Custom insert and composite molder Capsonic Group is spending $5 million during five years to upgrade machinery and increase capabilities.
The plan to add 18 new Engel Machinery Inc. machines with clamping forces of 85-300 tons was implemented last year. The company is adding the presses and auxiliary equipment through 2005.
``This gives us the ability to stay at the leading edge,'' Greg Liautaud, president and chief executive officer, said in a recent telephone interview.
He said Capsonic customers require more precision and higher-tonnage presses.
``We have the philosophy of, `Let's do it right but more than just right: Let's do it perfectly,' '' he said.
Capsonic began its upgrade midway through last year when Liautaud became president and CEO. Four presses were installed in 2000. Five more will be in place by the end of this year. Then, three presses per year will be replaced in the following three years.
The company was founded in 1968 by Greg's father, Jim Liautaud, an insert molding pioneer who holds 76 patents.
Capsonic's end markets include automotive, industrial, electronics and telecommunications. In addition to molding, the company offers product design and prototyping services. Capsonic generated $26 million in sales last year and is on course for $30 million this year.
The company employs 220 and expects that total to rise to handle the extra capacity. It currently operates 44 presses at its 72,000-square-foot facility in Elgin, Ill.
Capsonic is QS 9000 and ISO 9002 certified.
