What Universal Plastics does

Universal Plastics Inc. is a third-generation, family-owned commercial building specialty subcontractor founded in 1969 and headquartered in Roseville, California. The company operates as a signatory contractor to both the Carpenters and Mill Cabinet Union, holds California Contractor License #390876 (C61/D12) and Nevada Contractor License #0006651A (C20A), and generates revenue by installing custom wall panel systems, wall protection products, high-impact wall coverings, FRP panels, phenolic panels (Trespa), Marlite Sieva panels, wood veneer panels, compact laminate panels, solid surface countertops, and decorative surfacing materials in commercial construction projects. Its customer base spans general contractors, project owners, and architects across airports (SFO, SMF, SJC), healthcare (Kaiser Permanente, UC Davis Health, Santa Clara Valley Medical), education (UC Merced, UC Davis, SJSU, SFSU), government (Contra Costa Courthouse, SMUD, CalPERS), retail, hospitality, and housing sectors throughout California and Nevada.

The company's commercial model combines installation services with distribution through its wholly-owned M&M Materials subdivision, established in 1980 as Marlite's master distributor for Northern California and Apps Partner for Marlite Panel Systems. M&M Materials distributes Marlite, Trespa, Wilsonart, Nevamar, Formica, Panolam, Construction Specialties Acrovyn, 3Form, InPro, Corian, Korogard, FunderMax, Altro, Interlam, and Crane Composites products to other contractors and builders. Pricing is project-specific and quote-based on both sides of the business, with no publicly disclosed pricing tiers. The company is led by Steve Tullgren (President) and Lisa Tullgren (CFO, third generation), with no venture capital, private equity, or parent company involvement.

Universal Plastics markets primarily through its project portfolio website (uniplastics.com), BBB accreditation, direct relationships with general contractors and architects, and word-of-mouth within the California/Nevada construction industry. Its competitive positioning rests on the dual installer-distributor role, niche specialization in custom panel systems, union labor access, and 60 years of continuous operation with marquee project credentials. The company has no disclosed technology platform, no software products, no AI/ML capabilities, and operates as a labor-intensive specialty contractor with project-based revenue mechanics.

Name

Universal Plastics

Legal name

Universal Plastics Inc.

Website

https://uniplastics.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1969

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Roseville

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Installation Services: As a commercial building specialty subcontractor, Universal Plastics generates revenue by installing wall panel systems, wall protection, and surfacing products in commercial construction projects. Projects span airports, healthcare facilities, schools, government buildings, hospitality, retail, and housing.
2. Material Distribution (M&M Materials): M&M Materials, a subdivision of Universal Plastics since 1980, serves as Marlite's master distributor for Northern California and an Apps Partner for Marlite Panel Systems. The division distributes FRP, FRL, Panolam, Nevamar, high pressure plastic laminate, and other surfacing materials to contractors and builders. Revenue is generated through product sales and distribution markups.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Universal Plastics is a commercial building specialty subcontractor that installs custom wall panel systems, wall protection, and surfacing materials (FRP, phenolic panels such as Trespa, plastic laminate, solid surface, stainless steel, and Marlite panel systems) in commercial construction projects across airports, healthcare, education, government, hospitality, housing, and retail sectors. Through its M&M Materials subdivision (founded 1980), the company serves as Marlite's master distributor for Northern California and an Apps Partner for Marlite Panel Systems, distributing specialty surfacing materials including FRP, FRL, Panolam, Nevamar, and high pressure plastic laminate to other contractors and builders.

Product overview

Universal Plastics Inc. is a commercial building specialty subcontractor offering a portfolio of wall panel systems, wall protection products, and architectural finishing materials. The company's core offerings include custom wall panel systems, essential wall protection, high-impact wall coverings, Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) panels, stainless steel products, plastic laminates, and solid surface countertops. Through its M&M Materials subsidiary (a Marlite master distributor for Northern California), it distributes and installs Marlite Panel Systems, Phenolic Panel Systems (Trespa), Acrovyn Wall Protection, and various graphic panel systems. The company serves diverse market sectors including airports, education, healthcare, government, hospitality, housing, and retail through installation, distribution, and Apps Partnership services.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• M&M Materials: A subdivision of Universal Plastics started in 1980, serving as Marlite's master distributor for Northern California and Apps Partner for Marlite Panel Systems. Provides FRL, FRP, Panolam, Nevamar, high pressure plastic laminate and related materials.

Products and services

• Custom Wall Panel Systems Installation
• High-Impact Wall Coverings Installation
• Phenolic Panel Systems (Trespa) Installation
• Marlite Panel Systems Distribution & Installation
• Acrovyn Wall Protection Distribution & Installation
• Custom Graphic Wall Panels
• Solid Surface Countertops & Wall Panels

Quantifiable outcome

• 60 years of continuous operation as a commercial specialty subcontractor, demonstrating sustained business viability and expertise
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers23 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered core and secondary.

• Marlite (via M&M Materials)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 1980M&M Materials, founded in 1980 as a subdivision of Universal Plastics, is Marlite's master distributor for Northern California and an Apps Partner for all Marlite Panel Systems. This is the company's core distribution relationship and primary supply partnership, forming the foundation of the M&M Materials business unit.
• Construction Specialties (C/S Group)coreTechnology or IntegrationConstruction Specialties is one of Universal Plastics' main suppliers of Acrovyn Wall and Door protection systems, including corner guards, bumper/crash/chair rails, and the Acrovyn by Design product line. The company distributes these products as part of its wall protection offerings.
• Crane Composites / KemlitecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCrane Composites (Kemlite) is a world-wide FRP distributor partner. Fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) panels are widely distributed by the company for construction and building materials applications, offering resistance to mold, mildew, bacteria growth, high impact strength, moisture resistance, and chemical resistance.
• TrespacoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTrespa is a key manufacturer partner. Trespa panels are based on thermosetting resins homogeneously reinforced with wood fibres and manufactured under high pressure and temperature. The company has installed Trespa products at numerous airport and commercial projects including Sacramento Airport, San Francisco Airport, and San Jose Airport.
• WilsonartcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWilsonart International is a world-leading producer of decorative surfacing products including laminate, solid surface, and laminate flooring. The company distributes Wilsonart products and has installed them at San Francisco International Airport and Sacramento International Airport projects.
• 3FormsecondaryChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor3Form is a leading manufacturer of eco-friendly materials and architectural hardware solutions using Varia ecoresin to encapsulate color, organic materials, and textures into translucent resin panels. The company has installed 3Form products at San Jose Airport and UC Davis Health Folsom.
• NevamarsecondaryChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNevamar provides high pressure laminate with proprietary Armored Protection finish. The company distributes Nevamar products for commercial projects.
• FormicasecondaryChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFormica is a brand of composite materials including classic plastic laminate products. The company distributes Formica products.
• PanolamcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPanolam manufactures FRL (Fiber Reinforced Laminate) and other decorative surfacing products. The company distributes Panolam FRL for high-traffic applications in healthcare, education, and commercial settings. Used in projects at Del Campo High School, East Ave Middle School, and Elk Grove High School.
• InPro CorporationsecondaryChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorInPro Corporation is a global leader in interior and exterior architectural products including interior protection products, signage, privacy systems, engineered metal products, and decorative surfaces. The company supplies the Palladium Rigid Sheet Goods, High Impact Hand Rail & Wall Guards, and Bio Prism product lines.
• Corian (DuPont)secondaryChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCorian is a solid surfacing material from DuPont used for countertops and wall protection. The company distributes Corian solid surface products for commercial applications.
• KorogardsecondaryChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorKorogard offers wall protection products including handrails, chair rails, corner guards, bumper rails, and wallcoverings, including the innovative Bellagard collection. The company distributes these products for commercial wall protection applications.
• Associated Subcontractors Alliance of SacramentosecondaryOthersSteve Tullgren, President of Universal Plastics, serves on the board of directors of the Associated Subcontractors Alliance of Sacramento, a professional industry association for subcontractors.
• FunderMaxsecondaryChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFunderMax manufactures decorative HPL (high pressure laminate) products for furniture, facades, and interior fittings. The company distributes FunderMax products.
• AltrosecondaryChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAltro provides Whiterock — a hygienic alternative to ceramic wall tiles that is impact resistant, grout-free, and easy to clean. Used primarily in healthcare applications.
• InterlamsecondaryChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorInterlam is a designer and manufacturer of high-end sculpted, carved, decorative, and ornamental wall panels exported globally. The company has used Interlam products in projects such as American River College.
• Life Science Products (LSP)secondaryChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLife Science Products Inc. develops, manufactures, and installs specialty architectural finishes for bio-medical, vivarium, and life science markets. The company distributes LSP corner guards.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Others

• Wilsonart: Wilsonart is a world-leading manufacturer of decorative surfacing products including high-pressure laminate, compact laminate, and solid surface. Wilsonart supplies Universal Plastics (installed at SFO and SMF) and competes in the broader commercial surfacing specification market with in-house commercial project teams.
• Formica Corporation: Formica is a major manufacturer of high-pressure laminates, compact laminates, sculpted panels, and plastic laminate tops. Formica is a product supplier to Universal Plastics and operates in the broader commercial decorative surfacing market with overlapping customer relationships in commercial construction.
• InPro Corporation: InPro is a global manufacturer of interior architectural products including wall protection, signage, privacy systems, and decorative surfaces (Palladium, Bio Prism). InPro supplies Universal Plastics and competes in the broader architectural specification and distribution space with overlapping institutional customer relationships.
• Korogard: Korogard manufactures wall protection products including semi-rigid sheet goods, hand and crash rails, corner guards, and wallcoverings (including the Bellagard collection). Korogard supplies Universal Plastics and competes in the commercial wall protection specification market with overlapping healthcare and education customer relationships.
• Trespa: Trespa is a leading manufacturer of high-performance phenolic panel systems (Meteon, Athlon) used in commercial facades and interiors. Trespa is a key product supplier to Universal Plastics — installed at SFO, SMF, and SJC — and has its own specification support teams operating in the same architectural surfacing market.
• Marlite: Marlite is the manufacturer of Marlite panel systems, which Universal Plastics distributes through its M&M Materials subdivision as Marlite's master distributor for Northern California. Marlite is a core supplier-partner but also operates its own specification and distribution channels, making it both a partner and a potential channel competitor in the same product category.
• Construction Specialties (C/S Group): C/S Group is a leading manufacturer of Acrovyn wall and door protection systems, corner guards, and crash rails — a key product line Universal Plastics distributes. C/S Group is a supplier-partner, but its broader architectural products portfolio and in-house specification support overlap with Universal Plastics' market in commercial wall protection.
• Panolam Industries: Panolam manufactures FRL (Fiber Reinforced Laminate) and other high-pressure laminates targeted at high-traffic healthcare, education, and commercial settings. Panolam supplies Universal Plastics (used at Del Campo HS, East Ave MS, Elk Grove HS) and competes in the same institutional surfacing specification market.
• Crane Composites: Crane Composites (formerly Kemlite) is a global manufacturer of FRP (Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic) panels and Sequentia products. Crane is a key product supplier to Universal Plastics for FRP installations in commercial and institutional settings, and operates in the broader FRP panel specification and distribution market.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Universal Plastics