Synventive launches Asian hot runner

Synventive Molding Solutions (Peabody, MA) launched its CN-series hot runner product for general consumer, appliance, and automotive applications at Chinaplas 2009 (Guangzhou, China; May 18-21). The entry-level product, initially targeted at injection molders in Asian countries, is said to meet the technical requirements for general market in these applications. The price of these hot runners will be competitive with alternatives currently being marketed, says Synventive, but will still be supported by Synventive’s full support services within Asia.

The new product represents another departure from Synventive’s traditional strategy of targeting the high-value automotive sector, which is undergoing a global contraction. On this account, the company diversified into supply of hot runner systems for electrical, electronic, and telecom applications last year. An Asian R&D center was set up in October 2008 to support that initiative. Progress has been slow, concedes Mark Moss, executive VP, market and product strategy, on account of the global slump in target markets, and in order to address this shortfall in revenue the company decided to reconfigure its products and target general consumer markets. “By addressing the market downturn in this way, we expect to sustain our business in Asia at least at the 2008 level, which was 82% higher than in 2007,” Moss told MPW at the show.

“The Chinese government has invested RMB4 trillion (about $580 billion) to boost the Chinese economy and help to improve the living standards of Chinese people, particularly those in rural areas. An increasing number of home appliances and automobiles will be marketed to consumers in these areas. This product is an economical choice for manufacturers looking to lower their costs and bring greater benefits to consumers,” said Moss.

Target applications include parts for TVs, washers and dryers, laptops, refrigerators, printers, hand-held appliances in the electrical and electronics segment, and HVAC, underhood parts, non-cosmetic underbody exterior parts, and small interior trim in automotive applications. —[email protected]