Anaheim, Calif. — Packaging supplier Amcor Flexibles North America Inc. is making an "eight-figure" investment to expand its North American thermoforming capacity for the health care market.
The investment includes automated thermoforming machine purchases from Kiefel Technologies, Plastics News learned, for Amcor's Oshkosh, Wis., facility.
"During the supply chain challenges we had [the last few years], we learned many of our customers were procuring from two different companies so there was no marriage between the top and bottom," Art Castro, vice president and general manager of Amcor's health care business, told PN at MD&M West in Anaheim.
Much of the market was sourcing parts like trays and lids from separate suppliers. Customers wanted to simplify their supply chain from "two different companies … to create one unit from one company," Castro said.
Customers will be able to source thermoforms and companion die-cut lids from the single Oshkosh location, helping streamline product manufacturing and distribution.
Investing in the facility was the "missing" piece for Amcor's portfolio, he said. "This portion of the industry is just growing. … We weren't as big in [thermoforming]."
The new equipment will make packaging for the medical, pharmaceutical and consumer health sectors, the release said.
The company plans to continue making investments in thermoforming for the health care market, Castro added.
"As demand grows, this strategic investment underscores Amcor's commitment to … anticipating and meeting our customers' unique thermoforming needs," Castro said in a news release.
The new equipment is expected to be operational by December 2024 and located in the Class 7 clean room at the plant. Amcor also has health care plants in Ireland, Minnesota and Puerto Rico.