Supplier news… (July 01, 2003)

Clariant Masterbatches Division and Ingenia Polymers have announced a NAFTA region marketing agreement. The alliance will provide customers in the film, packaging and construction industries with an expanded line of high volume concentrates, including white and custom colors. The agreement is based on the complementary range of products and markets between the two companies and the sharing of the same strategic interests, according to a release.

In another development, Clariant has announced $1 million in capital improvements for its recently acquired Quality Colours facility located in Delta, BC. The investments include upgrading of production machinery, laboratory extrusion equipment and the installation of a new color matching computer system. The site will receive new extruders as well as process equipment to improve operating efficiencies.

As a result of its purchase by Switzerland-based SIG Holdings, Ryka Blow Molds Inc. has officially changed its name to SIG Ryka Inc.. Also, Chris Amell has recently been appointed business development and marketing manager at the company.

Dynamic Conveyor Corp., a manufacturer of modular conveyors located in Muskegon, MI, has appointed Plastics Machinery Inc. of Newmarket, ON as its Canadian representative.

SMALL SHEET EXTRUDER STARTS UP

Integrated Packaging Films (IPF) Inc., a film and sheet converter located in Ayr, ON, has expanded upstream and begun extruding sheet. The company purchased a Milacron sheet extrusion line, and plans to produce polypropylene, PET-G, APET and RPET sheet and roll stock.

The new sheet products are available in thicknesses of 0.015 in. to 0.060 in. In addition, IPF continues to produce anti-static, electro-static discharge (ESD) and conductive materials, which are mostly destined for thermoformed electronics packaging.

In conjunction with the expansion, IPF has moved from Cambridge, ON to a facility in Ayr, ON. The company’s address is 15 Waydom Dr., Ayr, ON, N0B 1E0.

MEGA BLOKS ENTERS JOINT VENTURE WITH JAPANESE TOYMAKER

Construction toy manufacturer Mega Bloks is solidifying its global position through a joint development and distribution agreement with the world’s third largest toymaker, Bandai Co. Ltd. of Japan.

Under the multi-year agreement, Mega Bloks (Montreal) will cooperate with Bandai on the design and manufacture of construction toys specifically geared to the Japanese market. The distribution agreement also covers other countries in Asia.

“The significance of this opportunity is that it will greatly assist us in broadening and deepening familiarity with the MEGA BLOKS brand in the world’s second largest toy market, Japan, as well as in several other Asian markets where Bandai products enjoy excellent trade and consumer support,” said Marc Bertrand, president and CEO of Mega Bloks.

The two companies are contemplating a complete range of construction toys embodying Bandai’s well-known characters, such as Power Rangers, Masked Rider and Anpanman.

Future plans also include distribution by Mega Bloks of selected products in North America and Europe, and other markets outside of Japan and Asia.

CANADIAN SUPPLIER TAPPING WOOD-PLASTIC MARKET IN CHINA

Mississauga, ON-based Futuresoft Technologies Inc. announced it has supplied equipment and consultative services in the establishment of six turnkey wood-plastic composite plants in China since 1999.

The plants, which have a total production capacity of 30,000 tons/year, primarily manufacture WPC pallets. China’s wood pallets have been banned from entering most western countries unless they are fumigated. Futuresoft says it has helped local manufacturers in the development and commercialization of rice-hull plastic composite materials. Today, about half the plants supplied by Futuresoft use ricehull to manufacture composite plastic products. The other half use wood fibre.

Futuresoft worked with a Chinese machinery OEM to develop to design, manufacture and install integrated WPC systems. The systems include energy-efficient dryers, feeders, conveying systems, hot and cold mixers, extruders, dies and downstream equipment.