Skip to content 
DANIEL FINTON STAFF WRITER, YOUR SUN
Apr 5, 2026
NORTH PORT — King Plastic tends to quietly go about its business under the radar, but Thursday, the business received the “GEM Award” by North Port’s Economic Development Division.
Mike McLellan, business retention and expansion coordinator with North Port’s Economic Development Division, said the award is given out each quarter to an “outstanding local business.”
The GEM Award celebrates growth, excellence and momentum of businesses that are part of the city’s DNA.
What is King Plastic?
King Plastic is certainly that. They have been a part of North Port for decades.
Located off Toledo Blade Boulevard, King Plastic employs about 200 people and is one of the largest private employers locally. King Plastic, McLellan said, supports innovation, industry and growth in the city.
King Plastic distributes its products around the globe. Some has made it to the South Pole, used by the U.S. Navy.
The North Port plant operates 24 hours a day to keep up with demand.
In 1968, Tom King founded a plastics manufacturing plant in Venice. In 2001, the company opened its new facility in North Port.
Jeffrey King, Tom’s son, now owns and operates the company with some help from his family and their large staff.
YMCA COMING SOON
McLellan also spoke about how King Plastic will have a YMCA in the near future.
YMCA of Southwest Florida is working with King Plastic to build a new learning academy off Toledo Blade Boulevard in North Port.
A groundbreaking day for the new facility is slated for May 13, according to King Plastic staff.
YMCA officials previously said the new facility is much-needed with many childcare facilities being destroyed by hurricanes.
The partnership between the YMCA and King Plastic will be similar to that of the North Venice’s Y location’s relationship with PGT Innovations. That Y built in 2018 serves around 90 children daily.
North Port’s new Y is slated to help 150 children — from 6-weeks-old to children in pre-K. Priority will be given to King Plastic employee children, and then general enrollment will be open to the public.
“He rolled up his sleeves and is actually building an early learning facility for his employees,” McLellan said.
Officials, like City Manager Jerome Fletcher, said the new Y was much-needed when plans were revealed in March 2024.
Jeffrey King thanked officials Friday for the award at City Hall.
King said he appreciated the recognition.
“We’re really blessed to be part of this community,” King said.
Article Source. SUN PHOTOS BY DANIEL FINTON.
