Conair and Rapid Granulator combine manufacturing operations

The manufacturing headquarters of The Conair Group and Rapid Granulator AB have been transformed into global operations serving multiple brands.

Conair’s Franklin, Pa. manufacturing plant, and Rapid Granulator’s plant in Bredaryd, Sweden, will become International Plastics Equipment Group (IPEG) facilities effective immediately, according to an announcement made on May 16.

IPEG, based in Cranberry Township, Pa., is parent company of both organizations.

“Having initially tested the model in setting up IPEG manufacturing in China in 2007 to provide finished products to Conair, Rapid and Moditec, we are now taking the model global,” said IPEG president Chris Keller. “We have proven the efficiency of common operations while at the same time maintaining the all-important commercial distinction between our brands.”

The strategy will not involve amalgamation of brand names or management, Keller said. “The brand companies of Conair and Rapid Granulator will maintain independent sales, marketing, and engineering capabilities and resources, as well as independent aftermarket support,” he explained. “We have no plans of consolidating brands specific to sales and distribution.”

Also, Rapid Granulator’s U.S. subsidiary, Rapid Granulator, Inc. (RGI), will relocate from Rockford, Ill. to IPEG’s Pennsylvania facilities by the end of 2008.

“We looked at various options to expand our customization, delivery and materials testing capabilities for the Americas, including our increasing requirements to assemble large machines,” said RGI president Kirk Winstead. “We realized we already had the solution within the group.” In addition to IPEG’s Franklin site, the company has a facility in Cranberry, Pa. RGI’s management will also be relocating to Pennsylvania.

Winstead anticipates a slight downsizing of staff as a result of the move, but would not comment on the number. RGI’s current staff size is 30.

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