Injection molder Anderson Technologies Inc. has invested $2.5 million in capital equipment and processing improvements at its facilities in Grand Haven, Mich., and Batesville, Miss.
The 80,000-square-foot Grand Haven headquarters site, which employs 90, got an Engel Victory 180, Engel Duo 500 and Engel Duo 720. Anderson says it bought machinery with higher injection pressure that exceeds 30,000 PSI and has better process control to produce thinner-wall products.
The 72-year-old company recently conducted a cost analysis that shows changing a 9-inch-by-13-inch part with a .135 wall to a .063 wall in a higher-priced material ultimately reduces costs while doubling production volume.
"Anderson Technologies is ready to embrace Industry 4.0 technology as we continue to offer injection molding services on the cutting edge," owner and President Glenn Anderson said in a news release.
The company also increased its ability to produce clear polycarbonate products for customers in the automotive, office furniture, lighting, equipment (medical, dental equipment and food services) and household appliances markets.
In addition, the new machinery has hydraulic pump technology expected to save up to 50 percent on energy costs while helping meet sustainability goals.
Originally founded in Chicago as Concord Tool & Die by Ernie Anderson, the business was eventually taken over by his nephew, George Anderson, who opened the Michigan plant in 1964 and added molding capabilities until it could operate as a stand-alone business. In 1990, he sold the plant to his son, Glenn, who changed the name to Anderson Technologies.
In 2009, the Batesville site, which is 55,000 square feet and has 50 employees, was added.
With an estimated $17.5 million in annual sales, Anderson Technologies ranks 269th among North American injection molders, according to Plastics News' latest ranking.