Adding a profile extruding line and larger injection molding presses, Pittsfield Plastics Engineering Inc. is preparing for the day it has more room.
Pittsfield's tenant, Sinicon Plastics Inc., recently announced plans to move out of the 12,000 square feet of space it leases from Pittsfield and move into a new building. When Sinicon's new plant opens in the spring or summer of 2006, Pittsfield Plastics plans to take over the space, add machinery and possibly move some of its mold-making work there.
Pittsfield Plastics started 30 years ago as a mold maker, but now does everything from design to injection molding. It makes such products as spools, bobbins, reels, dye tubes and tape cores.
``We have one extrusion line, which we put in last year, and we are looking to add an extrusion line, possibly two,'' said Thomas Walker, president and chief executive officer.
He said that Pittsfield Plastics used to contract out its profile work, but since adding its own line last year, has found new business. The company since has added such items as high-speed core cutters and high-volume labeling equipment.
The company grew by 15 percent last year and is expecting to top that this year, said Walker, who added that the private company does not release sales figures.
Walker also said the firm has been adding larger presses - one 730- and two 500-ton presses. Overall, it has 24 injection molding machines.
Pittsfield Plastics employs 55 in its 67,500-square-foot facility. When it opens the addition, it expects to hire five to 10 more workers within two years.
The company also is benefiting from a $97,032 state grant for employees to learn lean manufacturing concepts and research new markets.