Helmy Plastics Story
Helmy Design and Products is committed to delivering the highest quality plastic products in the industry, & we have been doing it since 1988.
The story of Helmy begins with its visionary founder, Dr. Ibrahim “Abe” Helmy.
What began in 1988 as a modest two-person operation with a single thermoforming machine has grown into a respected leader in the plastics manufacturing industry — thanks to Abe’s unwavering commitment to turning ideas into reality. Abe was not only an entrepreneur but a brilliant academic and innovator. A native of Egypt, he earned a PhD in Urban Design and Engineering and served as a professor of Architecture at the University of Texas at San Antonio, where he inspired students with his intellect, creativity, and deep passion for design.
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While teaching, Abe developed and patented a unique plastic landscape system. Rather than license his invention to another company, he boldly chose to manufacture it himself — a decision that led to the founding of Helmy. From the very beginning, Abe envisioned a company that blended technical excellence with hands-on craftsmanship. He personally built molds, refined processes, and worked alongside his team to ensure every detail met his high standards.
Under Abe’s leadership as CEO, Helmy expanded its operations from solely heavy-gauge thermoforming to include thin-gauge production, positioning the company as one of the few in the U.S. capable of doing both. His deep understanding of materials, design, and engineering, coupled with his entrepreneurial drive, set a foundation of innovation and quality that continues to define the company today.
Abe was a devoted family man, a lifelong learner, and a natural mentor — known for his humility, integrity, and ability to see opportunity where others saw obstacles. He led with heart and purpose until his untimely passing in 2009. Though he is no longer here, his spirit lives on in the culture he created, the team he inspired, and the company that bears his name. Today, Helmy continues to operate with the same principles Abe championed: ingenuity, excellence, and a belief that great ideas — with hard work and courage — can become reality.
About Mona Helmy
Mona Tawil Helmy is the CEO and co-founder of Helmy Plastics, a San Antonio-based thermoforming company known for its innovation, precision, and dedication to American manufacturing. A graduate of the University of Texas at San Antonio with a BFA in Architecture, Mona co-founded Helmy in 1988 alongside her husband, Abe, starting with one machine, two people, and a big vision. Following Abe’s untimely passing in 2009, Mona stepped into the role of CEO and led the company through a time of significant transition — navigating economic downturns, restructuring operations, and reinvesting in technology and talent to strengthen the business from the inside out.
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Under her leadership, Helmy has grown into a recognized industry leader with in-house design, prototyping, CNC tooling, and both thin- and heavy-gauge thermoforming capabilities. Mona’s visionary leadership and steadfast commitment to her employees and clients have earned her numerous accolades. She received the San Antonio Business Journal’s Women’s Leadership Award in 2014, was named Manufacturer of the Year by the San Antonio Manufacturers Association in 2020, and was inducted into the San Antonio Women’s Hall of Fame for Innovation and Technology. She has also been featured in Plastics News and SA Woman Magazine for her resilience, business leadership, and contributions to the community.
A fierce advocate for U.S.-based manufacturing and women in leadership, Mona actively supports industry and civic organizations including SAMA, NAWBO, SA100, and the San Antonio Women’s Chamber of Commerce. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she quickly pivoted Helmy’s operations to manufacture tens of thousands of face shields for frontline workers — a testament to her adaptability and purpose-driven leadership. In addition to her work in manufacturing, Mona is an accomplished abstract artist whose work has been showcased in several San Antonio galleries. She continues to lead Helmy with heart, creativity, and an unwavering belief in innovation, quality, and community — values that remain at the core of the company’s mission and future.
Helmy Assoc. & Co. Inc. is committed to delivering the highest quality plastic products in the industry, & we have been doing it since 1988.
Awards
- 2025 Brenda Vickrey Johnson Award for Small Business, Greater San Antonio Chamber
- 2023 Girls Inc San Antonio, Inspiring Girls to Be Bold Award
- 2020 San Antonio Manufacturer's Association, Manufacturer of The Year Award
- 2020 Mona Helmy Induction to The San Antonio Women Hall of Fame
- 2020 YWCA San Antonio, Women of Influence Award
- 2018 National Association of Women Business Owners, Business of The Year Award
- 2018 North San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, Business Leader of The Year Award
- 2018 North San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, Manufacturer of The Year Award
- 2014 San Antonio Business Journal, Family Business of The Year Award
Community Involvement and Certificates
