Hot runner manufacturer seeks to expand Canadian sales (October 26, 2001)

Dusseldorf, Germany — Ewikon Hotrunner Systems of America, Inc. is looking to extend its presence in key North American markets by re-focusing its marketing strategy and expanding its line of products, according to John Bagan, director of sales. Bagan says an important part of the strategy for the company is a wider penetration into the vigorous Canadian market.
“In the past we haven’t quite devoted the resources to Canada that we might have,” Bagan reports. “We plan to change that.”
Ewikon, located in East Dundee, IL, manufactures a line of Valve Gate System hot runners which uses an integrated needle drive. The system’s unique feature is that it eliminates the need to guide the needle into the manifold, thus permitting the construction of compact molds and improving flow through the channels, says Bagan.
As part of its strategy to expand, the company is introducing at the K Show a new line of hot runner systems for large parts with valve sizes up to 22 mm. The line is being targeted at automotive and other large part applications. Bagan says that the hot runner industry in general has suffered from the downturn in the moldmaking sector, although he believes there are signs of revival in the near term. Canadian sales and marketing is being handled out of the company’s Detroit office, says Bagan.