GE Plastics unveils the Nomad, a personal computer created using its resins extensively, and designed to compete with more metals-based computers. GE doesn't intend to make the Nomad itself, but instead is offering the technology to existing computer makers, and will supply the materials.
Media groups are trying to find a standard package for DVDs which will set them apart from CDs while also protecting them.
May
The National Plastics Center and Museum is replacing 100-year-old slate roof tiles with ones made of Noryl PPO. The replacement project has been in development for four years.
Auto suppliers are trying to figure out what the “merger of equals” between Chrysler and Daimler-Benz will mean for them. It could be good for innovative parts — such as Chrysler's planned plastic-bodied car — but difficult for resin suppliers who will see the move push prices down.
June
Poorly made PVC tubing in dialysis machines is suspected as the cause of four deaths and 35 hospitalizations. Supplier Gambro Healthcare Inc. says the problems are from one faulty batch made in Mexico in which flashing blocked the tubes.
Husky Injection Molding Systems Ltd. agrees to make its biggest ever press — an 8.800-ton machine —as part of Chrysler's ambitious plan to mold an entire car body. (While Chrysler never does make its injection molded body, the machine does make a limited number of Jeep Wrangler roofs before the project quietly dies and the machine is sold outside the auto industry.)
July
Borden Chemical Co. exits the film business when it sells its remaining plants to Anchor Packaging Inc.
SPI loses another unit as the Plastic Drum Institute votes to end its 16-year affiliation with the group and go solo. “We didn't feel like we were getting any bang for buck,” says PDI's chairman.
August
With television makers set to roll out their first high definition televisions this year, injection molding suppliers of television cabinets say they don't expect to see much of an impact for now. The televisions are expensive, and there are only a limited number of stations broadcasting in high definition, they say, although the general manager for one California molder notes that the sets are thinner and will require less plastic.
Cincinnati Milacron Inc. will spent $210 million to buy Johnson Control Inc.'s Uniloy blow molding and structural foam molding machine business. JCI previously exited the packaging business, but retained its machine making unit.
September
Plastic is taking over from paperboard for single use milk containers. Dean Foods' HDPE Milk Chugs added 40 percent to its sales base when it began offering single serving chocolate milk in plastic.
Lego's Mexican arm reaches out to parents and children with a series of stops at shopping malls in which families are invited to help build giant Lego versions of iconic items such as the pyramid at Chichen Itza. Mattel Inc. announces it is phasing out the use of phthalates in chewable children's toys.
October
Injection mold makers Tradesco Mold Ltd. and Fairway Molds Inc. have merged ownership under the name StackTech Systems Inc.
Exhibitors at Plastics USA in Chicago say they're seeing a new attitude at McCormick Place, where the union workers are helping to make setup easier. They're hoping this means a better relationship in the future, but: “Chicago is one of the few cities, along with Philadelphia, that have done virtually nothing to make it easy for show manages to do their jobs,” one organizer warns.
Newell Co. is spending nearly $6 billion to buy Rubbermaid Inc., one of North America's largest injection molders.
November
