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Private equity firm Vance Street Capital LLC announced yesterday the acquisition of Plastic Design Corp. (PDC), a micro molder serving the medtech and life-science markets. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Founded in 1991 and headquartered in Scottsdale, AZ, PDC is a family-owned business known for its micro molding and “micro-on-macro” solutions, but also offers injection-compression and over-molding capabilities. Customers include medical device OEMs focused on high-growth therapies and life-science…

Recycling stories appeared an average of five times per issue in 2021, not to mention other sustainability topics, such as renewable and biodegradable polymers. (Photo: ALPLA) As the end of the year rolls around, it’s a tempting exercise to look back at what we’ve published in our last 12 issues and what news I might hope to report in the next 12. I’ll save the latter for my next blog…

Cable harnesses are among the most complex assemblies found in electric vehicles (EVs). Their numerous connectors not only all have to be marked in different colors to indicate a range of functions and support assembly and maintenance, but they also must be flame retardant and mechanically robust. With the polyamide 6 compound Durethan BKV30FN04, Lanxess has developed a material that has already been tried and tested in numerous series applications,…

With overextended, overstressed, and increasingly costly supply chains laid bare by the COVID-19 pandemic, US plastics production facilities are champing at the bit to take on more reshored projects in 2022. “I’ve been in the plastics business for 28 years and the tide is changing,” asserted Jon Hubers, Sales and Operations Manager for Crescent Plastics in Evansville, IN. “The phone is ringing with customers wanting to source USA parts because…

PureCycle’s proprietary process removes color, odor, and other contaminants from recycled feedstock, resulting in what the company calls “virgin-like” polypropylene suitable for any PP market. Photo Credit: PureCycle As promised, 2021 saw big advances in the work toward a circular economy. This area continues to involve every aspect of the supply chain and it will grow. We also saw new technology emerging in the 3D printing space. One of the biggest stories I covered…

Compounder Geon Performance Solutions announced yesterday that it has acquired Roscom Inc., an ISO 9001:2015–certified PVC compounding facility in Croydon, PA. Commenting on the acquisition, Geon CEO Tracy Garrison said that the 35-year-old company, respected for its innovation and automation in the flexible PVC market, is an excellent fit. “This addition represents a key step forward in our strategy. The Croydon facility and tenured team will enable us to better…