The Association of Rotational Molders seeks to identify attributes that would help its processing members expand their portfolios and, as possible, anticipate creative customer needs.
“We are breaking new ground,” said Corey Claussen, who is in his third year and second non-consecutive term as ARM board president. “We will try to flip the tables and say what molders need” to be successful.
Traditionally, rotomolders process market-ready compounds and resins.
The first in a projected series of town hall-style discussions will occur under the auspices of the group's education committee during ARM's Nov. 1-4 annual meeting in Denver.
The initiative will focus on bringing the needs of rotomolders and product designers to the forefront, Claussen said in an interview. Claussen is co-owner and vice president of Custom Roto-Mold Inc. of Benson, Minn., and is in his 10th year as an ARM board member.
Along with molders and designers, compounders and materials suppliers will participate in posting ideas during the brainstorming session. The committee members and other participants will evaluate the ideas for feasibility, market demand and supplier potential.
The first session may not generate any specific resin-related guidance, but “it may create opportunities with nothing to do with materials,” Claussen said. “It will be a good start. Perhaps in three to five years, we may have several new things.”
Adam Webb, executive director of Glen Ellyn, Ill.-based ARM, noted, “We will educate the industry on materials that are currently available and use the information collected to create new projects for our education committee.”
Also in ARM's education arena, the group has posted more than a dozen webinars with content from rotomolders, suppliers and consultants familiar with the process. In addition, the ARM website offers classic rotomolding training videos and several shorter video clips.