Press release submitted on behalf of LS Mtron.
Manufacturing veteran Jeff Hicks visited his first NPE with an ambitious goal: Check out plastics, find a partner, dive in.
More than two years later, he’s looking forward to his second NPE—this time as a featured partner of LS Mtron, which he praises for shepherding him into the injection molding world.
“The LS machines are very competitively priced. The terms are very competitive. I would say what we benefited from the most is their support. I’ve never seen a company that offers such support,” Hicks said.
Hicks is the founder of Miramar, which has been working with LS Mtron to create capacity in the U.S. to reshore a significant amount of molding work from China. Since launching U.S manufacturing after NPE 2024, the company is tracking 300 percent growth this year and anticipating its expansion from six injection molding lines to 14.
Moving into plastics
Miramar’s divisions include Mirapet, which makes collapsible pet crates, and Dry Well, which supplies drying technologies to gummy and soft gel manufacturers.
“We started manufacturing pet crates probably four years ago in China, 100 percent,” Hicks said. “By the end of this year, we’ll probably be close to 80 percent of the products that we manufacture will be made here in the U.S.”
But with 40 years of manufacturing experience, Hicks had never had a direct role in plastics. Until now.
Miramar makes private-label collapsible milk crates and totes and is shopping its products to major retailers, touting their convenience and logistical advantages.
“We do milk collapsible milk crates. You can get 2,800 average milk crates in a 53-foot trailer. You’re basically shipping air. With our ability to fold them down, you can get over 10,000 in that same trailer,” Hicks said.
That’s why, he said, “we’re big on miniature stuff,” including totes for crafters.
Currently, Miramar has about 10 employees and a manufacturing facility in Cherryvale, Kansas. It also has office and warehouse space in nearby Joplin, Missouri.
But it’s not stopping there.
The company is breaking ground on a new facility in Neosho, Missouri, just south of its current manufacturing facility.
Every machine there will be an LS Mtron, which has a growth philosophy similar to Hicks’. Having achieved a 10 percent market share in North America last year, LS Mtron is eyeing its next goal—15 percent.
“They’re aggressive with their growth, and so are we,” Hicks said.
Parallel success stories
LS Mtron President Paul Caprio has a simple recipe for his company’s success; When customers do well, so does LS Mtron.
With high-quality machines and an extensive and growing network of knowledgeable sales and service technicians, LS Mtron has been able to support companies, like Miramar, that are moving manufacturing back to the U.S., Caprio said.
“They called us after the last NPE and said they were reshoring,” he said. “We’ve been able to support them as they’ve moved more manufacturing stateside, and we look at our relationship with them and all our customers as a team. When they win, so do we.”
Hicks appreciates the support, as much as the technology.
“You can’t beat the service and support. They haven’t been just a vendor. They’ve worn hats as a partner,” he said.
On July 9, Miramar took delivery of its latest LS Mtron machine—a 2,000 tonner.
When it began production, Miramar relied on older machines from another major supplier.
But over time, their deficiencies have become obvious.
One machine, for example, is about 20 years and an energy hog, compared with LS Mtron’s efficient servo hydraulic presses.
“We’re running three machines with the same power that the older machine was using,” Hicks said.
The company also relies on the expertise and experience of LS Mtron’s growing sales and support team.
Recently, Hicks said, an LS Mtron representative visiting Miramar reprogrammed a robot to enable it to work more efficiently.
Whether they work in sales or in more technical positions, LS Mtron’s representatives have demonstrated deep backgrounds in injection molding, Hicks said.
“They’ve helped us eliminate a lot of costly mistakes and saved us a lot of money by sharing their knowledge and expertise. You just don’t get that support anymore,” he said.
He said nearby Pittsburg State University, which has a plastics engineering program, also has proved a valuable partner.
To build injection molding capacity, LS Mtron is working with the university, too—it partnered on a three-day class there.
“Our commitment extends far beyond supplying injection molding machines,” Caprio said. “It’s about helping manufacturers succeed. By working with processors, educators, and students, we’re building an ecosystem that supports technical excellence, workforce development, and the continued growth of injection molding here in the U.S.”
Growth trajectory
For Miramar, finding success stateside has been a no-brainer. It all started with finding a good partner.
“LS Mtron gives very favorable terms on our equipment. It’s great equipment, and they’re constantly in our facility, making sure that everything runs correctly, that we’re trained correctly,” Hicks said.
At NPE 2027, Miramar will have an opportunity to show off its capabilities—using LS Mtron’s booth and machines, it will be molding samples of three of its products, including miniature collapsible milk crates and totes.
The goal is to supplement its schedule of private-label manufacturing with contracts from companies in need of a custom molder.
“We want to be able to fill in any available production with outside contract manufacturing,” Hicks said.
With machines ranging from 200 tons to 2,000 tons, along with the robotics to match, Miramar will be making a sales pitch to prospective customers that parallels the relationship it’s experienced with LS Mtron: We’re here for you.
Just like LS Mtron, Hicks said, “We partner with our customers, and our commitment is to ensure their success.”
As production demands increase, Miramar knows it can continue to rely on LS Mtron’s machines to deliver the consistency, precision, and uptime it needs to keep growing and serving its customers.
Slated to open early next year, Miramar’s new facility reflects that confidence. Though at first it will accommodate 14 machines, the 35,000-square-foot manufacturing will have space for plenty more.
“The building has an expansion wall in it. And I own 18 acres,” Hicks said.
The company also will add about six or 10 more employees.
As he prepares for his first NPE as a plastics professional, Hicks said he’s excited that Miramar and LS Mtron are poised to grow together.
“If I ask for help, it’s done,” Hicks said. “You just don’t see that kind of service anymore.”
About LS Mtron Injection Molding Machines
LS Mtron is part of the LS Group, a South Korean-based conglomerate with over 25,000 employees, annual revenues of over $45 billion and profit of approximately $2 billion. LS Mtron Injection Molding Machines (LS IMM), a division of LS Mtron, was started in 1969 by South Korean tech giant LG Corporation, one of the world’s largest plastic molders. Founded initially to satisfy their own production needs for injection molded components used in their world-famous TVs, appliances, electronics, and other products, today LS IMM produces thousands of machines a year, not only for use by our network of LS-related and LG-founded companies but also for thousands of molders around the world.
Since 2021, the LS Group has invested $722 million in a number of its businesses in the U.S., demonstrating unwavering commitment to long-term growth and innovation.
Beginning with the development of Korea’s first injection molding machines, LS IMM prides itself on quality, service and fast deliveries. The combined strength of the LS family of companies allows us to solve many of the world’s supply-chain challenges.
Because of this, LS IMM can provide new custom molding machines to our customers in North America in just 100 days from casting to cargo, or even faster from our stocked inventory.