El Paso, Texas-based injection molder Plastic Molding Technology (PMT) has invested $1 million to increase capacity and meet new demand from customers requiring insert molding.
PMT added vertical and horizontal injection molding presses, including a new custom-ordered 220-ton Arburg Allrounder 1500T/2000-800.
The Arburg press, which was delivered last month, represents a significant investment in vertical injection molding technology for the company, which now has six vertical machines.
"Insert molding is one of PMT's core competencies. It's why many of our long-term customers continue to source new insert molding projects with us," PMT CEO and owner Charles A. Sholtis said in a news release. "The investment in the custom Arburg machine is in keeping with our vision to be at the forefront of injection molding technology."
Founded more than 45 years ago, PMT produces more than 160 million parts a year for the automotive, electrical, medical device and industrial markets.
About 25 percent of PMT's current business involves insert molding, which gives the company experience in this niche market from engineering to quality to production, Sholits added.
"Our team takes pride in being the best insert molders for our customers," he said. "We tackle high-volume, complex insert molding with a precision and an expertise not found at other custom molders."
The new presses open capacity to a wider tonnage range and will help PMT keep its competitive edge, which Sholtis said extends to proprietary automation and packaging systems integrated into molding cells.
PMT also installed two new 300-ton Toyo all-electric horizontal presses earlier this year and has recently invested in new auxiliary equipment, including advanced robotics, conveyor systems and material dryers.
In all, PMT has 61 injection molding machines at its 60,000-square-foot facility, which has certifications for IATF 16949- and ISO 9001.