Celebrating 30 Years of Agri-Plastics: Global Leaders in Calf Housing & Rotomolding

This year, Agri-Plastics proudly celebrates 30 years of innovation in calf housing systems and plastic manufacturing for agriculture, family values, and a relentless drive to improve life on the farm. From our humble beginnings in 1995 with a single machine and a 4,000 sq ft building, we’ve grown into one of the world’s leading calf housing manufacturers – with facilities in both Canada and the U.S., and a footprint that spans the globe.

Where It All Began

The first Agri-Plastics machine was the FSP Clamshell 120. The very first product? A simple footbath for dairy barns. But our sights were always set higher. In 1997, we introduced our first calf hutch – engineered with both calves and caretakers in mind. It featured the industry’s first side-feeding door that stayed open during feeding (no more holding it up!) and, just a few years later, the first rear feeding door and bottom air-flow vents. These designs didn’t just set us apart – they helped set new standards in dairy calf management.

A Family Business at Heart

Agri-Plastics is more than a business – it’s a three-generation story of dairy farmers turned manufacturers. Founded by Joe & Jenny VanBuuren, the children of a Dutch immigrants who purchased a small dairy farm in Canada in the late 1960s, the company was born from firsthand experience with the challenges of livestock care and management.

Their son, Darren VanBuuren, later expanded the vision, and today, Darren and his wife Sue remain deeply connected to both the company and its future. Together they raised two children, Kyle and Meghan, who grew up alongside the business – spending time with calves, learning the values of hard work, and seeing firsthand how innovation could transform agriculture. Kyle is now actively involved in the company, with his goals for innovation and growth setting plans in place for exciting things yet to come. Meghan has pursued her own academic path in engineering and biomedical research, continuing the family’s tradition of curiosity, determination, and drive to make an impact.

Coincidentally, Darren and his wife, Sue are celebrating a personal milestone – their 30^th wedding anniversary is this year as well. Sue has been at Darren’s side supporting him through the ups and downs in the running of the business, and for many of the 30 years she has had an active role at Agri-Plastics on the administrative and management side.

Though we’ve grown significantly, that small family feel still defines us. Our team is tight knit, our decisions are hands-on, and our commitment to quality is personal.

Growth Fueled by Innovation

Agri-Plastics has never stood still. We added our first 9,000 sq ft expansion just three years after opening, and by 2001 we had added another 23,900 sq ft to keep up with demand. In 2005, we took our first steps into international markets – driven by a desire to serve farmers in in the VanBuuren’s homeland of the Netherlands and beyond.

In 2011, we acquired a 110,000 sq ft facility and upgraded our operations with cutting-edge rotational molding machines that positioned us for global growth. By 2017, we had moved production to a massive 168,000 sq ft facility in Sidney, Nebraska. Today, that plant houses nine molding machines focused on calf housing and three more dedicated to custom molding.

And the momentum hasn’t slowed. This year, we’re adding another 20,000 sq ft to our original Canadian plant in Grassie, Ontario, and in spring 2026, we’ll be opening a 64,000 sq ft manufacturing facility in Buffalo, New York. These two milestones mark a major leap forward in our ability to serve customers and partners.

The Grassie expansion strengthens our production capacity, while Buffalo will bring next-generation autonomous molding technology, equipped with Industry 4.0 automation that positions us at the forefront of advanced rotomolding manufacturing. Buffalo will also serve as a strategic distribution hub for the Northeast and Midwest, strengthening our ability to deliver quickly and reliably across key markets.

Along with our existing operations, these expansions mean faster turnaround times, improved product quality, and greater flexibility across our product lines, giving customers and partners more confidence than ever in the products we provide.

Custom Work and Diversification

While calf housing is at our core, we’ve also built a strong reputation in custom rotomolding services. Since 1998, we’ve helped OEM clients bring complex ideas into rugged, molded solutions.

Today our group of companies includes:

• Agri-Plastics – The Calf Housing Specialists
• Agri-Comfort – The Livestock Comfort Specialists
• AP Custom Rotomolding – Molding Your Ideas Into Reality
• Diamond Plastics – Durable Storage for Your ATV/UTV
• Agri-Farm Products – Daily Management Accessories for Livestock

Looking Ahead

The future is about more than bigger facilities – it’s about continuing to innovate for the farmers and families who rely on us. From Canada and the U.S. to farms across Europe and beyond, Agri-Plastics will keep building calf housing systems and livestock housing solutions that improve animal health, simplify farm work, and strengthen operations.

The Heart of It All

What’s been the best part of the last 30 years? According to the VanBuuren family, its watching Joe and Jenny’s original vision grow into an international company – without losing the values it was built on. “Seeing what my parents started and how far we’ve come – it’s been incredibly rewarding.”

Of course, the journey hasn’t been without challenges. Technology, automation, and global growth have reshaped how we operate, but our mission remains the same: building better environments for animals and the people who care for them.

As we look to the next 30 years, one thing is certain – our story is just beginning.
Want to learn more about our story and our products? Visit us at Agri-plastics.net or call us at 888-231-3575n