Watertown Plastics Inc. recently installed a Billion SA two-shot injection molding machine to build on its relationship with its main customer, cosmetic cap and closure maker Axilone Plastique of France.
The companies announced the purchase in a news release, and Jacques Cohen, president of Axilone USA, confirmed in a telephone interview that the arrangement will help both companies. Axilone USA has offices in New York City and a factory in Berlin, Conn.
He said Axilone is a long-time customer of Watertown, is familiar with the use of Billion machinery, and the machine helps in consistency for its products.
Watertown, Conn.-based Watertown Plastics purchased a Billion H1300/2000-320T Hercule molding machine, noting the firm's goal was to improve on its products for the cosmetic sector. The company said the machine was chosen for its use with Surlyn from DuPont Co., a high-performance material for thick-wall parts.
``We've been working together for a long time. Our plant in France is highly technically advanced and organized with bi-material injection molding,'' said Cohen, noting its two-material knowledge can only help the arrangement.
Watertown has 52 employees and manufactures products for the consumer, industrial, electronics and cosmetics industries.
The company said it turned to multi-injection molding used by Billion to produce more value-added products. The v-configuration of the injection units will allow for single-shot, two-shot or sandwich applications.
Billion of Oyonnax, France, is a niche seller of machinery and has been moving outside its core French market in recent years.
