Alexandria Industries adds additional injection molding capabilities

"Customers really drove our decision," Steve Schabel, director of sales and marketing integration told PlasticsToday. "When their needs for innovative solutions for their manufactured products grow, we respond. In this case, we acquired plastic injection equipment assets that allow us to expand our capabilities and keep pace with our customers' needs."

Based in Alexandria, MN, Alexandria Industries will also integrate TIG/MIG welding and full assembly services into its recently acquired, 30,000-sq-ft plastic injection and foam molding facility in Wheaton, MN. The company acquired this facility in September 2012 as a way of becoming a "one-stop" supplier.

"Where possible, customers want to be able to go to one supplier or manufacturing partner to get everything," he said. "Single sourcing has product quality and business process benefits. The acquisition helps us be that single-stop provider of services that solve our customers' entire problem, not just a piece of it."

In addition, this expansion has allowed the company to hire additional employees. Schabel said most of the new employees will work at the Wheaton facility, with the possibility of doubling its workforce there in 2013.

In addition to plastic injection and foam molding, the company offers aluminum extrusion, precision machining, fabrication and bending, TIG/MIG welding and metal finishing services.

The company added plastic injection and foam molding capabilities to its portfolio of offerings in 2007, through the formation of a strategic alliance with Wheaton Plastics.

When asked how the company will continue to grow in the future, Schabel said it comes down to its people.

"Purchasing capital is a component of growth, but our core growth strategy continues to be based on hiring value-driven, customer-focused, talented people and putting them in positions to use their skills to make an impact," he said. "When that happens, our capabilities grow, our innovations launch and our customers succeed."