By Mike McNulty, Rubber & Plastics News staff
Berea, Ohio - Polyurethane flatproofing product maker Arnco Inc. is expanding production capacity by about 50 percent at its processing plant in Berea to handle present and anticipated industry needs.
It's the second capacity expansion at the facility since it opened its doors in 2005.
Additional machinery - including new reactors along with some mothballed mixers Arnco had in storage at the plant - is being installed as part of the expansion, said Joe Negrey, the firm's vice president of operations.
In addition, he said, the factory has significantly increased its bulk storage, bulk loading and off-loading capabilities and the company expects to increase its work force of about 12 by 20 percent.
The expansion will increase annual capacity, based on single-shift production, of its polyurethane liquid flatproofing material used in off-road tyres by about 50 million pounds, according to Larry Carapellotti, Arnco president, ceo and sole owner. The Berea plant also produces industrial products and advanced polymer materials.
The South Gate, California-headquartered company is making the move to meet current and expected demand for its flatproofing and polyurethane systems offerings, he said. It's also needed to support what he termed revolutionary new technology the firm expects will become operational in the second half of 2008.
Rubber & Plastics News is a sister publication to Urethanes Technology International.
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