Injection molder DaMar Plastics Inc. of San Diego invested about $4.2 million to buy a former Home Depot Inc. warehouse, improve the infrastructure and add robotic systems.
DaMar began relocating equipment March 20 and plans to be moved into the 38,000-square-foot facility by April 30. The site, just three-tenths of a mile from DaMar's previous location, frees factory space for increased production and consolidates warehousing, said David Kabbai, DaMar president.
``We just ran out of space'' in the current 24,000-square-foot plant, said Sal Acampora, vice president of sales. DaMar saw significant advantages in the nearby site vs. an earlier plan to double space at its existing location.
DaMar employs 35-50 and operates 15 Toshiba presses from 70-720 tons. The firm had 2001 sales of about $5 million from molding parts, principally for the industrial component, sporting goods, automotive, computer and medical markets. Acampora said 2002 sales may increase as much as 20 percent. The firm has options on three 120-ton Toshibas for delivery in late 2002 or early 2003.
DaMar also offers design, mold making, assembly and decorating.