Extrusion update: Downturn not halting all capital investment

Both of the Gloucester lines are 4000 mm, seven-layer extrusion lines, with the second one scheduled for delivery at the end of 2009. Scientex is one of the largest polyethylene stretch film processors in Asia with an annual capacity of more than 85,000 tons.

Around the world, Alpha Plastics Solutions (Muskego, WI) settled on a Super Blue extruder for processing foamed, rigid PVC profiles. Davis-Standard (Pawcatuck, CT) manufactures the Super Blue line, which it introduced in 2006 at the NPE exhibition.

Alpha had its new line installed in early 2009 and uses it to supply customers in the residential housing and industrial markets, which it reports has remained steady despite the economic slowdown. Tim Hogan, president of Alpha Plastics Solutions, adds that the company’s versatility also has helped; Alpha not only runs profile extrusion but also offers injection molding, thermoforming, as well as decorating capabilities that include in-mold labeling, hot stamping, and pad printing. “The main reason we’ve been able to weather this current economy is due to our equipment and product diversity,” explained Hogan. “We run a very lean operation and will continue to do so.” —[email protected]