Gloucester sees increased demand for retrofit blown film lines

Sometimes what's old is new again; at least that's the case for Gloucester Engineering Co.

Gloucester President Carl Johnson told PlasticsToday the company has seen an increase in demand for its retrofit blown film business.

"Companies, particularly in the U.S., are trying to squeeze every ounce of plastic they can out of their existing assets," he said. "They are also trying to increase their product flexibility, enhance quality, with minimal capital investment."

Retrofits involve older equipment that is already situated in the footprint of a customer's facility. Johnson said some companies opt for retrofit blown film lines over a new line because of the ability to use existing floor space rather than having to add on a new building expansion. Retrofits also have a shorter project cycle time, he said.

"Understanding that capital can be tight, we know how to work with our customer to help them bring new life to existing assets, extending that ROA, with an investment that makes sense and has a very high ROI," Johnson said.

Gloucester recently completed and installed a retrofitted blown film line for Automated Packaging Systems.

This project upgraded a number of components including the Extrol 6016 with an integrated IBC controller, power and control panels with air-to-water heat exchangers, a 4.5-inch 30:1 L:D ContraCool Extruder with continuous screen changer, a 26-inch oscillating monolayer IBC die, an UltraCool II air ring, and bubble cage, among other components. 

The retrofitted line will manufacture converter-grade film utilizing materials such as mLLDPE, LLDPE, LLDPE and LDPE Blends. 

Brad Yates, the plant manager of the Automated Packaging Ohio facility stated in a press release, "The die and extruder package that Gloucester supplied is performing quite well and continues to exceed our original rate expectations while maintaining very good gauge."