Germantown, Wis. (January 20, 2026) — L.T. Hampel Corp, a leading manufacturer of heavy-gauge, deep-draw thermoformed plastics serving customers globally across a wide breadth of industries, has initiated a leadership transition positioning the company for continued innovation and success.
After more than 20 years of transformative leadership, Hampel's current president, Paul Lorge, has announced his retirement. Steve Everett Jr., a veteran executive with tremendous leadership experience, has joined Hampel as President. Lorge will remain as the organization's CFO into the second half of 2026.
Everett brings 21 years of executive and operational leadership knowledge, most recently as Senior Vice President, Operations, of FCA Packaging, and President of Timber Creek Resource. His diversified career has included leading global brands at companies throughout the Midwest.
Everett is a longtime member of Vistage Worldwide Inc., the world's largest executive coaching and peer advisory organization. He was twice named a Wisconsin Titan 100 by Titan CEO, a program recognizing the state's top CEOs and C-level executives. He holds a B.S. in communications from Ithaca College and an executive MBA from the Lubar College of Business at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee.
"Steve's diverse background and proven ability to lead, motivate and inspire people towards growth make him an ideal fit for Hampel at a moment where we are poised for continued innovation and expansion into new markets," said Lance Hampel, Founder and Chairman of L.T. Hampel Corp.
"I'm excited to build and grow the market's best heavy-gauge, deep-draw thermoformer, and continue its legacy of innovation and excellence," Everett said. "Hampel is tremendously focused on delivering customer value. I look forward to being part of its inventive culture, and seeking out new opportunities for growth and strengthening customer relationships."
Over more than two decades under Lorge's leadership, Hampel achieved remarkable growth:
- Annual sales more than tripled as Hampel significantly grew its customer base in agricultural, sanitation and OEM markets, plus farm and ranch retail.
- The manufacturing footprint more than doubled as proprietary brands — Calf-Tel, Hampel's Ultimate Chicken Coop, Farmstead Feeders and Happy Hut — gained ever-increasing market share.
- Now employing more than 200 across an international footprint, the company established a wholly-owned GmbH subsidiary in Oberdischingen, Germany, strengthening its presence in the European market.
- Its team pioneered robotics innovation that continually pushed the limits of plastics manufacturing.
- Plastic sheet extrusion was brought online in Germantown, a major leap in vertically integrating operations.
- A 15,000-square-foot steel fabrication plant opened in Fredericksburg, Texas, further integrating operations with steel parts and accessories to support the animal-care division.
"Leading this company has been the honor of my professional life," Lorge said. "Our success is a testament to our employees' dedication and our customers' trust. Moving toward retirement, I am confident that Hampel is well positioned for continued growth."
"We are immensely grateful to Paul for his exceptional leadership, personal integrity, and dedicated service to the company and our employees over the past 20 years," Lance Hampel continued. "His strategic approach, commitment to excellence and business acumen have left an indelible mark on the organization and its employees."
Founded in 1976, L.T. Hampel Corp. operates on a mantra of "Take Shape," a commitment to help its customers achieve the impossible. Through nonstop dedication to advancing technology and streamlining manufacturing, its talented team strives to perfect the art and science of heavy-gauge, deep-draw thermoforming — turning customers' most monumental challenges into tangible, structural realities. An ISO 9001:2015 certified company, Hampel has earned repeated awards for thermoforming and business excellence.
For more information, please contact Ashley Hansen at ashleyhansen@hampelcorp.com, (262) 532-9094.
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