From North Carolina to Vermont, Mack Molding is investing in its operations to shore up the capabilities that make the company a leading custom plastics molder and supplier of contract manufacturing services.

Spurred by a favorable tax environment and an uptick in business activity, Mack is boosting the large-part production capabilities of its Statesville, NC, facility, while simultaneously investing in new equipment and day-to-day operational needs at all three of its Vermont locations.

“The resurgence of manufacturing in the United States is strong, and Mack has been aggressive in ensuring we are well-positioned to seize the opportunity presented to us,” said President Jeff Somple. “From attracting new, exciting programs in the areas of robotics and 3D printing to planning ahead for executing on infrastructure and equipment needs upon the passage of tax reform, we continue the company’s longstanding tradition of collectively moving us and our customers forward together.”

Mack is investing $4.4 million into the 125,000-square-foot facility in Statesville, adding three new sections to the plant and new warehouse space adjacent to the existing footprint. When completed, the Statesville operation will have added 54,000 square feet of warehouse space and 12,000 square feet of expanded capacity for paint mixing, tool room storage and finishing, as well as eight new bays for presses. Two of those bays will hold 500- and 1,300-ton Milacron hydraulic molding machines that Mack is acquiring. The other six will be for future growth. 

The Statesville plant is also investing in new cranes—10- and 15-ton cranes in the molding room, as well as a 15-ton crane in the tool room. The plant, however, is not only investing in space and equipment, but also expects to see a 20% growth in its employee base by adding approximately 50 tooling, engineering, processing and support function positions.

In Vermont, Mack is investing more than $1 million into new equipment geared toward meeting current and future demands of the business. The largest pieces of equipment were recently delivered to Mack’s headquarters in Arlington, VT, including a new, fully automated laser for sheet metal fabrication and two computerized machining centers. The investments complement additions the company made in 2017 to expand the specialty materials and thickness of gauges that can be handled, which increased capacity to meet customers’ milling and turning demands. Each investment benefits Mack’s business model of bringing value to customers through a full suite of vertically integrated services.

Investments made at Mack’s Cavendish and East Arlington operations, with the goal of bolstering day-to-day operations, include a new automated work cell, resin drying system, and fork lift and crane upgrades. The company’s Northern Division is more than 600 strong after 100 hires last year, with an additional 50 people expected to be hired in 2018.

“The energy at Mack has reached new levels,” said Somple. “Between new work, new equipment and new faces, there is palpable excitement among the teams. Whether you are in the market for our vertically integrated manufacturing services or seeking to advance your career, it is a great time to take a look at Mack.”