Explore frequently asked questions about thermoformed packaging, packaging design and manufacturing, ISO Class 8 cleanroom thermoforming, popular materials for thermoforming and more. As a family-owned thermoforming company with over 62 years of experience, Dordan is a trusted partner for medical, consumer, and industrial packaging.
Plastics thermoforming is a process where roll-fed thin-gauge plastic sheet is heated to a forming temperature, shaped in a mold using vacuum and air pressure, and then trimmed to create rigid packaging. Thermoformed packaging protects, organizes, and enhances product handling across industries.
Thermoformed packaging includes a wide range of plastic packaging solutions:
Clamshells, Blisters, and Insert Trays for consumer and retail packaging
Dunnage Trays for automotive, electronic, and industrial applications
Medical packaging for contamination-sensitive medical devices and components
Dordan thermoforms a broad selection of plastic materials, including:
Post-consumer & post-industrial RPET
PETG, APET, PVC, PS, HIPS, ABS, HDPE, LDPE
FDA-approved and medical-grade plastics
Anti-static / ESD materials
Bio-based and compostable materials
Freezer-grade and flocked plastics
Custom color-matched materials
All materials are sourced to meet your performance, regulatory, and sustainability goals. Learn more about our sustainable packaging options.
Dordan uses Siemens NX Solid Modeling to create detailed thermoform packaging designs, optimized for manufacturability and end-use performance.
Our Engineers Can:
Reverse-engineer physical products
Import customer CAD files
Provide photorealistic renderings and drawings
Deliver functional prototypes and first article validation
All designs are managed under our ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 13485:2016 certified Quality Management System, ensuring traceability, revision control, and design retention.
Dordan’s NX CAM/CNC-machined thermoform tooling is developed in-house by the same team that designs the tray.
This Includes:
Prototype and production aluminum tooling
Assist plugs, die build-ups, and trim headers
End-of-arm tooling for robotic automation
All tools are maintained in a temperature-controlled warehouse and remain proprietary, customer-owned assets.
13 inline thin-gauge plastic thermoforming machines
Interchangeable tooling for scheduling flexibility
Robotic part stripping, stacking, and automated optical inspection
SOP-based production workflows and quality control
Real-time job analysis to support continuous improvement
Dordan's ISO Class 8 cleanroom is a fully enclosed, hardwall facility used to manufacture sterile and non-sterile medical packaging.This environment ensures compliance with regulatory and sterility requirements for medical trays, procedure kits, and device packaging.
Features Include:
Advanced Keifel thermoformers for forming, cutting, and stacking
Real-time particulate monitoring per ISO 14644 standards
Controlled airflow, gowning protocols, and material staging rooms
Our Quality Management System (QMS) is certified to:
ISO 9001:2015 – Total quality control across all packaging types
ISO 13485:2016 – Specialized QMS for medical packaging design and production
Every Job Includes:
SOP-driven inspections
Material verification and traceability
Optical inspection and CPK reporting
Continuous process improvement
Dordan is located in Woodstock, Illinois, just outside Chicago. All packaging design, tooling, thermoforming, and cleanroom manufacturing take place in-house, under one roof. This vertical integration ensures consistent quality, fast turnaround, and responsive customer service.
50,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility
13 inline plastics thermoforming machines
ISO Class 8 cleanroom
In-house tool and die shop with CNC machining centers
Warehouse support for vendor-managed inventory
Founded in 1962 by Vivian and Edwin Slavin in Chicago, Dordan Manufacturing is a fourth-generation, family-owned custom thermoformer.
Timeline:
1962: Founded in Chicago, IL
1970s: Transition to high-volume thermoforming under Daniel Slavin
1990s: Relocation to Woodstock, IL and facility expansion
2013: Achieved ISO 9001:2015 certification
2019: Built an ISO Class 8 cleanroom
2024: Achieved ISO 13485:2016 certification
Above: Dordan CEO in white teeshirt at Dordan in Chicago, circa 1974
For over 62 years, Dordan has provided thermoformed packaging solutions for medical, industrial, and consumer markets—always proudly Made in the USA.
Family-Owned & Proven Since 1962
Fully In-House Capabilities
Certified for Quality
Cleanroom Manufacturing
Industry Expertise
Responsive, Personalized Service
Still have questions?
Contact Us or Request a Quote to speak with our packaging experts about your next project.