PlastiCert Inc. has reorganized its Minnesota plant layout to improve efficiency and added a 440-ton injection press to extend its molding capabilities.
PlastiCert early this year began using a new Milacron press in Lewiston, Minn. About the same time, the firm realigned its plant layout so mold development and maintenance are at one end of the building - convenient for possible molding expansion. The rearrangement, mainly for lean manufacturing, cuts the amount of travel for molds in the plant.
``The new 440-ton press was the impetus we needed to make the move [to reorganize],'' said Lewiston operations manager Craig Porter.
Prior to the Milacron press installation, the Lewiston sites' presses had clamping forces of 30-225 tons. PlastiCert bought the Milacron press specifically for a new insert molding job, but plans to use it for other contracts for insert and noninsert molding, an official said. The company did not disclose the cost of the press.
``This size of press allows us to partner with our customers on existing larger parts, [and provides for] need to convert large metal part designs over to plastics,'' said owner and President Dawn Savkovic in a news release. ``With a platen size over 3 feet by 3 feet and a 41-ounce barrel, we can shoot pounds of material rather than ounces into much larger molds than before.''
The private firm, which employs 60, might need to expand in Lewiston soon because the plant is nearly full, according to Porter.
PlastiCert is a certified woman-owned business based in South Pasadena, Fla. It also runs a molding plant in Stewartstown, Pa.