Early Life and Education
Walter Wang, born in Taiwan, is the son of Wang Yung-ching, the founder of Formosa Plastics Group. He moved to the United States at a young age and later attended the University of California, Berkeley, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science.
Rise to Success
Wang started his career at Formosa Plastics and later became the CEO of J-M Manufacturing Co. Inc. (JM) in 1990, which he transformed. Under his leadership, JM expanded its sales from $200 million to over $1 billion by 2005. In 2005, he acquired 100% of J-M from Formosa Plastics, creating an independent company. He subsequently merged J-M with PW Eagle to form JM Eagle, the world's largest plastic pipe manufacturer. In October 2024, Wang was featured in Forbes 400.
Key Business Strategies
Wang's success is attributed to creating a one-stop shop for plastic pipe applications and expanding JM Eagle's distribution network across North America. JM Eagle has a significant market share in the plastics and pipe manufacturing industry in the U.S..
Philanthropy
Walter Wang and his wife, Shirley, are actively involved in philanthropy through the Walter and Shirley Wang Foundation and the JMM Foundation. Their philanthropic initiatives include education, healthcare, and disaster relief. They have supported various causes, including clean water projects in Africa, COVID-19 relief, and contributions to the UCLA and Columbia University. In 2024, The Wangs have contributed $2.97 million to Chinatown Health Clinic Foundation.
