General Pattern: A Century of Innovation and Family Values
Building a Legacy in Blaine
Founded in 1922 by Ernest S. Reiland, General Pattern began as a small wood pattern shop. Over the past century, it has grown into one of the country’s most vertically integrated plastic injection molding and prototyping companies. Still family-owned after five generations, the Blaine-based business continues to blend innovation with the values of hard work, care, and community.
Family at the Helm
Today, General Pattern is led by third-generation CEO Denny Reiland and fourth-generation president Staci Thill. Together, they’ve guided the company through decades of change while maintaining its family-owned character. “Even though we are an older company, we utilize new technology to get the correct product to our customers,” says Thill. “And we’ve maintained those family-owned business values as we grew.”
Adapting and Growing
From its early work supporting the foundry industry to becoming the first U.S. company to install a DMLS 3D printing machine in 2005, General Pattern has embraced innovation to stay ahead. Today, the company employs more than 220 people and generates $50 million in annual revenue, serving world-class brands like Ford, Polaris, Tesla, and Medtronic. Its reputation as a one-stop shop—offering prototyping, mold-making, injection molding, and assembly—sets it apart in a competitive industry.
“General Pattern carved out a niche in a tough industry by focusing on what they do best.”
A Culture of Care
Despite its scale, General Pattern hasn’t lost its family focus. Employees describe a culture rooted in dependability, teamwork, and fun. That culture comes to life each holiday season with the company’s legendary Christmas Village—16,000 square feet of lights, displays, and interactive experiences created by employees and shared with the community. It’s a symbol of the company’s values: keeping people working during slow times, fostering pride, and bringing people together.
Partnership with 21st Century Bank
General Pattern’s partnership with 21st Century Bank dates back to the 1980s, when the company was seeking to relocate to Blaine. “What we needed was someone we could call up, talk to directly, and trust,” says Reiland. “Tom and his team listened. They believed in our vision. And from day one, it felt like a true partnership.”
Through SBA 504 and 7(a) loans, 21st Century Bank has helped General Pattern acquire property, purchase equipment, and expand operations. Today, the company owns half of its 18 buildings and continues to grow with the guidance of a banking partner that understands the needs of family-owned businesses.
Looking Ahead
With a century of innovation behind them and family leadership guiding the way forward, General Pattern is poised to keep adapting and thriving. Backed by a trusted banking partner, the company remains committed to its community, its employees, and its promise to innovate for the next 100 years.
General Pattern & 21st Century Bank: Partnership at a Glance
Company: General Pattern (Blaine, MN)
Founded: 1922 (4th Generation Family-Owned)
Leadership: Denny Reiland (CEO) & Staci Thill (President)
Scale: 220+ Employees | ~$50M Annual Revenue
Industry Focus: Vertically Integrated Plastic Injection Molding & Prototyping
The Strategic Banking Solution
Over a 40-year relationship, 21st Century Bank deployed customized financing to fuel General Pattern’s evolution from a wood pattern shop to a high-tech manufacturing leader:
- SBA 504 Financing: Acquired the commercial real estate necessary to build out an expansive 18-building manufacturing campus.
- SBA 7(a) Financing: Funded the specialized, heavy machinery required for precision plastic injection molding.
- Cash Management Services: Streamlined high-volume, daily operational cash flows to support over 200 employees and world-class clients like Tesla and Medtronic.
