Plastic Components Inc. has dedicated its new 15,000-square-foot molding plant for large-volume, long-running jobs, freeing up space for shorter-run molding at PCI’s headquarters plant. “Our aim is to run the plant lights-out, unattended,” PCI President Tom Duffey said.
PCI purchased the empty building, which is near the same industrial park.
During Duffey’s speech, he demonstrated lights-out manufacturing. The only light came from the injection presses and control panels.
The plant initially will run four all-electric Toyo presses, each with a clamping force of 55 tons. The presses have extended tie bar spacing, so they can accommodate larger molds.
Ultimately, the building will be able to hold 20 injection molding machines of that same size. After that, if necessary, PCI can add on to the factory.
Duffey said PCI’s sales will reach about $20 million this year, up from its 2008 total of $12.3 million.
18 months ago, management looked for ways to expand their production. The 42,500-square-foot headquarters factory, which houses 42 injection presses, had run out of room after four expansions there.
“We were very confident in the trajectory of our growth,” said, manager of business development, Rick Riesterer.
