Fresh from NPE, Haitian launches stimulus plan

Absolute Haitian’s (Worcester, MA) follow-up to what the company’s Glenn Frohring told PlasticsToday was a very successful show is an aggressive pricing program that can cut up to 30% off the already lower priced Haitian machines. Mike Ortolano of Absolute Haitian says this creates a unique pricing tier in the market, falling between that of used machines and lower-priced new presses.

During NPE, Frohring, whose own company offers both used injection machines and new Haitian models, made a strong case for molders taking new machines. Besides used machines having potentially hidden problems, he said, the time needed for inspection, moving, and set up is non-productive, which adds expense; refurbishing may be needed; controls will most likely be older generation; and compared to the energy efficiency of the new machines, a used machine is very likely to be an energy hog.

What this often means, adds Frohring, is a better and faster ROI on a new machine, even if the initial purchase price of the used model is lower. He added that a new machine can be configured to suit a molder’s projects, while a used machine is an "as-is" proposition.

Absolute Haitian’s stimulus plan has two levels. The Factory Direct Silver Price Plan offers new Haitian machines with a standard Keba 1075 Control, start-up, training, and a one-year parts warranty. These basic machines come at discounts up to 30%. For example, a 180-ton Mars Energy-Efficient MA 1600 costs $58,720 under this program.

The chief difference with the company’s Factory Direct Gold Price Plan is controls. On Haitian Saturn and Mars machines, the control platform is the more advanced Keba 4030, while fully electric Venus machines come with the Sigmatek control system.

Ortolano points out that, under the Factory Direct Plans, customers are opting for pay-as-you-go service, which advantages current users with working experience on Haitian machines. The Absolute Stimulus pricing will be available through the end of 2009. —[email protected]