Atlanta — Italian blow molding machinery maker Magic MP SpA plans to open a U.S. showroom and headquarters in Ann Arbor, Mich., next year.
Magic announced the news at the Society of Plastics Engineers' Annual Blow Molding Conference in Atlanta.
“The schedule is within the first half of next year,” said Celestino Spiga, area manager, in an interview Oct. 5 at the conference. Officials are looking for locations now. “We have a couple of options already, and we need to narrow it down,” said Spiga. He will run the U.S. operation.
Magic, based in Monza, Italy, makes continuous extrusion blow molding machines. Spiga said there are about 100 Magic blow molders running in the United States and Canada.
The company now makes only all-electric blow molders, but Monza said Magic will still build a few hydraulic presses for existing customers that have hydraulics and want them.
Ann Arbor is good location for Magic, Spiga said. “It is the center of the blow molding industry in the U.S.,” he said. “It's a good location to cover the U.S. market.”
Also, Spiga said, Michigan is a good place for finding people with expertise in blow molding equipment, since the state is home to several machinery makers.
In Ann Arbor, Magic will start out with a showroom. Initially, parts and service will be handled out of Italy, but Spiga said the company will expand those operations at the U.S. operation.