Fiber, later selling both of those businesses. By 1997, he was ready to embark on a new venture—MP Global. And from MP Global, more innovative ideas would flourish including taking textile scraps that would typically end up in landfills and turning them into useful products. MP Global began by manufacturing carpet pads, but a revolutionary invention soon followed.
In 1998, MP Global introduced QuietWalk, an underlayment for laminate flooring, a product designed to reduce noise and protect floors from moisture. Laminate flooring had only recently entered the U.S. market in 1993, and Al’s forward-thinking approach capitalized on this trend. QuietWalk quickly became a best-seller and has remained the top underlayment product for over two decades, a testament to its quality and effectiveness. Today, MP Global processes 800 tons of textile scraps per month to meet the demand for QuietWalk and similar products.
Expanding into Packaging: Innovation Meets Sustainability
Not content with his success in the flooring industry, Al and his team sought to diversify MP Global’s offerings. About ten years ago, they ventured into thermal packaging, specifically addressing the needs of the cold chain industry. This technology is used to keep perishable items like food and medicine at the correct temperature during shipping.
The challenge came five years ago when customers requested a recyclable option for thermal packaging. True to his innovative nature, Al pushed his team to go beyond recyclable and create a product that was “repulpable”—able to be reprocessed like cardboard. Using bicomponent technology, they developed a liner that could replace Styrofoam coolers. This technology now prevents the use of a million Styrofoam coolers every month, contributing to a more sustainable future.
Al credits much of his success and groundbreaking ideas to divine intervention, but there is no doubt that his commitment to sustainability and innovation has also been a driving force in MP Global’s growth.
Overcoming Adversity: The 2005 Factory Fire
The entrepreneurial journey is rarely without challenges. In 2005, MP Global faced a major setback when a fire destroyed its factory. This could have been a devastating blow, but Al’s response highlights his resilience and determination.
In the wake of the fire, Al received an important call from Doug Johnson, President and CEO at Midwest Bank. Doug reassured him not to worry about the financial aspects, promising the bank’s full support during this difficult time. This gesture solidified the strong relationship between MP Global and Midwest Bank, a relationship that had started in 1998 when Al first began banking with them.
Midwest Bank supported me and my business during the aftermath of the fire. I didn’t have to worry about anything financially until it was all over. It was really great to have their full support. Midwest Bank has been good to me for a long time.
Despite the fire, Al’s quick thinking led him to a factory in Mexico City with almost identical equipment to his own. He struck a deal to use the factory for six months, sending his team to produce MP Global’s products while also training the local workers. This arrangement allowed the factory owners to build their sales while MP Global stayed afloat, overcoming the crisis with minimal downtime.
In yet another example of perseverance, Al managed to convince Lowe’s, one of MP Global’s key buyers, to continue business with them despite the fire. His promise to resume production swiftly seemed improbable to many, but Al delivered, showing that even in the face of disaster, nothing was impossible with the right mindset.
A Strong Partnership: MP Global and Midwest Bank
Throughout MP Global’s journey, Midwest Bank played a crucial role in supporting Al and his business. From the early days of their relationship to helping them navigate the aftermath of the 2005 fire, the bank has been a reliable partner. Al speaks highly of the personal connections he has formed with the team at Midwest Bank, particularly Doug Johnson, who went above and beyond during MP Global’s time of need.
Al’s positive experience with Midwest Bank led him to join their board of directors, where he now plays an active role in shaping the bank’s future. He often refers other business owners to Midwest Bank, emphasizing the ease of doing business, competitive rates, and the helpfulness of the bank’s employees.
A Legacy of Innovation and Community
Al Collison’s journey with MP Global is a testament to the power of innovation, resilience, and strong community ties. From pioneering products like QuietWalk to creating sustainable packaging solutions, Al has consistently pushed the boundaries of what’s possible. Through it all, Midwest Bank has been a steadfast partner, offering the financial support and personal connections needed to help MP Global thrive.
As MP Global continues to grow and adapt to new challenges, one thing remains constant: the company’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and community-driven success.