Mack Molding investing millions into N.C., Vermont facilities

Mack Molding (Arlington, Vt.) recently announced that it is hiring and investing millions of dollars at its Statesville, N.C. facility and its three Vermont locations.

“The resurgence of manufacturing in the United States is strong, and Mack has been aggressive in ensuring we are well-positioned to seize the opportunity presented to us,” Jeff Somple, Mack’s president, said in a news release.

“From attracting new, exciting programs in the areas of robotics and 3D printing, to planning ahead for executing on infrastructure and equipment needs upon the passage of tax reform, we continue the company’s long-standing tradition of collectively moving us and our customers forward together,” Somple said.

Investments include $4.4 million going to the 125,000-square-foot Statesville location, where the company is adding 54,000 square feet of warehousing space and 12,000 square feet of expanded capacity for paint mixing, tool room storage and finishing, as well as eight new bays for presses. Two of the bays will house 500-ton and 1,300-ton Milacron hydraulic molding machines that Mack is acquiring, while the other six will stay open for future growth. Mack is also extending existing 10- and 15-ton cranes in the molding room, as well as a 15-ton crane in the tool room.

Mack officials expect to boost the Statesville workforce by a fifth, adding about 50 tooling, engineering, processing and support function positions.

In Vermont, Mack is investing $1 million in new equipment, with a new, fully automated laser for sheet metal fabrication and two computerized machining centers recently delivered to Arlington. The investment complements additions Mack made last year to expand the specialty materials and thickness of gauges that can be handled while increasing the capacity to meet customers’ milling and turning demands.

Investments in the other two Vermont locations — Cavendish and East Arlington — include a new automated work cell, resin drying system, forklift and crane upgrades.

The company’s New England workforce, which numbers more than 600 employees after the hiring of 100 new workers last year, will add another 50 people this year.

Mack also recently announced additions to its senior staff: Jessica Fredette as director of human resources and Joe Prandini as director of information technology. Both Fredette and Prandini have responsibilities for the Northern Division in New England.