LS Mtron has appointed Plastec USA as the exclusive distributor of its complete line of injection molding machines (IMMs) in Mexico.

The partnership will also expand access to technical resources and application support through a shared Tech Center in Monterrey. LS Mtron will also place IMMs in Plastec's Tech Center in Celaya, in Mexico's automotive-heavy Bajío region.

"We're excited to partner with Plastec and leverage the trust and strong customer relationships they've built throughout Mexico as we continue to grow our business in the region," said Paul Caprio, president of LS Mtron Injection Molding Machine US. "This agreement allows us to combine LS Mtron's advanced injection molding technology with Plastec's established local presence and customer support capabilities."

LS Mtron's commitment to the Mexican market dates back to the establishment of LS IMM Mexico in Monterrey three years ago. The Monterrey Tech Center houses four LS Mtron presses and supports customer training, machine trials, technical applications and an inventory of spare parts.

More than 1,000 LS Mtron injection molding machines are currently operating in Mexico.

Hector Sosa, the founder of Miami-based Plastec, began selling injection molding machines in Mexico 51 years ago, and established the company about nine years later to sell capital equipment, including injection molding, extrusion and blow molding machinery and auxiliary equipmen, to the plastics industry in Latin America.

"Our agreement with LS Mtron broadens the portfolio of products we're able to offer manufacturers," said Ernesto Sosa, Hector's son and VP and GM of Plastec. "LS Mtron offers machines designed to meet the demands of a broad range of molding applications, giving our customers more options and flexibility to address their specific manufacturing challenges. We look forward to building a successful partnership and supporting the continued growth of our customers."

Kevin Kim, who has led LS IMM Mexico, will work with Plastec to coordinate the companies' efforts throughout Mexico.

With headquarters in Duluth, Ga., LS Mtron sells IMMs made by its South Korean parent company, LG Corp.