Lamson & Sessions Co., USA has purchased high density polyethylene conduit maker Pyramid Industries Inc., USA for US$ 52 million in cash. Pyramid employs about 300 in its five facilities, which include a small tooling operation and a recent start-up plant in Florida.
Primary Colors Inc., USA has expanded its color and additive concentrates manufacturing capabilities by doubling its production space and adding a fifth extrusion line with a 60-mm Leistritz twin-screw extruder.
Ticona, Germany has launched the new cycloolefin-copolymer “Topas” which can be processed on conventional blown film systems. The canadian Macro Engineering & Technology Inc. has presented the new material at the latest NPE 2000 in Chicago. The new copolymer is said to have increased stiffness properties, improved transparency and very good barrier properties.
Flat film die manufacturer Extrusion Dies Inc., USA has set up a new company to represent its products in the UK. The new company Flat Dies UK can be found at tel. 01332 833153; fax: 01332 833181; email flatdiesuk@btclick.com.
Plastex has expanded its range of extruders and downstream equipment available for immediate delivery to include 20, 25, 35 and 60 mm extruders and various haul offs and saws. Plastex started its ‘available today, delivered tomorrow’ plan in 1996 with a 60 mm extruder and two small haul offs. Since then sales has been increased by 30 per cent for the company’s machinery division.
Advanced Elastomer Systems, USA and Paul Troester Maschinenfabrik, Germany have jointly developed a co-extrusion process combining Santoprene thermoplastic vulcanisate and EPDM. Applications are seen in automotive and building profiles and weatherseals. The system consists of a 60 mm extruder for the Santoprene, a 90 mm vacuum machine for the EPDM and a specially developed die head. The system can process conventional solid profiles and can be combined with the water foaming process for Santoprene. The Santoprene can also be coloured.
According to the market-research firm Freedonia Group Inc., USA the demand for plastic film will grow 2,9 per cent anually from 1999 to 2004, compared to a growth of 3,9 per cent from 1994 to 1999. Demand for LDPE films will grow 2,5 per cent , while HDPE film will increase 4,3 per cent, and PP film will gain 4,8 per cent per year. Packaging will account for 72% of all film uses.
Koemmerling, Germany, one of the largest PVC window profile manufacturers in Europe, has been taken over by HT Troplast AG, Germany. Due to high capital investment in the past Koemmerling got into difficulties and announced insolvency beginning of this year. With this purchase HT Troplast is the undisputed PVC window profile market leader in Europe.
Watlow,USA has expanded its manufacturing, sales and R&D operations in Singapore and will move into larger facilities by the end of this month. The supplier of heaters, sensors and controls has currently 50 employees at its plant in Singapore. Watlow Singapore will more than double its manufacturing capacity for Firerod cartridge heaters and thermocouples and will possibly add new ones.
Filmquest Inc., USA has acquired assets and business operations of three related companies in Columbus, namely R-P, Plicon and Columbus Packaging. With this purchase PET film converter Filmquest has gained value-added converting capabilities, also for its recently formed affiliate, Plystar Inc. The three acquired companies, had filed for bankruptcy and faced the possibility of liquidation, according to Filmquest.