ThermoFab Operating Co. LLC, a thermoformer and injection molder of heavy-gauge plastic enclosures, is opening a 50,000-square-foot facility in Mexicali, Mexico.
The strategic expansion supports demand for near-shore manufacturing and is scheduled to open in mid-2025, according to the Shirley, Mass.-based company.
"This new facility is a key milestone in our journey to become the world's leading solution provider for heavy-gauge plastic enclosures," said Mark Rauenzahn, CEO of ThermoFab, in a news release. "By expanding our capabilities and establishing a presence in Mexicali, we are not only supporting customers looking for near-shore supply chain options but also positioning ourselves to meet growing market demands in medical devices and beyond."
With a heavy focus on thermoforming, ThermoFab also injection molds heavy-gauge plastic enclosures and single-use components for medical devices.
The new facility will help the company meet customer needs with higher efficiency. The location will be in a popular medical device area and be set up for comprehensive plastic enclosure production capabilities.
The expansion will see the addition of two large-scale 3D printers. The facility will also include vacuum and pressure thermoforming, injection molding up to 900 tons of clamping force, reaction injection molding, computer numerically controlled machining for prototypes and in-house tool maintenance.
ThermoFab Mexicali will have ISO 13485:2016 certification which is expected to be completed by the second quarter of 2025.
ThermoFab plans to set up a tooling transfer program to bring work from China or other areas of the world to its Mexico facility.
In September 2022, ThermoFab underwent a change in owners after 45 years in business. Producto Group LLC, a portfolio company of Culper Capital Partners of Closter, N.J., acquired ThermoFab from its two founders, Thomas King Jr. and Michael Wahl, who remained with the company.