BIELSKO-BIALA, POLAND — Extruder and injection molder Marbet p.z. is investing in two complete extrusion lines to make expanded polystyrene wall panels.
The Battenfeld Extrusionstechnik GmbH equipment will go into one of Marbet's three plants in Bielsko-Biala. The lines have combined capacity of about 880 pounds per hour, equal to the output of three locally built extrusion lines, according to Battenfeld of Bad Oeynhausen, Germany.
Marbet, part of Inter Marbet AG of St. Gallen, Switzerland, already operates four extrusion lines. Three make PVC interior trim and one extrudes EPS ceiling tiles, according to sales director Andre Gierski.
Currently the company makes 4- and 6.4-inch-wide wall panels. The new lines are capable of making 10-inch-wide panels, Gierski said.
Almost half of the firm's output is sold abroad, mainly in Eastern Europe. Marbet also operates 12 injection molding machines.
The company has three plants in Bielsko-Biala and another in Giliwce, Poland. Marbet employs around 500 and has anual sales of 50 million zlotys ($12 million).
