Chicago molder moves to the suburbs as it expands

Magenta LLC plans to move its manufacturing operations from Chicago to a site 30 miles southwest of the city in Lockport, Ill.

The injection molder specializes in custom designed closures, containers, components and drinkware. The company said in a news release that it will start moving to its new 122,500-square-foot facility in April and have it fully operational by the end of June.

“Magenta's relocation allows us to take advantage of a facility that was specifically designed for injection molding production and enable us to accommodate our customers more effectively and efficiently,” said CEO Robert Mallo in a statement.

The company plans to invest more than $700,000 to upgrade the facility, which is a fully fenced single-occupant facility on more than 12 acres. It is near two interstates and a potential rail spur.

The renovated facility will include 30 foot ceilings, up to five silo pads and more than 6,500 amps of power. It will accommodate more than 30 presses and robotics, five overhead cranes ranging from 10 to 40 tons, a fully outfitted quality control lab and tool room, new chillers, cooling towers and air compressors. The building will also contain office, conference and training space.

Mallo said there will soon be a recruiting office at the Lockport location, bringing nearly 100 jobs to the community. He said many current employees will transfer to Lockport but other positions will be actively recruited.

Magenta will occupy a building that formerly housed Xten Industries LLC.

Magenta was formed in 1969 and is a certified woman-owned company by the Women's Business Enterprise. It serves many industries, including food and beverage, personal care, household and car care, health care and pharmaceutical.

The company offers thin-wall molding, multi-material molding, insert molding and high-speed assembly. It also does decorating and other value-added services.