Two Manufacturers Invest in Plant Enhancements
November 8th, 2012 | Category: Industry News
Madico Window Films and Suntek/Commonwealth Laminating and Coating Inc. (Suntek) have announced major plans for plant renovations.
Suntek has announced its investment of more than $20 million to expand its manufacturing facility and global master distribution center while Madico invested several millions in upgrades to improve energy conservation and process efficiency.
Suntek’s new Martinsville, Va., plant will bring 60 jobs to the area.
Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell says, “It’s always a great day when we’re talking about good new jobs coming to Southern Virginia. This project represents [Suntek’s] second major expansion in less than one year, speaking volumes about the company’s thriving operation in Henry County. [Suntek] has the opportunity to purchase an existing shell building in the same industrial park as its headquarters and manufacturing operation to use immediately as a national distribution center for its high-demand products. This additional property also secures available space for future manufacturing growth, ensuring the company’s continued success and commitment to Henry County and Virginia.”
“The new Martinsville site will provide essential warehouse and office space, establish a world-wide master distribution center and create a world-class facility for anticipated future factory expansions,” said Steve Phillips, CEO of Suntek in a statement to Window Film magazine.
Madico has also invested millions in its St. Petersburg, Fla., manufacturing facility.
“Madico Window Films is committed to quality improvements and plans to continue additional upgrades in the near future,” says Shawn Kitchell, vice president of manufacturing for Madico. “We are currently striving to achieve the Class 1000 clean room standards for our manufacturing lines as well as installing automated conveying systems for material transport throughout our facility. As is evident by the recent investment in our facility, we take producing the highest quality products very seriously and will never stop looking for new ways to improve.”
Facility improvements that will be completed during the renovation include the installation of temperature-controlled bulk storage tanks for adhesives and solvents, new high energy mixing equipment, an upgraded clean room environment, an upgraded on-line optical scanner, a new hard coat thickness measurement system, installation of on-line color and visible light transmission (VLT) monitoring equipment, upgrades to slitting machines, updates to drying and pollution abatement systems, new equipment including a gas chromatograph to ensure proper adhesive curing and a particle analyzer to prevent contamination, and a total overhaul of the raw material receiving and storage facility including a cantilever racking system which reduces the risk of product contamination.