Blow Molded Specialties Inc. is boosting its ability to handle complex fuel and hydraulic tank assemblies and cab components with the purchase of a new Graham Engineering Hercules accumulator head blow molding machine.
The machine has a 50 pound shot size and is expected to be operational by Jan. 2017.
“We're growing — that's the No. 1 reason. No. 2 is that as we add new equipment, it helps us chase more business and be more efficient,” said Michael Thompson, vice president of sales, in a phone interview.
This marks the second year in a row that BMS is adding a key piece of machinery. Last year it purchased a 10-pound Graham Engineering Hercules accumulator blow molding machine, along with two new portable Fanuc robot trim stations.
BMS President Doug von Arb said the new presses have a spiral diverter design that improves throughput. Overall, he said, the goal is to help customers cut their total costs.
Thompson said the Foley, Minn.-based blow molder also moved a whole section of its mold storage area into a heated warehouse. He said the company added the warehouse space in 2014 when it added 25,000 square feet to its current facility, which is now 85,000 square feet. BMS has about 100 employees and operates 24 hours a day, five days a week.
Thompson said the additional machinery gives BMS a wide range of shot sizes.
“We go from two pounds to 60 pounds and everything in between, so we can mold anything,” he said.
Thompson said as a custom molder, BMS has found a niche, especially with parts that were formerly rotationally molded.
He added that the Fanuc robots give the company a lot of flexibility, as they can easily be moved from machine to machine. BMS has eight of the robots.
The company started in 1992. BMS ranked 66th in the most recent Plastics News survey of North American blow molders, with $16 million in blow molding sales.
