The Plastics Cluster in our region has grown at a vigorous 8.9 percent annually from 1989 to 1995. The forecast for the period 1995 to 2005 estimates a slower growth rate of 0.1 percent annually. In general, the U.S. plastics industry is forecast to grow a relatively flat 0.4 percent as a whole. Regional plastics companies believe that they could gain a positive return on solution in terms of higher productivity and profits and 3-10 percent annual growth in sales and employees. However, this outcome will depend on whether this industry can acquire the appropriate workforce and a reasonably efficient business climate for expansion.