Next Generation Films Inc. has added an Alpine blown film system to expand its polyethylene packaging film capacity.
The Lexington, Ohio, company began running the new three-layer line in early August, according to David Frecka, chief executive officer and owner. The firm spent more than $1 million on the line and related machinery.
Frecka said his company probably will order another film line soon, for installation in about a year. In a telephone interview he said a supplier had not been chosen.
The recently installed line is Next Generation's 11th, of which seven are Alpine models. The system includes a 75-millimeter and two 50mm extruders; an Auto Therm low-pressure, side-fed die; and an updated take-off and winder for improved web handling.
Frecka said a sister company that he partly owns has been producing bags since January. Next Generation Bag Inc. opened adjacent to Next Generation Films in its former warehouse. The facility makes film and converts it to commodity-type bags, according to Frecka. Next Generation Films' plant formerly did some bag making but now it is dedicated to films such as those used for fresh produce, crackers and cereal.
Frecka established Next Generation Films in 1994 and has expanded it several times to meet internally generated sales growth. Next Generation Films has grown to a company with $25.4 million in sales last year, up 32 percent from the previous year.