Wittmann Battenfeld makes new move into extrusion markets

Plastics processing and auxiliary equipment maker Wittmann Battenfeld is in the midst of a new push into the extrusion machinery market.

“In late 2012, the decision was made to make a substantial push by investing in and developing material handling and auxiliary equipment specifically for extrusion-based markets,” the company said in a recent statement. “[We have] targeted all extrusion markets but are placing an emphasis on pipe and profile, film and sheet, compounding, thermoforming and blow molding applications.”

The Vienna, Austria-based company has a history in extrusion that began in Canada, with the beginning of Nucon Canada, a resin conveying company, in 1985. “Nucon did very well in extrusion markets, providing a diverse range of products from bulk resin conveying, railcar unloading, powder, and more,” the company said. “Wittmann Battenfeld acquired Nucon in 1998, where these products were then brought to the next level of development on a global scale.”

To assist in the current push, Wittmann Battenfeld has hired Joe Norco, a veteran of material handling for over 20 years, as its national sales manager for extrusion; and also partnered with Montreal-based CDS (Custom Downstream Systems) to offer a range of extrusion downstream equipment such as tanks, pullers, combo units, cutters, haul offs, and medical equipment. “This partnership has helped to bring a superior product and service to Wittmann Battenfeld customers in their typical turnkey fashion,” the company said.

“We see this market full of growth potential for us,” said Michael Stark, divisional manager of material handling & auxiliaries at Wittmann Battenfeld. “Our momentum has been incredible so far and customers are finding it refreshing to have another option for their equipment needs.”