Mack Molding invests $5 million to upgrade facilities

Mack Molding (Arlington, Vt.) recently announced that it is investing more than $5 million to increase its manufacturing capabilities in its North Carolina and Vermont facilities.

The company plans to increase the large part production capabilities in its Statesville, N.C. facility while also investing in new equipment and day-to-day operational needs at all three of its Vermont locations.

“The resurgence of manufacturing in the U.S. is strong, and Mack has been aggressive in ensuring we are well-positioned to seize the opportunity presented to us,” Jeff Somple, president of the company, said. “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.”

Mack is investing $4.4 million in its 125,000 sq. ft North Carolina facility alone. It plans to add three new sections to the plant, as well as a new warehousing space that will sit adjacent to the existing building. In total, the Statesville-based facility will add on 54,000 sq. ft of warehousing space and 12,000 sq. ft of expanded capacity for paint mixing, tool room storage and finishing, as well as eight new bays for presses.

The company is also acquiring 500-tone and 1,300-ton Milacron hydraulic molding machine to fill two of the new bays. The other six bays will remain open for future growth opportunities. Mack will also be extending existing 10- and 15-ton cranes in the molding room and a 15-ton crane in the tool room.

With the expansion, Mack is expected to see a 20% growth in its employee base. It will add nearly 50 tooling, engineering, processing and support function positions.

In the Vermont facility, Mack is investing more than $1 million in new equipment that will help meet the current and future needs of the molding business. The Arlington, Vt. facility recently received a new, fully automated laser for sheet metal fabrication and two computerized machining centers. The new equipment expands Mack’s specialty materials and thickness of gauges that can be handled while increasing the capacity to meet milling and turning needs.

Mack also investing in its other Vermont facilities in Cavendish and East Arlington to increase its day-to-day operations. The investments included a new automated work cell, resin drying system, fork lift and crane upgrades.

With the investments in the Mack’s Vermont facilities, the company is expected to add another 50 employees through the course of the year.

“The energy at Mack has reached new levels,” said Somple. “Between new work, new equipment and new faces, there is palpable excitement among the teams. Whether you are in the market for our vertically-integrated manufacturing services or seeking to advance your career, it is a great time to take a look at Mack.”