Completing a $3.5 million-plus expansion, custom injection molder Wescon Plastics LLC also is adding a new CEO and president.
Jan Acker, who has more than 30 years' experience in leadership roles including a stint as president and CEO of Placon Corp., is assuming the dual role of CEO and president as Wichita, Kan.-based Wescon positions itself for accelerated growth.
“I think the company is very well set up and positioned by its strategic plan so that it will be able to take on new markets and use its core competencies,” said Acker, who was en route Wednesday to his new position.
The company was able to expand with the help of London-based Nova Capital Management Ltd., a private equity firm that acquired Wescon in 2012.
Since then, the company has expanded its building to nearly 100,000 square feet, added a new IQMS enterprise resource planning system, new injection molding machines as well as robotics and auxiliary equipment. Wescon also made infrastructure enhancements to improve efficiency.
“Wow, we are all set up to go, so we have to get well focused,” he added.
Acker assumes the role previously held by Rubbermaid veteran Shane Milledge.
Wescon has more than 30 injection molding machines ranging from 4 tons to 610 tons of clamping force, and runs 24 hours a day, five days a week. It specializes in using engineering resins.
The company is known for its work with batteries and heavy trucks, but Acker noted that it has a varied customer base, serving agricultural, heating and air conditioning, filtration and other markets as well.
He said Wescon has been in business since 1972 and plans to grow along with its customers.
“We are known for our strategic alliances with our customers -- working with the design, how to improve efficiencies and product management,” Acker said.
Jan Kreminski, operating partner of Nova Capital, announced Acker's appointment on Sept. 16.