Mitchell Plastics to Build New Facility

In a move that achieves the objectives of both consolidating and expanding, Mitchell Plastics (Kitchener, Ont.) is breaking ground this spring for construction of a new facility to house its custom injection molding operation. The new 168,000 sq. ft. plant will allow Mitchell to bring together work currently spread over three plants totaling 118,000 sq. ft., and at the same time provide much-needed extra floor space.

According to Mitchell president Murray Ariss, the extra floor space will eliminate congestion and accommodate future expansion. Construction of the facility is expected to be completed in September, in time to move the company’s 28 injection molding machines and other equipment before the cold season. Start-up is slated for some time in October.

“The new plant will provide us with a lot of improved efficiencies, such as quicker response time from the tool room,” Ariss says. He says getting everyone under one roof will also enhance teamwork and generally improve morale.

Mitchell’s main market is automotive, although Ariss says the company is looking to branch out into office electronics and other areas.

“We’re rejuvenating our sales efforts in these areas. There’s a tremendous amount of opportunities out there, but it takes time to develop them.”

The company is considering buying a new large tonnage machine if new business materializes.

HORIZON OPENS PLANT ADDITION

Custom molder Horizon Plastics Co. Ltd. has completed construction of its 52,000 sq. ft. addition to its facility in Cobourg, Ont. and is in the final stages of moving equipment and services into it. The plant expansion cost approximately $6.7 million and will be used to house Horizon’s 1,000-ton structural foam molding machine purchased last year, as well as other equipment. The large-tonnage machine, a wide-platen Uniloy Milacron, is well-suited to large structural foam and structural web applications, notes Horizon vice-president Brian Read. Horizon has 12 structural foam/web presses.

COKE CENTRALIZING BOTTLING OPERATIONS

Coca-Cola Bottling Co. will invest more than $150 million in a new bottling plant in Brampton, Ont. The plant is scheduled to be opened in April, 2001 and employ 550 people. The plant will bottle Coke for the entire Ontario market; as a result, two smaller Toronto-area plants will close. The announcement has set off speculation about the fate of Coke bottling operations in St. John’s, Nfld. and Cape Breton, N.S.