Nicholas Rocheleau combines technical expertise with visionary leadership as director of engineering at the fourth-generation family business that bears his name. His breakthrough came in 2018 when he and his father developed a new model machine showcased at the National Plastics Exposition in Orlando, the largest platform the company had ever built.
This innovation opened doors to new markets and earned him recognition as a Rising Star Under 35 by Plastics News in 2019. Following his father’s retirement in June 2024, Rocheleau assumed full responsibility as head of engineering and immediately introduced features enabling the production of large-volume industrial containers.
His ability to break complex situations into simpler forms has driven both design innovations and strategic decision-making throughout his career. During COVID, he helped lead the company’s commitment to build 50 machines for testing kit production. Rocheleau serves as executive board member for the Society of Plastics Engineers Blow Molding Division and plans to serve on the Plastics Advisory Board for UMass Lowell.
Would you choose to be the oldest sibling, middle sibling, youngest sibling, or an only child? As a middle sibling, I’m going with middle! It’s playing both the older and younger sibling roles all in one.
Favorite Central Mass. community? For me, it’s Leominster, a community that raised me and my family, rich in diversity, talent, and tradition!
Who helped you the most in your professional journey? I owe every bit of credit for anything I do to my wife. She supports me, holds me to the standard I deserve, and constantly reminds me of what we’re capable of together.
Proudest moment? Watching my children grow into the kind, fun, and confident little people they’re becoming may be cliché, but it’s truly something special.
