ABC Group’s Mike Schmidt dies

Mike (Matthias) Schmidt, a founder of ABC Plastics Group, passed away on January 10 at age 78.

Born in Yugoslavia, Schmidt emigrated to Canada in 1956, and co-founded blow mold equipment supplier ABC Group in the late-1960s with partners Ben Elgner and Steve Kovacs. The Toronto-based company was unique among industrial blow molders for its ability to design and build technically elaborate molds and in-house blow molding machinery.

Schmidt’s other accomplishments include recipient of the Society of the Plastic Industries Man-of-the-Year award in 1982; Chairman of SPI in 1994; member of Canadian Plastics Pioneers Quarter Century Club in 1983; the Board of Directors of the Automotive Parts Manufacturing Association in 1995; and recipient of the 1997 Outstanding Achievement award of the Society of Plastics Engineers Blow Molding Division. He also participated as a chairperson on numerous panels and committees designed to further the interests of the plastics industry with respect to various issues ranging from the Auto Pact to the North American Free Trade Agreement.

His son Frank predeceased Schmidt. He leaves Helga, his wife of 55 years, and children Tim and Michelle.

Friends will be received at Ward Funeral Home in Woodbridge, Ont., on Wednesday and Thursday from 2 4 p.m. and 6 9 pm. A celebration of Schmidt’s life will take place on Friday, January 16, at 11 am, at the Bellevue Manor, 8083 Jane St., Woodbridge, Ont.