Krauss-Maffei donates molding machine and robot to college’s plastics program

Krauss-Maffei Corp. (Florence, KY), the U.S. subsidiary of the KraussMaffei Group, recently donated a 200-ton all-electric molding machine with an integrated LRX 150 robot to Schoolcraft College in Livonia, MI. The donation is part of an initiative to develop plastics industry professionals, said KraussMaffei.

“Krauss-Maffei wanted to give back to the plastics industry by helping develop students that can help our customers and the industry in general,” said Paul Caprio, President and CEO of Krauss-Maffei. “We have a very high regard for the plastics program at Schoolcraft College and believe that by having KraussMaffei injection molding machines and automation within its program, we will be able to assist the goal of the college in educating its students with our state-of-the-art equipment as well as provide support with Krauss-Maffei personnel.”

The new machinery will benefit Schoolcraft College’s new plastics technology degree offering, said Krauss-Maffei. Armando Sardanopoli, Instructor in the plastics technology program, commented, “It shows us that a company like Krauss-Maffei feels strongly about the kinds of programs we are putting together. The new equipment gives the students the opportunity to work with up-to-date technology.”

Starting in September 2017, Schoolcraft will begin offering a two-year associate degree in plastics technology. They will be the only college in southeast Michigan—the heart of the automotive industry—to offer a degree in plastics technology.

Through its commitment to education and professional development, Krauss-Maffei Corp. has also instituted co-op and apprenticeship programs. The company currently has three apprentices supporting the extrusion and reaction process machinery divisions while completing associate degrees at a local college, as well as four engineering co-ops from local universities.