Thermoformer adds capacity, opens European injection molding operations
Canadian Plastics, May 2002

Amhil Enterprises, a subsidiary of Wentworth Technologies, is adding new thermoforming capacity and equipment at its Mississauga, ON plant. It has also built a new thermoforming plant in Zarnowiec, Poland and, as well, has purchased a custom injection molding company in Bydgoszcz, Poland. The new thermoforming plant is located in Poland's special, no-tax, economic zone on the Baltic coast. According to Amhil president and CEO Bruce McNichol, operations began at the plant in December in 2001, and are being ramped up with a new line and other equipment that will effectively double capacity.

The foray into injection molding is new for Amhil, which is one of the world's leading manufacturers of thermoformed plastic disposable lids. McNichol said at press time (early April) the company's injection molding business is limited to Europe. Asked if the company had plans to enter into the injection molding business in Canada, McNichol responded that the company would only go into injection molding here if the business was not in conflict with Wentworth's toolmaking customers.

"The bottom line is that our strategy is to be a custom manufacturer of plastic parts and to do what it takes to satisfy our customer's needs."

The company is expanding its APET capacity with the addition of a new line at its Mississauga plant. McNichol says the company's APET business has seen steady growth since it was introduced in the first quarter of 2001. Customers like APET's high clarity and resistance to oils and fats for certain applications, he notes.

"We've been growing at about 20% a year and our intent is to maintain or expand that rate," says McNichol.