Custom injection molder EVCO Plastics has recently completed installation of its biggest machine yet, a 3500-ton Engel duo hybrid, in its 30,000-sq-ft addition, which brought the molder's Oshkosh, WI site to 100,000 sq ft. “We’re excited to add this new machine to our existing large-press line-up. We are one of very few plastics manufacturers in the Midwest with access to this size machine,” says Dale Evans, EVCO president.

The 2012 facility expansion includes a warehouse for the large parts the machine will be producing, and includes an 80-ton crane that will allow EVCO to set molds up to 160,000 lb in weight.

"There are currently four open bays for more very large machines, but we would have to expand our warehouse space after one or two new large presses," Evans told PlasticsToday. "Product from machines of this magnitude takes up a lot of space. However, we have 40 acres in Oshkosh right south of the airport—plenty of room to expand again."

The decision to add the new press was reached when the company's 3300-ton press had reached 80% capacity. "Our 3300-ton press is a Demag and has been very reliable, but unforeseen things do happen in manufacturing so we try to mitigate risk whenever possible," Evans said. "We also have a 3000-ton Husky in our Juarez, Mexico facility."

Evans also said that EVCO, which has nine manufacturing sites around the globe and 140 injection molding machines in its stable, weathered the economic downturn well, and is looking at a strong finish to 2013.

"Coming out of the recession (2010, 2011) we experienced back-to-back 30%+ growth years. In 2012 and the first half of 2013, growth has slowed back down to single-digit figures, but we're forecasting back into double digits through the back half of the year."

"We are winning our battles when high-speed production, precise parts, or large parts are required," he explained. "In instances when we're intimately involved in designing for manufacturability along with the customer, we see the greatest success. While we're open to molding product for a wide range of markets, we're always hoping for the type of relationships where our engineers work closely together throughout the product design process."

"Currently, we're experiencing strong growth in the packaging and agricultural segments. However, the last two years we've enjoyed healthy growth in most markets we compete in," Evans said.