Dearborn-Based Plastech Founder Julie Nguyen Brown Dies

DEARBORN, MI – Julie Nguyen Brown, who founded and presided over what was once the largest minority-owned U.S. auto supplier, the Dearborn-based Plastech Engineered Products Inc., has died.

She was remembered on Jan. 12 at a private service in Dearborn at Sacred Heart Church.

Accolades continue to pour in, including from Dearborn Mayor John B. O’Reilly Jr., who expressed the community’s condolences to the family of Brown, who he said contributed to the economic success of Dearborn by founding and operating Plastech in Dearborn.

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“Julie Nguyen Brown was a true innovator and pursued her vision for a unique manufacturing process that led to her business success” Mayor O’Reilly said. “Dearborn benefitted from her entrepreneurship, and her investment in our community spurred economic vitality. We are saddened by her passing.”

Over 20 years, the company grew from one plant and $1.2 million in annual revenue to become the largest injection molding company in North America with revenue of $1.4 billion. At one point, Plastech supplied parts on 90 percent of vehicles made in North America and employed about 13,500 employees in 40 plants in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

In recent years, Brown operated Plastech Holding Corporation (PHC).

Brown, a Vietnam immigrant, was married to James Brown and had two children.