Mack Adds Resources for Large Part Niche

INMAN, S.C. – Mack Molding’s Southern Operations, co-located in Inman, S.C., and Statesville, N.C., continues its pursuit of the large-part marketplace with additional new molding technology and staff, it was announced today by President Ray Burns.

“Several years ago, we positioned ourselves to capture more of the large-part molding market by expanding our facility and adding significant press tonnage,” explains Burns. “Due to ever-increasing demand, we’re continuing to build on our technological capability and expertise to better serve those needs, especially in the heavy truck and recreational/utility vehicle markets.”

Lower Clamp Tonnage, Higher Shot Size
“Generally speaking, customers typically think the larger the part, the bigger the press,” says Facilities Manager Ken Valko. “But that’s not necessarily true. With the processing advances we’re making, we’re finding more and more large applications that can run in smaller presses, which translates into improved cost effectiveness for our customers.”

To capitalize on that expertise, Mack has just purchased a 1500-ton Maxima MG 2-platen injection molding machine from Cincinnati Milacron that has been fitted with a 690-oz. injection unit and 180mm diameter screw. “Large parts require higher shot capacities, but not always lots of clamp tonnage,” explains Valko. “By customizing a high shot size on this press, we can mold up to a 34.5 lb. part.” By comparison, a standard 1500-ton model comes equipped with a 362-oz. injection unit.

The new press is being installed at Mack’s Inman, S.C., facility, which has been reconfigured to accommodate the new acquisition.

Volvo Veteran Joins Mack
Jim Anderson is the latest staff addition to Mack’s Southern Operations, bringing 17 years of engineering and supply management experience with Volvo Trucks North America to his new position. As account manager at the Inman, S.C., plant, Anderson has primary account responsibility for Volvo Trucks, Mack Trucks, Findlay Industries and other Volvo/Mack Tier 2 suppliers.

Anderson has an extensive background with the Class 8 truck market and its related engineering challenges. For the past eight years, he was Volvo’s senior corporate buyer for interior trim and injection molding. Earlier, he was a senior manufacturing engineer/project manager for exterior plastic body panels.

A graduate of North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, N.C., Anderson holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. He is a member of the Society of Plastics Engineers, the Society of Automotive Engineers, and the Institute for Supply Management, where he has also acquired a Purchasing Manager Certification.

About Mack Molding
Mack Molding – a wholly owned subsidiary of the Mack Group corporation – is a leading custom plastics molder and supplier of contract manufacturing services. Mack specializes in plastics design, prototyping, molding, sheet metal fabrication and turnkey system assembly. The company operates seven facilities throughout the eastern United States. Founded in 1920, Mack is a privately owned business that has earned a 5A1 D&B rating, the highest available. For further information, visit Mack on the web at www.mack.com.