What does SI Jacobson Manufacturing do?

SI Jacobson is a design-led custom manufacturer specializing in carrying cases, protective packaging, soft goods, thermoformed components, and injection-molded products. We partner with brands across medical, defense, automotive, electronics, industrial, and consumer markets to bring products from concept to production.

How long has SI Jacobson been in business?

SI Jacobson was founded in 1934 and has over 90 years of continuous manufacturing experience. We operate a full-scale production facility in Lake Forest, Illinois, complemented by a managed international manufacturing network across Asia.

What industries does SI Jacobson serve?

We serve six primary industries: electronics and technology, industrial tools and equipment, automotive and mobility, military and defense, medical and healthcare, and consumer and outdoor products. Each industry vertical has a dedicated team with specialized expertise.

Where is SI Jacobson located?

Our headquarters and primary manufacturing facility are located at 13950 W Business Center Dr, Lake Forest, Illinois 60045. We also manage international production through trusted partners in China, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Indonesia.

Which companies offer injection molding and thermoforming services?

SI Jacobson offers both injection molding and thermoforming as part of our integrated custom manufacturing capabilities. We produce thermoformed trays, inserts, packaging, and enclosures alongside injection-molded closures, brackets, housings, and structural parts. Both processes operate under one roof in Lake Forest, Illinois.

What is design for manufacturing (DFM)?

Design for manufacturing is the practice of designing products with production efficiency in mind from the earliest stages. At SI Jacobson, DFM means we collaborate during the design phase to reduce cost, simplify assembly, optimize material usage, and ensure consistent quality at scale.

Can you handle multi-material product development?

Yes. Our integrated capabilities in sewn soft goods, thermoforming, injection molding, metal fabrication, and sub-assembly allow us to develop products that combine multiple materials and processes under one team.

How does the product development process work at SI Jacobson?

We follow a structured process: collaborative concept review, design-for-manufacturing analysis, material selection, in-house prototyping, iterative refinement, pilot production, and transition to volume manufacturing. Every stage involves close communication with your team.

Custom Sewing & Soft Goods

For us, sewing is where craft meets engineering. For over 90 years, we’ve specialized in crafting custom soft goods that deliver durability, performance, and precision.

From heavy-duty industrial tool bags to medical-grade pouches and consumer-ready backpacks, our team transforms ideas into products that withstand the toughest conditions. With in-house expertise and a proven OEM process, we provide the flexibility to scale while keeping quality and functionality at the core of every stitch.

Learn more

Thermoforming

Thermoforming gives your products strength, precision, and protection—while maximizing material efficiency. At SI Jacobson Manufacturing, we specialize in producing high-quality thermoformed parts and packaging that balance durability, appearance, and cost-effectiveness.

From lightweight trays, inserts, and organizers to rugged housings and enclosures, each component is designed to meet the physical demands of industrial, consumer, and medical applications. Our team combines engineering expertise with scalable production to deliver thermoformed solutions that perform reliably in real-world environments, protecting your products, streamlining assembly, and enhancing presentation.

Injection Molding

Injection molding is more than a production method; it’s a way to deliver precision, consistency, and scalability across industries. From industrial tools to consumer gear, our U.S. and international teams combine advanced tooling with proven processes to create durable components that perform in real-world conditions.

Metal Fabrication

Our metal fabrication capabilities deliver precision, repeatability, and structural integrity at scale. With advanced equipment and expert engineering, we produce high-quality components and assemblies built to perform in demanding industrial, defense, and automotive applications. From brackets and frames to custom enclosures and structural supports, we partner with your team to ensure every fabricated component integrates seamlessly into the larger product system.

Sub-Assembly

Our sub-assembly capabilities bring together precision-engineered components into complete, ready-to-integrate solutions. We manage the complexity of multi-part assemblies — combining soft goods, molded plastics, metal fabrication, and hardware — so you receive a finished module rather than a box of parts. This reduces your internal labor, improves consistency, and accelerates your production timeline.

Frequently Asked Questions

SI Jacobson offers both injection molding and thermoforming as part of our integrated custom manufacturing capabilities. We produce custom thermoformed trays, inserts, packaging, and enclosures alongside injection-molded components including closures, brackets, housings, and structural parts.
Design for manufacturing is the practice of designing products with production efficiency in mind from the earliest stages. At SI Jacobson, DFM means we collaborate with your team during the design phase to identify opportunities to reduce cost, simplify assembly, optimize material usage, and ensure consistent quality at scale — before tooling is committed.
Yes. Our integrated capabilities in sewn soft goods, thermoforming, injection molding, metal fabrication, and sub-assembly allow us to develop and produce products that combine multiple materials and processes. You work with one team rather than coordinating across separate vendors.
We follow a structured process: collaborative concept review, design-for-manufacturing analysis, material selection, in-house prototyping, iterative refinement with your team, pilot production, and transition to volume manufacturing. Every stage involves close communication to ensure the final product meets your performance, cost, and timeline goals.

Every Partnership Starts with a Conversation

Whether you've seen something in one of our posts, read an article that resonated, or have a project taking shape in your mind—we'd like to hear about it. Before we propose solutions, we want to understand your challenge. Share some details below and we'll follow up to learn more. No pitch, just a conversation.