Mold-Masters Announces New Tech Center

30 November 2000
Mold-Masters Announces New Tech Center
    MT. CLEMENS, Mich., Nov. 29 Mold-Masters Limited, a
Canadian-based world leader in hot runner systems for the injection molding
industry, opened a new $500,000 technical center here today.
    Participating in grand opening ceremonies at the 10,000 square-foot
facility were: Mt. Clemens Mayor Harry T. Diehl; Michigan State Senator and
Mt. Clemens native Ken DeBeaussaert; Pauline Millichamp, national account
manager, Global Business Development Division, Michigan Economic Development
Corporation; and Jonathon Fischer, president of Mold-Masters, Ltd. More than
50 executives from Mold-Masters' facilities around the world were also in
attendance.
    "The center will focus primarily on the automotive industry and
demonstrates our commitment to the region," said Scott Molnar, global sales
director.  "Through both academic and hands-on training, it is our goal to
give our customers the process knowledge they need to run independently at
maximum efficiency."
    A hot runner system regulates the temperature and flow of molten plastic
between the injection molding machine and the mold.  In doing so the hot
runner enhances the economics of the injection molding process by improving
cycle time while simultaneously reducing or eliminating scrap otherwise
inherent to the process.  Molded products from interior automotive panels to
medical pipettes are common applications for hot runner systems.
    When a manufacturing situation warrants, technicians, with the support of
the center's resources, can be deployed rapidly to minimize production down
time.  Robert Nasato, automotive business manager, summarizes the company's
philosophy, saying simply, "we're here to keep our customers up and running."
    Nasato, a professional engineer with a degree in chemical engineering,
notes that the tech center will help Mold-Masters get into the trenches of a
very demanding and innovative industry.  "At the end of the day, we must
demonstrate to the market that the overall cost of ownership with a Mold-
Masters product is the lowest in the industry.  This can only be accomplished
through close customer relations and continuous innovation in both product
design and service."
    The center also gives customers access to a unique service for cleaning
hot runner systems.  Mold-Masters has installed a fluidized sand bed designed
to thoroughly and rapidly remove plastic contamination from hot runner
manifolds and components.  Nasato notes that the sand bed cleaner will be a
big plus for molders since cleaning can be a difficult and time-consuming
process.  The sand bed is an environmentally friendly, two-stage combustion
process that is fueled by natural gas.