SYRACUSE, IND. (Dec. 8, 1:40 p.m. ET) — Poly-Wood Inc. plans to expand its four building complex and will double the production capacity of its lumber division in 2012.
The division makes trademarked plastic lumber from recycled high density polyethylene with UV-inhibited pigment systems. The product us used for outdoor furnishings and accessories, as well as farming, marine, golf, landscaping, industrial and general construction.
“At this point we can't quantify exactly what we're doing, but it is all based on demand. We are working with our clients to guarantee their lead times,” said Tim Pletcher, lumber division sales manager, in a Dec. 7 telephone interview.
He said the company has acquired land adjacent to existing Poly-Wood facilities in Syracuse, Ind., and it is drawing up plans to double the division's capacity. The expansion will include additional extrusion equipment and employees, but Pletcher said details are still being finalized.
He said the division is seeing growth, and wants to explore other segments and opportunities for the products.
Pletcher said the building will be constructed with a fine eye towards sustainability. It will include a closed loop cooling water system that eliminates the need for continuous fresh water in the process. The company also uses a production system that will reuse plastic scrap.
The company mostly uses post-consumer HDPE, such as milk and detergent bottles.
He said that the plastic lumber has been made for over 20 years, but has been developed as premium product that is smoother to the touch and has slight wood grain look.
Poly-Wood was formed in 1990 and its facilities occupy over 200,000 square feet of space. Its lumber division is a small part of the operation.
