What plastics processors were reading in July: PMM's top equipment, workforce and manufacturing stories
PMM's July coverage included a visit to the plant floor at Uniloy in Michigan, where the company showed off its blow molding technologies and teased its next planned launch. We learned about Hans Hagelstein's career at Mold-Masters, where he has risen from toolmaker to company president.
Readers were interested in a new way of looking at potential hires, assessing their technician skills and potential. The use of artificial intelligence on the shop floor remains a hot topic.
The month also saw two notable losses of industry pioneers, one in extrusion and the other in injection molding.
Uniloy highlights new machines and global expansion
At its Tecumseh, Mich., headquarters, Uniloy welcomed customers for an open house featuring live machine demonstrations, educational sessions and a look at the company's latest growth initiatives. CEO Gary Riley discussed the company's expanding shuttle blow molding business, new manufacturing operations in Malaysia, higher-output reciprocating machines and plans to introduce the all-electric 350X at NPE. The event also showcased Uniloy's mold-making capabilities and educational presentations on material handling, vision systems and production analytics. (Uniloy)
Read Bruce Geiselman’s story: Uniloy showcases blow molding technology and global growth at Michigan open house
Industry remembers Leistritz leader Charlie Martin
The plastics industry lost a respected extrusion expert with the death of Charlie Martin, president and general manager of Leistritz Extrusion. The story looks back on his leadership and contributions to extrusion technology and the broader plastics manufacturing community.
Read Lynne Sherwin’s story: Charlie Martin, president and GM of Leistritz Extrusion, dies
AI moves from experiment to competitive advantage
Artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly practical on the plant floor. This feature examines how manufacturers are using AI to improve decision-making, optimize operations and gain competitive advantages while separating meaningful applications from the industry's growing hype.
Read Karen Hanna’s story: AI capabilities offer competitive edge for manufacturers
Hans Hagelstein discusses innovation at Mold-Masters
Innovation isn't just about developing new products. In this Q&A, Hans Hagelstein, president of Mold-Masters and DME, explains how customer collaboration, engineering and continuous improvement help drive innovation throughout the company's hot-runner and molding technologies. He discusses his leadership approach and the role of innovation in helping processors improve performance.
Read Karen Hanna’s story: Hans Hagelstein guides innovation at Mold-Masters
Why PMM's equipment coverage stands apart
This editor's blog explains PMM's editorial approach and why machinery remains our core focus. Rather than simply reporting product announcements, we tell you how equipment, automation and manufacturing technology affect processors' productivity, profitability and competitiveness. Read more about our approach as we head toward NPE2027.
Read Ron Shinn’s column: PMM covers equipment like no one else
A new way to think about manufacturing talent
Rather than focusing solely on labor shortages, workforce expert Parminder Jassal argues manufacturers should rethink hiring around the emerging "Technician Economy." The story explores why technicians are becoming one of manufacturing's most valuable assets and why companies need stronger connections among employers, education and workforce development.
Read Karen Hanna’s story: Workforce expert urges new framework for “Technician Economy”
Injection molding pioneer Glenn H. Frohring dies
Glenn H. Frohring was best known for founding Newbury Industries in 1957. He led the company until selling it to Heico Companies in 1993; Van Dorn Demag later acquired the business. Newbury Industries was known for its compact vertical injection molding presses, Mini-Jector machines and shuttle-type designs.
Read Ron Shinn’s story: Injection molding machinery pioneer Glenn H. Frohring dies
Mold-Masters targets molding efficiency with Integra
Mold-Masters introduced Integra, an integrated system designed to simplify injection molding operations by combining multiple technologies into a single platform. The story explains how the approach can reduce system complexity while improving installation, operation and overall molding performance.
Read Karen Hanna’s story: Mold-Masters' all-in-one Integra streamlines molding
In the news
New leaders and executives were named at Elmet, PCS, Sikora, BMG and RJG.
Arburg has agreed to acquire Stork IMM.
Maag Group is buying Cloeren, which makes extrusion slot dies and feedblocks.
The Plastics Hall of Fame has opened nominations for its next class.