Est. 1952
Heritage & History
Plano Molding Company was founded in Plano, Illinois in 1952, building its reputation on injection-molded plastic products that were more durable and weatherproof than the metal and wood tackle boxes that preceded them. The company grew alongside the postwar American fishing boom, producing tackle storage solutions as recreational fishing expanded from rural to suburban households.
For more than 70 years, Plano has maintained its Illinois manufacturing operations, developing the polypropylene formulations and mold designs that have made Plano boxes the default choice for American anglers. The company's ability to produce complex, durable storage products at competitive prices from an Illinois facility reflects the efficiency of domestic injection molding technology.
Made in Plano, Illinois
Plano Molding's Illinois facility produces tackle boxes, storage trays, gun cases, and outdoor gear cases using high-impact polypropylene and ABS resins. The injection molding process allows precise control of wall thickness, hinge geometry, and latch design — the mechanical features that determine how long a tackle box survives rough boat conditions and repeated use.
The company's StowMore partition system — removable, adjustable dividers that can be reconfigured to accommodate different lure sizes — is designed and manufactured in Illinois. The EDGE series with rust-resistant dividers represents the current premium tier, using materials chosen specifically for the corrosive environment of saltwater and high-humidity storage conditions.
What Sets Them Apart
Plano's advantage is the combination of material quality, hinge durability, and latch reliability that comes from 70 years of refining the same product category. The latches on a Plano tackle box are designed to survive the vibration of a boat ride, repeated opening and closing in cold weather when plastics become brittle, and the stress of being dropped on a hard surface. These are engineering details that differentiate a $15 Plano box from a cheaper imported alternative within the first few seasons of use.
For hunters and anglers who need reliable storage for expensive gear, Plano's waterproof cases with O-ring seals provide the same basic protection as Pelican cases at a fraction of the price — a domestic alternative that covers the needs of most users without the premium pricing of specialty brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Plano Molding made in the USA?
Yes. Plano Molding manufactures 5 verified products in Plano, IL. Plano Molding Company has injection-molded fishing tackle boxes, storage systems, and outdoor gear cases in Plano, Illinois since 1952, making it the American standard for organized tackle storage used by generations of anglers.
Where is Plano Molding manufactured?
Plano Molding is headquartered in Plano, IL. Manufacturing takes place in Plano, IL.
What Plano Molding products can I buy?
We carry 5 verified Plano Molding products across Sports & Outdoors. Every listing links directly to Amazon with verified American manufacturing.
When was Plano Molding founded?
Plano Molding was founded in 1952. Plano Molding Company has injection-molded fishing tackle boxes, storage systems, and outdoor gear cases in Plano, Illinois since 1952, making it the American standard for organized tackle storage used by generations of anglers.