Milacron Quickly Building Global Extruder Business

25% of all sales in 1Q outside the U.S. as company establishes global distribution

Batavia, OH — Milacron is making rapid progress reestablishing itself as a global leader in plastics extrusion systems, according to Dave Bertke, Vice President/General Manager - Milacron Extrusion Systems. In the first quarter, 25% of all extruder sales were outside the U.S., he said, following expiration of a five-year non-compete agreement. Since the start of 2006 Milacron Extrusion Systems has logged sales in Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, and Far East, opened a China regional office in Shanghai, appointed agents and established distribution in major global markets, and recruited a top technical expert as point man in Europe, said Bertke.

The company offers comprehensive extrusion technologies between the Akron Milacron single-screw extruder line and Cincinnati Milacron twin-screw extruder systems. "We've sold everything from single screw systems for medical tubing to twin-screw systems for rigid PVC pipe, window profiles and wood/natural fiber composite products. The sales include multiple machine lines and systems," said Herb Hutchison, who joined the company in November as Director of International Business Development for Cincinnati Milacron Extrusion Technologies.

"We have been gratified by the strong reception to our full range of competitive leading-edge extrusion technologies," said Hutchison. Milacron is enjoying sales success in China, which it expected, but early sales have also come from unexpected quarters, such as the Middle East, he noted.

"Well proven in North America, probably the world's most competitive market, Milacron extrusion systems deliver superior durability, productivity and efficiency that translate into lean, low-cost manufacturing," said Hutchison. "Those capabilities are essential for global competitiveness, giving our systems universal appeal."

Milacron Extrusion Systems has also benefited from the high recognition and respect internationally for Milacron plastics processing machinery. "People can buy with confidence in the machinery and the organization that stands behind it," he said.

The company offers the industry's deepest range of large, high-output twin screw extruders, according to Hutchison. These Cincinnati Milacron extruders are widely used for pipe and structural shapes. He sees them being particularly effective in China and India in helping to supply their rapid infrastructure growth.

Milacron makes the world's largest conical twin-screw extruders, which offer special advantages for wood/natural fiber plastic composites. The company has delivered more wood/plastic composite systems globally than any other manufacturer. "We're excited about the opportunities to grow the fiber-based composites industry in China," said Hutchison. "This is a fast-evolving field in China with tremendous potential. About 90 percent of the visitors to our booth at the Chinaplas show wanted information on our composite systems based on our industry leadership position."

Milacron expected a tough entry in Europe, the competition's stronghold, but is making penetration with the hiring of Steve Jones, a UK native, as technical sales and marketing manager. "He has a very strong background in wood/plastic composites and technical compounding applications, and is just the person to promote our advanced technologies in those areas," said Hutchison. "We're taking on the competition head-to-head with a strong technical base."

To promote its extrusion technologies and service capabilities, Milacron has scheduled an aggressive international trade show presence. Through April it had participated in shows in Italy, India, Mexico City and Shanghai.

SOURCE: Milacron