Materials firm Plasticoncentrates Inc. is optimistic about 2023, with strong sales into the medical market.
The firm also plans to add several jobs this year, according to CEO and President Ed Tucker. Plasticoncentrates is based in Trainer, Pa., near Philadelphia.
Plasticoncentrates currently has unused production capacity and plans to expand its hiring as a result, said Tucker, who founded the firm in 2001. Prior to launching his own firm, Tucker had 15 years of industry experience with Allied Signal, DSM and GE Plastics.
Like many materials firms, Plasticoncentrates continues to deal with supply chain issues.
"Fiberglass is a major issue, because our main customers are compounders who don't make their own products," Tucker said.
Plasticoncentrates works with a wide range of resins, with a focus on engineering materials. The firm's Plasticon product line is aimed at injection molders, custom compounders, and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) making products such as computers, cell phones, power tools and other consumer durables. Its Versicon product line is a universal carrier which allows high concentrate loadings of up to 200:1 let-down, depending on carrier, color and end-use application. The firm also has specific formulations for sustainable products.
In addition, Plasticoncentrates supports orphanages and underprivileged adults and children in the African countries of Kenya and Sierra Leone. This work has included donating safety goggles and gloves to stone workers in Kenya.
One of the students sponsored by Plasticoncentrates, Delyne Mwikali, graduated in December from Kenya Aeronautical College. Mwikali was valedictorian of her class and earned a bachelor's degree in aeronautical engineering.