A reinforced lift gate panel arrangement that includes a lift gate panel formed of fiber filled polymer material. The lift gate panel has a structural side with a connection surface region. The arrangement further includes at least one reinforcement bracket with a panel contact side and a tool contact side with at least one aperture formed through the reinforcement bracket that extends from the panel contact side to the tool contact side. There is at least one mechanical lock formed between the lift gate panel and the reinforcement bracket. The mechanical lock is formed by a portion of the fiber filled polymer material curing in the at least one aperture of the reinforcement bracket.