Press release submitted on behalf of PPE.
Expanded Capabilities Target Septic Tank Components for Newest Customer
Pittsfield Plastics Engineering, LLC (PPE), a leading plastics processor with specialties in injection molding and mold making, has announced the installation of a new 1600-ton injection molding machine which elevates its capabilities in large-part molding. The new machine, along with other related robotics and auxiliaries, will enable PPE to meet the needs of its newest customer, a leading provider and manufacturer of septic tank products and services for the residential and commercial sanitary waste industry.
PPE has installed and brought online a new large-tonnage Jupiter 14000 Series injection unit from Absolute Haitian Corp. The current investment in large-part injection molding is an important part of PPE’s growth strategy which has resulted in a steady increase in business volume over the last several years.
“We’re excited about this new large-part capacity which will not only meet the production needs of our new customer but also fill redundancies for current customers and potentially satisfy future growth opportunities,” said Bruce Dixon, CEO/CFO for PPE. The investment also opens the door to new opportunities in large-part molding with other existing and prospective customers in the industrial, electrical, and construction markets, said Dixon.
The large-tonnage unit – the largest in PPE’s injection molding machine stable – offers a shot size capability of up to 22 lb. It will manufacture a 14-lb shroud for a septic grinder pump. The HDPE part is two-ft. in diameter and approximately 10-in tall.
The machine will also produce electronic insulation covers (18-20-in long), electrical covers (28-in long), and canoe and kayak seats for the recreational market that range from 7.5 to 9-lbs.
PPE also just installed a new 10-ton overhead crane from Konecranes of Springfield, Ohio, to handle large molds. The new crane, which supplements existing five-ton cranes, now offers the capability to lift and position large-tonnage molds for efficient and safe operations.
The machine installation also includes advanced automation systems that are driven by a three-axis robot from Sepro. The company has built an automated work cell incorporating end-of-arm tooling and a Keyence vision system which will perform insert molding, de-gating, and quality inspection.
With a greater focus on more complex and demanding applications, the company is seeking to hire new employees with advanced engineering and technical expertise. PPE foresees workforce levels increasing by up to 10% in the next year in technical/engineering, supervisory, and administrative roles.
About Pittsfield Plastics Engineering, LLC (PPE) Pittsfield Plastics Engineering, LLC based in Pittsfield, Mass., is an industry leading, ISO 9001:2015 certified plastics processor specializing in injection molding and mold making with a proven track record of more than 50 years. A full-service injection molding operation provides fast turnaround production for both short-run and high-volume requirements. The company has an inventory of 25 injection molding machines ranging from 90 to 1600 U.S. tons.
Complementing their injection molding capabilities is a tool room with experienced tooling technicians using the latest equipment to serve PPE’s customers. Customers may need the tool room to repair their custom molds, thereby getting their existing mold back into the press with minimal production delay. A highly trained and experienced staff of engineers and designers are skilled in meeting today’s product development demands, quickly moving projects from design concept and prototype development to finished product. For more information, visit www.pittsplas.com.