L.K. Systems Inc. delivered a 715-ton press to Tri-Star Plastics Inc. and a 530-ton unit to Diamond Line Containers Inc.
L.K. Systems' parent firm, Hong Kong-based L.K. Technology Holdings Ltd., manufactures injection molding machines in Ningbo and Shenzhen, China, and also produces die-casting machines.
Demand from an existing agricultural customer prompted Tri-Star to add the eXcel-brand servo hydraulic machine as the firm's 24th injection molding press, Robert Gomez, vice president of operations, said in an interview. Tri-Star's clamping tonnage range is 60-720 tons.
Custom molder Tri-Star began operating the L.K. machine in January at its 30,000-square-foot Anaheim, Calif., site. Tri-Star employs 48, hires up to 20 temporary workers as needed and had 2015 sales of $4.8 million.
The placement at Tri-Star gives L.K. “a stake in the ground in southern California,” said Michael Smith, president and CEO of the Ladera Ranch, Calif.-based equipment distributor. L.K. Systems initially is offering eXcel presses ranging from 90-715 tons in North America.
In addition to the agricultural market, AS 9100-certified Tri-Star supplies components for aerospace, automotive and some non-invasive medical applications.
Meanwhile, proprietary molder Diamond Line began operating its second L.K. press in March for production of plastic floral containers such as rose and bud vases, funeral containers, Ming dishes, dish garden bowls and saucers.
The new L.K. unit allows Diamond Line to bring some previously outsourced production in house, said Shayne Bishop, vice president.
Diamond Line began using a 175-ton L.K. press in March 2015 and also operates two injection molding machines from Elite Precision Machinery Co.
In a venture that started in 2014, Diamond Line collaborates with L.K. Systems in selling and distributing eXcel injection molding machines in 13 Midwest states and western Pennsylvania. Diamond Line is located near Akron, Ohio.
“Currently, we have a 175-ton press shrink wrapped and ready to ship,” Bishop said. “A person looked at the 175-ton press and expressed interest in seeing the 530-ton machine.”
Arriving at Diamond Line with the 530-ton press was “an inventory of spare parts from controllers to heater bands,” Bishop said in an interview.
In addition, Diamond Line imports wicker baskets, ceramic containers, figurines and baby pottery items for distribution through its floral market customers.
Diamond Line employs 20 and operates in 20,000 square feet of a 120,000-square-foot facility with suitable storage capabilities.
“We are trying to get L.K. name recognition out there and cold calling prospects,” Bishop noted. L.K. Systems' Lindsay Williams visited Diamond Line in February and participated in some sales calls.
Bishop said that L.K. Systems plans in early May to hold a technology symposium in an Akron venue and an open house at the Diamond Line warehouse.