MoldMaking Technology’s profiles showcase interviews and narratives delving into professionals' experiences within the moldmaking industry. These stories offer valuable insights into their journeys, shedding light on the challenges, successes and innovative approaches that shape this sector.
We strive to highlight innovative approaches, success stories, challenges faced and solutions implemented by individuals or companies within the field. Topics may include technological advancements, best practices, industry trends and personal journeys of those making significant contributions to the moldmaking sector. Our hope is that these provide valuable insights and inspiration to professionals within the industry.
Here are our top five profiles of 2023, based on Google Analytics:
5. High-Technology, Diversified Mold Builder Has Its Eye on Improvement
Triangle Tool has been a part of the plastic injection molding industry since 1963, celebrating its 60th year in business. President David Olson proudly highlights their partnerships developed over the years. Their expertise lies in stack molds and engineering plastic injection molds for various industries, handling a wide range of tools and press sizes. In 2021, they were acquired by The Purcell Companies, aiming to enhance capabilities through investments in people and facilities.
Olson emphasizes their competitive edge in quality, delivery and service, emphasizing diversification for future growth. Engineering expertise is pivotal, engaging customers early in projects and offering continuous support. Triangle Tool aims for industry best practices and prides itself on fixing others’ molds.
4. Specialist Automotive Mold Builder Mentors in Work and Life Skills
Troy DeVlieger, president of PFAFF Molds, shares insights into the company’s history, specialization, challenges and training philosophy. PFAFF, established in 1957 by Stefan Pfaff in Germany, has evolved into a global leader in supplying molds, automation and production equipment for vehicle body sealing systems. Despite opportunities to diversify, they remain focused on their niche market, collaborating closely with clients for custom solutions.
DeVlieger emphasizes the unique challenges of the industry, dealing with fluctuating workflows and complexities in rubber molds compared to plastic ones. The lack of a skilled workforce pipeline prompted PFAFF to integrate automation into their solutions, reducing the reliance on human labor while enhancing efficiency and profitability for their customers.
3. Design Strategy Tackles Big and Small Complexity Challenges for Southeastern Mold Builder
Photo credit: Delta Mold Inc.
Delta Mold Inc., established in 1978, has a rich history within the plastics industry, originating from the vision of Rudy Mozer, founder of Delta Technologies. Operating under the parent company until 2016, Delta Mold continued under the Mozer family's leadership, with Eric Mozer as the current CEO. Initially serving the booming plastics business in the southeastern U.S., the company initially catered to products like personal computers and printers. As offshore manufacturing evolved, Delta Mold shifted focus to large plastic components for various industries like televisions, lawn tractors and heavy trucks, maintaining a diverse portfolio.
Their manufacturing prowess extends to automotive components while holding a robust presence in non-automotive markets, showcasing versatility by crafting a wide range of molds, from boat hulls to trash cans. With an impressive record of 17,500 unique molds built over 44 years, their 2022 revenue exceeded $24.7 million.
2. Next-Generation Thinkers Redefine Moldmaking Quality and Service
NextGen Mold Technologies, an innovative mold provider in the automotive industry, offers comprehensive services from concept to completion, repairs, engineering changes, and more. Founded by Dennis Goggin and Nicola Geyser, NextGen emphasizes quality, efficiency and a strong team.
Photo credit:NextGen Mold Technologies
Specializing in the automotive sector, they target interior and lighting Tier 1 markets. Goggin, with extensive experience in the industry, transitioned struggling businesses into profitable ventures, eventually leading to the establishment of NextGen Mold Technologies. Geyser, with a legal background, found her niche in HR, making a significant career shift into the mold industry.
Rather than starting from scratch, NextGen acquired Enterprise Mold, recognizing its untapped potential. Leveraging existing machinery and the foundation laid by the previous owner, they expanded operations and revamped the company culture, aiming to create an environment of growth and innovation.
1. Indiana Mold Builder Decatur Mold Offers a History of Grit and a Future of Innovation
Decatur Mold Tool and Engineering Inc. is a manufacturing company that was established in 1966. Initially beginning in a small facility with five toolmakers, it has since expanded significantly. Presently, the company boasts 130 employees and operates from an 87,000-square-foot facility, which includes areas for manufacturing, offices, engineering, training and warehouse space.
Photo Credit: Decatur Mold and Engineering
Their ongoing expansion involves a 14,320-square-foot addition to their existing facility, intended to accommodate cutting-edge technology for lights-out manufacturing. This expansion will feature three new robot cells equipped with advanced automation, such as five-axis machining, five-axis electrode machining and EDM, primarily supporting their mold building projects.
Decatur Mold specializes in various aspects of injection mold building, from emergency repairs to rapid prototype builds, new product mold construction, and a division dedicated to producing technology for defense purposes, focused on enhancing military safety.
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