Extruder Intek Plastics Adds Injection Molding Capabilities with Five Star Plastics AcquisitionExtruder Intek Plastics Adds Injection Molding Capabilities with Five Star Plastics Acquisition

Extruder Intek Plastics, based in Hastings, MN, has acquired injection molding company Five Star Plastics, located in Eau Claire, WI. Both companies are family-owned.

Intek said that the acquisition will strengthen its portfolio by integrating Five Star’s expertise in advanced prototyping, injection molding, and manufacturing solutions. “Together, the companies will offer a more comprehensive suite of services, creating exciting growth opportunities and providing greater value to customers across diverse industries,” said Intek.

Customers will benefit from a broader range of services, including design for manufacturing, custom extrusion, injection molding, assembly, prototyping, inventory management, and delivery, according to Intek.

Five Star will operate as a separate division of Intek Plastics Group. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.

Proven expertise and business knowledge

Kevin Hogan, CEO of Intek Plastics, emphasized the importance of leadership continuity at Five Star Plastics. “We are thrilled that Al Buchholz, Steve Piltz, and Wayne Piltz will be continuing in their leadership roles at Five Star Plastics,” commented Hogan. “Their proven expertise and deep knowledge of the business provide consistency for customers, employees, and vendors. This stability is essential as we work together to deliver even greater value and innovative solutions across the industries we serve.”

The collaboration will unlock new opportunities for innovation and flexibility, Intek added.

In March, 2024, Intek acquired a 72,000-square-foot extrusion facility in Medford, WI, allowing it to expand its twin-screw extruder capability and reinforce its commitment to serving OEMs in the fenestration industry, the company said at the time.

Rapid prototyping and tooling

Five Star Plastics is equipped with injection molding machines ranging in size from 35 to 1000 tons, specializing in low- to mid-volume projects for single- and multi-shot applications. The company also has expertise in rapid prototyping and tooling developed over more than 20 years, and offers a full suite of engineering services.

50+ years of thermoplastic extrusion services

Intek has been providing engineered thermoplastic extrusions, sub-assemblies, and value-added services to OEMs across the United States in construction, fenestration, lighting, refrigeration, agriculture, recreation, appliances, and transportation for more than 50 years. It operates more than 30 production lines, extruding profiles ranging from less than one-quarter inch to over 10 inches on a 24-hour/five-day schedule. The company holds several co-extrusion patents and is capable of extruding up to four dissimilar materials into one multi-durometer profile.