Custom Molders Corp. recently expanded capacity to supply food-service accessories and packaging.
The private company installed two more automated injection molding work cells at its Somerville headquarters plant, giving it six automated work cells based on 330-ton Milacron all-electric injection presses and Wittmann servo robots. Chris Brophy, vice president of operations, estimated the cost of the project, completed in July, at about $560,000. He said the project will reduce operating costs and boost productivity.
Custom Molders injection molds party platters, candy dishes, candy boxes and similar items. Its sales to the delicatessen market are rising fast and the firm has picked up additional accounts with point-of-purchase display suppliers, Brophy said by telephone.
Overall, Custom Molders runs 20 injection presses with clamping forces of 40-500 tons. The company plans to change all its machines eventually to Milacron electric presses. One factor swaying its decision are incentives it receives from its utility under the NJ Smart Start Program.
Brophy estimated Custom Molders' annual sales at between $10 million and $12 million. It employs about 100.
The family-owned business moved to its current 90,000-square-foot site a few years ago.