Erie, Pa.-based injection molder and tool manufacturer Plastek Group is investing about $8 million in tooling and automation equipment over the next four years, starting with a purchase from electrical discharge machining technology manufacturer Sodick Inc.
"Investment in new technology and automation … provides better efficiency and lights-out machining to gain additional capacity in North America and Brazil," a spokesperson for Plastek told Plastics News in an emailed statement.
Plastek's recent purchase includes two wire EDM ALN600G machines, two sinker EDM AL60G machines and one EDM K3HS drill, a news release said. The company expects the new equipment to be delivered in September.
"We are incredibly enthusiastic about this equipment investment," Doug Prischak, vice president of global tooling and engineering at Plastek Group said in the release. "With this new technology, we are confident it will enhance our manufacturing capabilities."
"Implementing Sodick's wire EDM, sinker EDM, and EDM drill will bolster our productivity and enable us to pursue new opportunities and address the ever-evolving demands of the global market," the release said.
Plastek Group makes custom and stock designs for consumer products, tool and mold build manufacturing, molding and assembly and other services.
It was No. 20 in the most recent Plastics News ranking of North American injection molders with $450 million in relevant sales. It was PN Processor of the Year for 2020.