SPI seeking Hall of Fame nominations
WASHINGTON — Nominations are open for the Plastics Hall of Fame, from now through Sept. 30, 2011.
The nominations are for living individuals; separate ceremonies are held for posthumous inductees.
The Washington-based Society of the Plastics Industry Inc. is handling the process on behalf of the Plastics Academy.
Plastics Academy officials will do initial screening, selecting up to 12 nominees for consideration by the members of the Plastics Hall of Fame. Of those, up to nine will be inducted into the next class.
“Election into the Plastics Hall of Fame is an honor bestowed on individuals who, by consistent dedication and extraordinary accomplishments, have contributed to the growth of the plastics industry,” said John Kretzschmar, chairman of the Plastics Academy.” Submissions may be made by anyone using the official form, accompanied by supporting information. Forms can be obtained from Susan Douglas, executive assistant to the president of SPI, via e-mail at [email protected], or by calling 202-974-5224.
Sansoucy to succeed Shaffer at Netstal
DEVENS, MASS. — Rick Shaffer is leaving as president and general manager of Netstal Machinery Inc. Mike Sansoucy, national sales manager, will become the new president Jan. 1.
Shaffer has spent eight years at the Devens-based U.S. operation of Swiss injection molding press maker Netstal-Maschinen AG. Contacted Dec. 3, Shaffer said his decision to leave is amiable on both sides. “It's a good situation. It's a friendly situation.”
“I'm planning on staying in the plastics industry, but as an independent, not necessarily tied into any specific company,” Shaffer said.
According to a news release on Netstal's website, Shaffer “has decided to move onto another challenge.” He will work through Dec. 31.
Sansoucy began his career at Netstal in 2003 as the Northeast regional sales manager. He has served as national sales manager for the last three years. Before taking the top spot at Netstal Machinery, Shaffer was vice president and general manager at Demag Ergotech USA.
Shaffer and Sansoucy are working together to make a smooth transition for customers and business partners, the news release said.
NS Technologies buys Mitech Ignition
MILTON, ONTARIO — NS Technologies Group Inc. has continued to make acquisitions in the plastics industry, adding Mitech Ignition, the injection molding unit of Pop & Lock Corp.
NS Technologies of Milton is the umbrella company for injection molding, thermoforming and rotational molding firms originally purchased under Custom Vacform Components Inc.
Mitech of Welland, Ontario, molds engine-management and electronic parts for customers in a variety of industries including automotive aftermarket, marine, defense and industrial.
NS announced the deal Nov. 19. It said it will integrate Mitech into its injection molding division in Whitby, Ontario.
Thermoformer Plastique adds capacity
TROIS-RIVIÈRES, QUEBEC — Plastique JW Inc. is investing C$2.3 million (US$2.25 million) to ramp up capacity at its new aeronautics parts plant in Trois-Rivières.
The Canadian subsidiary of Josef Weiss Plastic GmbH of Hofolding, Germany, makes clear thermoformed products such as windows, windshields and landing light protectors.
The Canada Economic Development department is providing a C$300,000 (US$294,000) loan to assist with the project, which will result in keeping 11 jobs and adding 12 new positions over the next two years, according to a news release from the department.
Josef Weiss Plastic announced creation of the subsidiary in March 2009. The 27,000-square-foot operation will fabricate large, complex shapes from acrylic and polycarbonate that require high optical quality and occasionally special anti-abrasive coatings.
Josef Weiss Plastic also has a subsidiary in Czech Republic, Josef Weiss Plastic CZ sro, which employs 15.