Norplex-Micata adds compression press
POSTVILLE, IOWA — Thermoset composite manufacturer Norplex-Micata has purchased and refurbished a 400-ton multicavity compression molding machine, allowing it to manufacture multiple rods at one time.
The rebuilt PHI compression press increases throughput capacity and significantly reduces delivery lead times, according to Alan Johnson, Norplex-Micata's business development director. Its platens are oil-heated to reach molding temperature more quickly and the rod processing steps are located closer to achieve more efficiency.
The machine produces close-tolerance rods, in diameters of less than an inch to 5 inches, for power generation, aerospace and other applications, as well as tips for pool cues. The firm supplies those markets as well as oil and gas, medical devices, electrical/electronics, construction, heavy industry and transportation in Europe, Asia and the Americas.
Norplex employs 185 in Postville, where it runs 10 compression presses from 200-8,000 tons.
Cadillac film facility
gets nine-layer line
TROY, MICH. — Cadillac Products Packaging Co. will expand its Paris, Ill., film plant, adding at least one nine-layer line, local officials confirmed.
City administrator Paul Ruff said in a Sept. 12 telephone interview that the company will have access to revolving loan funds under Paris' community development assistance program.
Cadillac Products officials did not return calls seeking comment.
Ruff said Cadillac Products will get a five-year, $300,000 loan at 3 percent interest from the revolving fund. He said the company will invest about $360,000 a year and create 10 jobs within two years at the plant, which it has operated since the late 1980s.
Troy-based Cadillac Products operates 11 film lines in Dallas, Ga., and Paris serving the food, industrial and aerospace markets. It ranked No. 110 in Plastics News' 2008 survey of North American film and sheet makers, with 2007 sales of $38.6 million.
Agru's Nevada plant
files for incentives
Georgetown, S.C. — Sheet and pipe producer Agru America Inc. has applied for incentives from the Nevada Commission on Economic Development.
A commission spokeswoman confirmed the application but could not discuss it for confidentiality reasons.
The Reno, Nev., Gazette-Journal reported that Agru America is creating 16 jobs at a plant in Fernley, Nev., that it opened in February. Hourly wages for the jobs average $16.33, the newspaper said.
Georgetown-based Agru America makes pipe and sheet for geomembranes, landfills and similar uses. It claims to be the only U.S. firm making polyethylene structured geomembranes using flat-die extrusion calendering.
The newspaper report said Agru America is seeking tax abatements and deferrals. Officials with Agru America did not return telephone calls seeking comment.
Lenovo Poland site
scheduled to launch
HONG KONG — Leading personal computer manufacturer Lenovo Group has extended its global footprint with a 324,000-square-foot facility nearing completion in Legnica, Poland.
The company's first European plant for personal computers will turn out more than 2 million desktop PCs a year. The $20 million investment was announced late last year. The operation will launch in December.
Hong Kong-based Lenovo in 2007 announced plans for three other new manufacturing plants, in Shanghai; Baddi, India; and Monterrey, Mexico.
``In a world with just one time zone, `now,' Lenovo must source materials, assemble managerial and technical talent and concentrate logistics, infrastructure and production wherever they are best available — in this case, in Poland,'' said Gerry Smith, global supply chain senior vice president.