In February 2011, Tech announced plans to acquire an adjoining facility to meet strategic planning goals even though the economy was still in turmoil. Since then, the ISO 9001:2008 injection molded plastic company made major investments in facility up-grades, plasticizing technology, computerized monitoring of plastics processes and advanced RJG training certification in plastics processing, the company said.
Tech's total footprint has almost doubled to over 92,000 sq. ft. "This investment cements our commitment to customers, our people and the community even when economic conditions have been strained," said Scott Hanaway, President/CEO.
The 38,000 sq. ft. addition was designed to optimize production efficiencies in a white room environment and establish dedicated training resources for personnel development. Tech specializes in close tolerance molded plastics for high precision products with 33 injection molding machines ranging in size from 40 to 440 tons. The company's expansion currently holds 12 of 33 presses with the flexibility to add up to 20 more presses.
"The new facility was upgraded above and beyond industry standards with new highly efficient overhead lighting fixtures and large energy conserving windows for natural lighting," said a company spokesperson. "The core production area features an open floor plan with white liner wall panels for maximum energy efficiency and a glossy white floor finish that compliments the company's visual workplace standards. The pride of American manufacturing is very evident in the overall design as red and blue accents compliment the production area's white floor and wall panels."
The facility has a full climate control system with direct connect mold cooling capability. Finally, a new corridor was constructed to bridge the new facility to Tech's main building. The upgrades enable Tech to provide customers with flexible expansion of production capacity and products that match their most challenging specifications while minimizing employee workplace hazards, the company said.
The facility design includes an optimized flow of materials between the two buildings through a primary corridor that serves as a communication center for shift-to-shift resource planning. Other efficiency improvements come from newly streamlined inventory management processes using ERP/MRP technologies.
Tech's dedicated training center is located in the new facility. The commitment to provide skills enhancement training and continuous education programs are evident in the course offerings. New employees can take part in basic training exercises through more advanced sessions. Tech recently held its first RJG training session, which aligns the company's goal to support personnel growth and provide the best opportunities to expand skills and knowledge.
Plastics Operations Manager Jason Kinnear said that the improvements "Were done exceedingly well," and that "it's an excellent environment for our employees."
Not only is the new facility great for employees, but also for Tech's customers. Facility planning project coordinator, Doug Hanaway, said that visiting customers can now relax in new conference areas or catch up on the news while watching the large screen television in the facility's lunch room. Doug said, "We tried to make it as customer friendly as possible." With the expansion, Tech shows its continued support to maintain full service operations in the Meadville area.
For more information contact:
Mark Hanaway, Vice President
Tech Molded Plastics, Inc.
1045 French Street
Meadville, PA 16335
814-724-8222 Ext. 229
tech@ttmp.com
www.ttmp.com