ENGEL Presents eco-flomo XL at Fakuma 2024: More Power for Demanding Cooling Processes
ENGELunveils the latest model of its successful temperature water manifold: the eco-flomo XL. This larger version of the proven eco-flomo is designed for production environments requiring significantly higher volumes of cooling water, making it ideal for large-scale applications in plastics processing.
Higher Flow Rates for Maximum Efficiency
Compared to the standard version, the eco-flomo XL offers substantially higher flow rates, making it optimally suited to the needs of larger production facilities. While the original eco-flomo system is designed for applications with lower to medium cooling demands, the eco-flomo XL now supports effective cooling with flow rates of up to 100 l/min, making it perfect for very large moulds and high production volumes. It features a 2-inch inlet and 1-inch circuit connections, ensuring improved process stability and increased energy efficiency by eliminating flow restrictions.
Long-Standing Expertise as the Basis for Innovation
ENGEL’s commitment to optimising temperature control processes is based on over 15 years of intensive research and development in this field. Recognising that temperature control errors remain one of the most common causes of scrap in injection moulding production – and that cooling accounts for over 40% of total energy consumption – ENGEL has continuously developed its product platform for integrated, electronically monitored process temperature control. This wealth of experience and dedication to improvement is clearly reflected in the eco-flomo XL.
Flexibility and User-Friendliness
The eco-flomo XL is available with multiple circuit options, providing high flexibility for adapting to different production environments. Its robust construction, featuring a brass manifold, ensures a long service life and easy maintenance. Additionally, the seamless integration with existing ENGEL control systems, such as the CC300, enhances operational convenience and ease of use.
Optimised Control and Monitoring
An additional key feature of the eco-flomo XL is its enhanced monitoring and control of temperature circuits. By accurately measuring and displaying flow rates and temperature differentials for each individual circuit on the machine’s display, operators gain a clear overview of the entire cooling process. This allows for the early detection of deviations and enables quick corrective action to maintain consistently high production quality.
Live Demonstration at Fakuma 2024
Visitors to Fakuma 2024 can experience the benefits of this new temperature control system at ENGEL’s Expert Corner. ENGEL experts will be on hand to provide detailed insights into the eco-flomo XL’s functionality and specific applications.
Integrated Production State-Of-The-Art Machinery And Comprehensive R&D
Lech Skibínski,
Interview with Lech Skibínski, Chairman of the Supervisory Board at KGL S.A., Poland:
MPIM: KGL is one of the leading manufacturers of thermoformed packaging in Poland and a major player in the European packaging industry. Which fields of the packaging sector do you mainly serve? Lech Skibínski, KGL: We have a strong focus on the FMCG sector and our customers come, among others, from the confectionary, the meat and HoReCa (Hotels/Restaurants/Catering) segments. A business with sharp rising sales is cups for beverage and dairy products. Packaging refinement (i.e. with pads or printing) is another production branch that significantly extend our possibility to serve the markets. Certifications, such as the BRC (British Retail Consortium), are the basic prerequisite for us to be successful in these areas.
MPIM: When did KGL’s success story begin? Lech Skibínski, KGL: KGL is not only about the production of film and packaging. Not everyone knows that we started our business as a distributor of polymers (granules) over 30 years ago in 1992. To this day, this is a very important part of our business. We are a leading supplier of plastics mainly in Poland, but we also successfully deliver them to countries in Central Europe such as Czech republic, Slovakia and Hungry, as well as to the Baltic countries. We serve over a thousand customers of various sizes operating in all major areas of the economy, such as construction, automotive, household appliances, food, cosmetics, toys and many more. It is one of our priorities to maintain our position of a reliable partner, also for medium and small companies. Especially these companies often need the distributor’s support in solving process problems, adopting new technologies and accessing raw materials from international manufacturers.
MPIM: There are not many companies that are active in both areas: PET and PP thermoforming. How did this come about and what are the advantages? Lech Skibínski, KGL: The fact that we are present in both areas, PET and PP, is the result of a strategic decision that we took many years ago. The strategy of offering complementary products is rewarded by our customers a hundred percent. Generally, it would be difficult to maintain the position of one of the biggest players on the market without selling packaging made of various types of raw materials. In a large part of our business, KGL acts as a service company for its customers. Accordingly, we accept our customer’s decisions regarding their choice of raw material from which a commissioned product will be made, in the same way as when they choose a raw material for their own use.
MPIM: KGL plays a pioneering role in the development of new packaging solutions. How important is product development for the growth of your company? Lech Skibínski, KGL: The development of the product portfolio is a key factor in running a business in a future oriented way. The role of R&D in KGL has always been a crucial, but recently, due to the dynamically changing legal conditions and a highly competitive market, this aspect has become even more important. All processes at KGL, be it the production of film, packaging, production tools or regranulates, are created with the support and supervision of an extensive technological and laboratory department. A key part of our Research and Development Center is our modern and well-equipped laboratory, where we can carry out a wide variety of tests and measurements. We are constantly improving our technology and production processes in order to further raise quality and to limit the impact of our products on the environment.
MPIM: KGL manufactures the sheet for its thermoformed products on its own extrusion equipment, and you design and manufacture the tools for the thermoforming process yourself. What are the advantages of an integrated production, from the granulate to the finished packaging solution? Lech Skibínski, KGL: Thanks to our “from granules to packaging” strategy, we can offer our customers a number of benefits. Since our production process does not depend on the need to cooperate with external companies, we have comprehensive control over our production and our delivery times. Such a business model provides security and also gives us the ability to keep all kinds of research and development work secret. Which in turn facilitates the development of new types of film and packaging products. Generally speaking, in a highly competitive market, this approach allows us to maintain and increase our competitive edge.
MPIM: You were one of the first companies to launch thermoformed products with a foamed PP material structure as an alternative to EPS packaging. What advantages do these products offer and how challenging was it to establish these products on the market? Lech Skibínski, KGL: EU regulations like the single-use plastics directive and the ban on the use of EPS (expanded polystyrene) packaging have accelerated the development of innovative packaging products. KGL took advantage of the new regulations and introduced fully recyclable packaging made of XPP polypropylene foamed film for take-away meals to the Polish market. KGL, in cooperation with SML, has developed a technology for the production of polypropylene foamed structures with a significantly reduced density compared to solid structures. Foaming is carried out on an extrusion line equipped with a device in which the inert gas is effectively mixed with the molten plastic. Reducing the density of the film through foaming means reducing the unit weight of the packaging. The new products are perfectly in line with KGL’s pro-environmental commitments, which include, among others, abandonment of multi-material structures and reduction of packaging weight.
MPIM: KGL and SML has been partnering for more than 10 years. Recently you finalised the contract for the 6th and 7th SML extrusion sheet line. What is important to you in a long-term partnership like this and particularly in joint product development? Lech Skibínski, KGL: SML is a key partner of KGL. The relationships developed by our companies pay off in everyday cooperation and we are very satisfied with it. As part of the cooperation between the R&D teams of our partners from Austria and KGL, we have managed to develop unique material structures (including foamed PET and PP), which KGL successfully places on the market both in the form of film and packaging products. An important element of the success of our partnership is constant and open communication based on trust. We know if a new technology is created at SML, that potentially fit into our business, we are one of the first to have a chance to get acquainted with it and test it. Such situations have occurred many times in the past. For us, SML is also the first choice when it comes to extrusion technologies. Personally, I think that in the future we will be able to expand our cooperation to other technologies.
MPIM: The packaging market is constantly changing. In which direction will the market for thermoformed products develop in the near future? Lech Skibínski, KGL: As a conscious market participant, KGL fits in with the view that the circular economy in the plastics industry will soon become a reality. The market will be dominated by entities that will be able to adapt to the requirements of market regulators, related to limiting the use of polymers derived from fossil raw materials and maximizing the use of secondary raw materials. KGL already meets the needs of those customers, for whom the fight against climate change is important. Our business development strategy is based on maximizing the use of recyclates for our films and packaging products. This approach requires the use of equipment and machines, that will be able to process recyclates into quality products. The strategic decision that KGL made many years ago – to choose SML as the supplier of extrusion lines – today perfectly fits to our endeavour to offer innovative products to the market.
D.R. Joseph Reveals Auto-Gauge Air Ring with Innovative Approach on Lower Lip Control and Component Modularity
The TDK-500 is the new automatic gauge control air ring introduced by D.R. Joseph Inc, world leaders in Internal Bubble Cooling and air flow control systems. The new air ring, now available to blown film producers is designed to be used with the company’s InstaGauge auto thickness control system which also will be introduced this fall. The unique design equips the TDK-500 with a host of innovative features which boost versatility and provide a faster control response with higher resolution than current offerings.
The TDK-500 air ring is a result of six years of development which drew from DR Joseph’s 30+ years of internal bubble cooling (IBC) controls design experience, 30+ years of air ring design experience from Techflow Design of Mississauga, Canada, and 30+ years thickness measurement experience from Kündig Control Systems of Ruti, Switzerland. The combined experiences created innovations which focused on making an auto gauge control air ring easier to install, easier to operate efficiently and much easier to modify and maintain.
The new dual-lip TDK-500 has four important innovations while retaining the high performance expected from dual lip air rings:
1) Instant setting lower lip adjustment technology (patent pending Tech flow) which completely eliminates the traditional threaded mechanism. Operators can find and secure the perfect lower lip adjustment in a matter of seconds. The adjustment includes a scaled indicator for SOP purposes. This intuitive design eliminates the intimidation factor of managing bubble stability because operators can quickly “test” the entire setting range within 10 seconds. Anyone who has struggled with the endless rotating of the lower lip adjustment can appreciate the instant nature of this setting.
2) Affecting change to the film for consistent gauge control is made more difficult when high performance is also a requirement. The TDK-500 isolates the primary lip cooling from the gauge control adjustments made using the secondary lip cooling air streams.
This keeps the bubble locked consistently to the forming cone for all conditions. The innovated part of this design is the constrained zone design (patent pending Tech flow). The air flow from each control zone constrained in an independent channel that extends to just before the secondary lip exit. This eliminates zone cross mixing and provides a more direct and effective control response to the film. 3) Instant access for cleaning the lower lip exit technology (patent pending DRJ) allows the operator to release the locking feature without tools and safely lift the secondary and cooling collar assembly to a designed cleaning position within the air ring in less than 60 seconds. IBC hardware need not be removed. Optional weight reduction is available for easier lifting is available from a 3D printed polycarbonate cooling collar (patent pending). Additional 3D printed components are still under development.
4) Instant lip set swapping technology (patent pending DRJ) allows the primary and secondary lips to be removed and replaced without tools and without lifting the entire air ring off of the die. A time and cost saving measure which expands the versatility of the air ring. For instance, an operator can change the lower lip geometry to provide a custom air flow impingement angle or to handle lower blow-up ratios within 5 minutes (excluding the time required to remove the IBC exhaust stack).
Again, the TDK-500 is a high performance dual-lip design established from years of experience for the widest range of materials including ultra-low melt strength materials.
At Fakuma 2024, ENGEL will present innovative solutions shaping the future of plastics processing. A key highlight is the digital setup assistant, designed to simplify the operation of injection moulding machines and significantly enhance production efficiency.
ENGEL’s setup assistant directly addresses the growing shortage of skilled labour by greatly reducing the complexity of tool changes. The system automatically recognises the installed tool and guides the operator through the entire changeover process step-by-step. This not only minimises the risk of errors but also reduces setup times by up to 50%, leading to a marked increase in productivity.
Key features and benefits of the setup assistant include:
• Interactive SMED process support: The setup assistant speeds up the tool change process through interactive instructions and automated sequences.
• Automatic purge program: An automated start after the end of production and the positioning of the unit enable faster colour changes, for example.
• Automatic tool clamping: Quick-clamping systems and standardised media couplings further enhance efficiency.
• Preheating station: Tools are preheated and tempered, reducing setup times even further.
• Work instructions in the dataset: Detailed instructions, both in text and images, guide the operator precisely through the entire process.
• Automatic tool recognition: RFID transponders store operating hours and shot counters, enhancing operator support and protecting the machine.
At Fakuma 2024, ENGEL will demonstrate how digital assistance systems can help solve the current challenges in plastics processing. Visitors are invited to experience these technologies live, which simplify day-to-day operations and discover their potential for their own production environments.
Hall A5 / Stand 5203
Allrounder 720 E Golden Electric Slim In Design And Price
• New: Electric Allrounder with 2,800 kN clamping force • Attractive: Low investment costs, short delivery times, high level of flexibility • Slimline: New design saves space and increases overall Lossburg, 09/09/2024 The new Allrounder 720 E Golden Electric with a clamping force of 2,800 kN extends the product range of the electric series of the same name upwards. Its main advantages in a nutshell? A slim design with a price to match. Following its world premiere at NPE in Orlando, US, and its European premiere at Plastpol in Kielce, Poland, Arburg is now showing this machine for the first time at a trade fair in Germany at Fakuma 2024 (hall A3, stand 3101). It combines electrical precision, process stability and a small installation area with high component quality, low investment costs and short delivery times.
The extension of the electrical machine portfolio helps customers to meet current challenges such as increasing price pressure coupled with rising costs for labour, energy and materials as well as ever-shorter product life cycles and faster product changes. To enable attractive investment costs and a rapid return on investment (ROI), Arburg uses standardised equipment without compromising on quality and performance. So the ne”Golden” combines a high level of precision with a slimline design at a particularly attractive price/performance ratio.
Significantly smaller installation area Arburg has optimised the design so that the new Allrounder 720 E Golden Electric, with a width of just 1,848 millimetres, has a significantly reduced installation area compared to other machines in its class. This has been achieved through features such as a new safety door with recessed handles. At the same time, the door opening has been widened to 1,400 millimetres, making the ejector area more accessible, for example. Due to its smaller installation area, the new Allrounder fits into existing production grids and lines. This is of particular interest when old machine technology needs to be replaced. However, even for new production facilities that are being planned, every achievable space saving is a valuable resource. Thanks to the slim design, more machines can be set up in injection moulding production, resulting in an increased output per square metre.
Reliable, stable machine technology The Allrounder 720 E Golden Electric features high-quality machine technology to ensure stable and reliable plastic parts production. This includes a toggle-type clamping unit and direct drives from Arburg’s subsidiary AMKmotion. With an electric mould height adjustment system, mould installation heights of up to 800 millimetres are possible. The drive components are optimised for a clamping force of 2,800 kN. The proven high-quality Arburg plasticising with the “aXw Control ScrewPilot” ensures reproducible injection and excellent moulded part quality. Optimised mould venting with two-stage mould locking also plays a part in this. For convenient maintenance, the new electric Allrounder has the same easily accessible control cabinet concept as the new hybrid machines. A lubrication unit and an optional pneumatic system are located on the operating side. The parts chute in the machine base has been widened, making it easily accessible.
Flexible automation and application The new electric machine is not limited to a specific product and is quickly available, which is particularly advantageous for short-term replacement purchases and capacity expansions. It is relevant for almost every industry and of particular interest for technical injection moulding. Other typical areas of application include dimensionally stable housings for electromobility, thick-walled closures for household goods, precision components for medical technology, and the construction and leisure industries.
The Allrounder 720 E Golden Electric is equipped with the Selogica ND control system as standard. If required, additional options and functions such as core pulls and heating and cooling circuits can be easily integrated and programmed, enabling a wide range of plastic parts to be produced flexibly, efficiently and reliably.
24 razor covers in 11.5 seconds. The new electric machine can also be automated with linear Multilift robotic systems and six-axis robots from Arburg. The exhibit is equipped with a Multilift V 30. At Fakuma 2024, the Allrounder 720 E Golden Electric with a clamping force of 2,800 kN and a size 800 injection unit will be producing PP razor covers by way of example. A 24-cavity mould from Hack will be used. The cycle time is around 11.5 seconds, with each moulded part weighing 1.2 grams. The 24 finished parts are then ejected in groups of four, clustered by cavity, into six boxes.
“Smart” communication for predictive maintenance
“Smart” communication between the production cell and its centrepiece, the injection mould, using OPC UA is essential for predictive maintenance. For this purpose, the “Moldlife Sense” computer system enables sensor-controlled mould monitoring over the complete life cycle and detects changes to the mould at an early stage. The measured values from various sensors on the mould can be visualised in the machine controller. If these are outside specified tolerances, an event is automatically generated. The same applies to the indicators for the built-in acoustic emission sensors, where the “noise ID” is visualised and checked to see whether it is within the given tolerances. Individual events, such as warnings, alerts and error messages, can also be displayed in the controller and documented. This allows users to identify anomalies in the process quickly and reliably and better assess what needs to be done. In an emergency, the machine stops and issues a corresponding message so that the operator can react correctly.
Husky and Kriya Forge Strategic Collaboration with ICHORTM Integrated Medical System in India
Husky Technologies™ is excited to announce a major milestone in our collaboration with Kriya Medical Technologies Pvt. Ltd., marked by the successful deployment of the first ICHOR™ integrated medical system in India capable of producing both 13×100 and 13x75mm blood collection tubes. The inauguration ceremony, held on September 18, 2024, at Kriya’s Chennai facility, was a notable event ended by Anu Moturi, Kriya’s Founder and CEO, Husky’s executive medical team, and government representatives, including the Minister for Industries, Investment Promotion & Commerce, Government of Tamil Nadu.
Kriya’s goal is to evolve from a regional leader into a prominent player in the global market. Their investment in this project, supported by Husky’s innovative system approach and comprehensive service agreement, underscores this goal while reinforcing their commitment to excellence. Husky’s ICHOR™ system is the ideal complement, capable of producing up to 250 million tubes/year and demonstrating a cycle time of less than 5.5 seconds, which is currently the market’s fastest. The Advantage+Elite™ service agreement was also a critical factor, providing Kriya with 24/7 expert support and real-time monitoring to ensure optimal performance, part quality and production reliability.
A primary reason for bringing production inhouse was to achieve a cost-effective and stable supply of highquality parts – aligning with Kriya’s vision to be recognized as a premium quality supplier for blood collection tubes both locally and internationally. The successful collaboration, which involved defining the injection solution, selecting resins, and facilitating system integration, highlights the strength of this joint effort and Husky’s role in supporting Kriya’s growth and market leadership goals.
The ICHOR™ medical system represents Husky’s advanced solution for blood collection tubes, built upon the company’s proven PET technology and featuring integrated robots, auxiliaries, a unified HMI, and an advanced hot runner. Designed to meet the needs of both new and existing device manufacturers, ICHOR™ delivers exceptional productivity, precision, and efficiency. The system provides high-quality, high precision parts with increased speed and productivity, reduced wear, extended mold life, and minimized waste and variability. This innovation ensures that customers like Kriya can achieve superior performance and reliability throughout all stages of their production process. An emerging medical device company headquartered in Chennai, India, Kriya has been focused on adopting industry-leading technologies to enable delivery of the most advanced, high quality, affordable health care to the growing Indian market and underserved emerging markets. Kriya’s vision is to operate as a team, to work together as a lean enterprise that strives to achieve the highest levels of satisfaction, and to engage with their community to promote health education and awareness.
Asahi Kasei Launches New Grade of LASTAN Flame-Retardant Nonwoven Fabric – Enhancing EV Battery Safety With Superior Resistance To Flames And Particle Blasts
The Japanese technology company Asahi Kasei is introducing a new material solution for enhanced EV battery safety. A flame-retardant and highly flexible nonwoven fabric, LASTAN™ is an outstanding alternative to conventional materials for thermal runaway protection. It can be utilized in top covers, busbar protection sleeves, and other applications within the EV battery pack.
Although electric vehicles are becoming more common worldwide, battery safety is still a major concern for many car users. According to the latest “Asahi Kasei Automotive Consumer Survey,” 34% of nonEV owners in China see improved safety as a primary consideration in buying an electric vehicle. Against this background, global OEMs seek to further raise the safety of EV batteries, and the market for materials to prevent thermal runaway is expected to grow by some 15% annually from 2024 onward, with even further expansion of demand in the future (IDTechEX: “Fire Protection Materials for Electric Vehicle Batteries 2024–2034”).
In this context, there is increasing demand for materials in EV battery cover applications having excellent resistance against flames and particle blasts, as well as good electrical insulation properties. While mineral based materials are generally used as protection against thermal runaway at present, such materials tend to be heavy and brittle. Being stiff, these materials are difficult to adapt to complex shapes, making processability an issue for automotive OEMs. LASTAN™ is a non-mineral flame-resistant fabric made by air baking a special acrylic fiber at 200 – 300°C. It is characterized by high flame resistance and good electrical insulation, which are further improved by a special coating process that also augments abrasion resistance. This allows the material to provide effective protection against particle bombardment from venting gas. With these exceptional characteristics, LASTAN™ has been used for many years as an optimal material for failure prevention and safety in various industries. Withstanding 1,300°C flames and impact of 200–500 µm particles
Even when a 1,300°C flame is applied, the temperature on the opposite side of LASTAN™ remains below 400°C. While a “limiting oxygen index” (LOI) value of 27 or higher is generally considered to indicate flame retardance, this material has an LOI value of 50 or higher. In UL94 flame retardance testing, LASTAN™ has obtained the highest rating of 5VA. No holes are formed in LASTAN™ even when it is exposed to a flame of 1,300°C for one minute.
In addition to its high flame resistance, LASTAN™ is resistant to high-pressure impact by particles of 200–500 µm. It also provides electrical insulating capacity of up to 3.5 kV at a thickness of 1 mm. LASTAN™ also features outstanding processability, being highly flexible while maintaining its performance characteristics in sheets as thin as 0.8 mm. This makes it easily processed with ordinary tools, contributing to a simplified manufacturing process. Having integrated production of LASTAN™ currently in Japan, Asahi Kasei is considering production in the United States and other countries in the future. The company will exhibit the new LASTAN™ grade at the North American Battery Show from October 7 to 10, 2024, in Detroit, Michigan. Seite 2 von 2
About Asahi Kasei
The Asahi Kasei Group contributes to life and living for people around the world. Since its founding in 1922 with ammonia and cellulose fiber businesses, Asahi Kasei has consistently grown through the proactive transformation of its business portfolio to meet the evolving needs of every age. With more than 49,000 employees worldwide, the company contributes to a sustainable society by providing solutions to the world’s challenges through its three business sectors of Material, Homes, and Health Care. Its Material sector, comprised of Environmental Solutions, Mobility & Industrial, and Life Innovation, includes a wide array of products from battery separators and biodegradable textiles to engineering plastics and sound solutions.
Digitalisation And Automation Hand In Hand: Efficient, Traceable Part Production
Fully automated: a turnkey system with a hanging-mounted six-axis robot
Compact: vertical Allrounder overmoulds inserts
Seamless: ATCM for 100 percent traceable part quality and R-Cycle information
At Fakuma 2024, Arburg (Halle A3, Stand 3101) will be demonstrating how digitalisation and automation work hand in hand to produce plastic parts efficiently and with 100 percent traceability and recyclability, using a turnkey system centred around a vertical Allrounder 375 V. Vacuum housings are manufactured and installed in Multilift robotic systems. The accompanying six-axis robot is suspended and therefore requires very little space. The SCADA system Arburg Turnkey Control Module (ATCM) makes it possible to link material and process data. The fully automated application is also an application example of the R-Cycle initiative.
The compact turnkey system for the automated overmoulding of inserts and traceable part production is a sophisticated manufacturing solution with high autonomy. The consistent use of digitalisation solutions allows the individual process steps to be linked via a continuous data and information chain, enabling seamless tracking of part quality and output.
Space-saving automation
A vertical Allrounder 375 V with a clamping force of 500 kN is at the centre of the production cell, equipped with a single-cavity mould from Arburg. The hanging-mounted automation does require not any additional space. The six-axis robot first transfers two metal bushings, which are provided via vibratory conveyors, to the mould where they are overmoulded with glass-fibre-reinforced polyamide PA6 (GF30). The “aXw Control ReferencePilot” ensures homogeneous material preparation and consistently high product quality. This pilot function in the control system precisely regulates the pressure profile in the mould and compensates for fluctuations in viscosity. The cycle time is around 30 seconds, and the weight of the moulded part is 58.5 grams. After removal from the mould, the injection moulded parts are marked with two QR codes by a laser station for part-specific traceability and for reading R-Cycle information. The housings are finally discharged from the production cell via a conveyor belt.
100 percent traceable
The SCADA system ATCM is the key technology for linking and tracing material and process data. At the exhibit at Fakuma, the part-specific data from the injection moulding process and the automation will be collected and linked with the results of the visual inspection of the insert. The component ID ensures that each individual product is clearly identified and that the part quality is seamlessly documented.
On the other hand, the application is a practical example of R-Cycle and digital product passports: the ATCM passes on data relevant to processing and recycling over a defined production period during the manufacturing phase. This is done using a so-called GS1 barcode standard (in accordance with the German guideline “Circular Plastics Traceability”). R-Cycle enables standardised data exchange across company boundaries. The data is stored in digital product passports. In this way, information relevant to recycling can be viewed and utilised across the entire value chain, e.g. by subsequent processors, end users and recycling companies. This forms the basis for recyclable processes and the best possible reuse.
Husky Technologies Announces Leadership Transition: Bradley Selleck Appointed CEO, John Galt to Become Chairman
Husky TechnologiesTM, a pioneering technology provider enabling the delivery of essential needs to the global community, today announced that longtime company CEO John Galt will transition to the role of chairman and Husky COO Bradley Selleck will become CEO, effective October 1. Husky, a portfolio company of Platinum Equity, is a leading global provider of innovative solutions and services primarily for the beverage, consumer goods and medical device markets.
The transition is the culmination of a carefully orchestrated plan focused on building a world-class management team, fostering and embracing their capabilities, and optimizing the company’s human capital as it enters the next chapter. It is a calculated step that not only positions Husky for future growth, but also ensures continuity and stability through the transition.
“John has been preparing the company for this for several years and I commend him and the team for taking such a thoughtful and deliberate approach,” said Louis Samson, co-president of Platinum Equity. “Brad is a uniquely talented executive and key architect of the company’s current operating model. He has made a material and multi-faceted contribution to Husky since joining approximately three years ago and has proven beyond any doubt that he’s up to the task and ready to take the reins.” Galt joined Husky in 1985 and was appointed CEO in 2005. For nearly four decades he has played a pivotal role growing the business from its early days as a founder-led creative enterprise into a global industrial leader.
Over the past several years Galt has worked with Selleck and the company’s management team to enhance Husky’s go-to-market capabilities and deepen its focus on essential markets and the aftermarket. Under Galt’s guidance, Husky also took a more active role in advocacy, setting industry standards and influencing sustainability policies worldwide.
“Leading Husky has been one of the greatest honors of my career,” said Galt. “Over the last 19 years as CEO, I have seen this company evolve into a global leader, driven by our relentless pursuit of innovation and our commitment to making a positive impact on the world.” Galt said Selleck’s appointment reflects Husky’s continued commitment to its strategic priorities, ensuring continuity while positioning the company for future growth. “Since joining Husky, Brad has been instrumental in this journey, particularly in establishing a more resilient and industrialized operational model that sustained Husky through the challenges of the COVID crisis, but also by garnering the respect of Husky’s key constituents from the boardroom to the shop floor,” Galt 2/2 explained. “I have complete confidence in Brad’s leadership and am excited to see him drive Husky forward as CEO.”
Selleck joined Husky in 2022 with more than 25 years of leadership experience in operations, supply chain and quality as an executive for largescale global industrial organizations. As CEO, he will continue to focus on executing Husky’s strategic priorities, emphasizing profitable growth, sustainability, innovation, and customer success.
“I am thrilled to take on the role of CEO,” said Selleck. “Husky’s commitment to sustainability and innovation aligns perfectly with my own values, and I am excited to lead our incredible team as we continue to build on the solid foundation that John has established. I look forward to driving our strategy forward focused on delivering profitable growth by providing tangible value to our customers.” Galt remains a meaningful shareholder in Husky going forward. In his role as chairman, he will continue to serve as an outspoken advocate for advancing sustainability practices across the industry. He will also be available to the leadership team to assist with customer and investor relations, as well as advanced product development.
“We have very high standards for leadership and John’s competitive spirit, passion for Husky and commitment to excellence are the benchmark,” said Samson. “He has been a special CEO and I am grateful we will continue to be able to count on him as a partner.” Developing a strong team to carry out the company’s vision is an enduring part of Galt’s legacy.
“John has been a transformative figure at Husky, driving the company to new heights and laying the foundation for the road ahead,” said Delara Zarrabi, managing director at Platinum Equity. “He worked tirelessly to build high-performing teams that embody Husky’s core values and he’s fostered a culture where people are driven to be the best in the industry. Brad is well prepared to carry on that tradition and we look forward to partnering with him on the next phase of Husky’s journey.”
About Husky
Since 1953, Husky TechnologiesTM has been pioneering technologies that enable the delivery of essential needs to the global community with industry-leading expertise and service. A global leader, Husky is powered by teams of exceptional people in more than 40 locations with valued customers who operate in over 140 countries. By focusing on sustainably sourced feedstocks, material reuse and the exclusive use of medical-grade polymers, Husky continues to be committed to enabling the circular economy now and into the future.
A Rapidly Increasing Demand For Wires, Cables, Tubes And Pipes Wire & Tube China 2024 Open Their Gates From September 25-28 2024 in Shanghai
China is the world’s second-largest economic power behind the USA. Although its economic growth has slowed compared to previous years, China with its 1.4 bn inhabitants remains a huge market where wires, wire products such as cables, fasteners, springs, and ropes as well as tubes and pipes play an important role. Wires and cables, e.g., are essential for the transmission of electric power and electronic data while tubes and pipes are needed for conveying liquids, gases and free-flowing substances or for mechanical structures.
Wires and cables
The market research company BIS Research estimates that the revenue of China’s wire and cable market was more than US$45 bn in 2022 and expects that it will grow at an average annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.4% to reach nearly US$97 bn by 2032. Many application areas are related to electricity. In 2023, China consumed around 9,220 TWh of electric power, 6.5% more than in the previous year. In the first four months of 2024 the demand grew by 7.4% in the year-over-year comparison. In 2023, China’s power plants generated nearly 9,460 TWh of electric power (Fig. 1). To keep pace with the rising demand, China is pushing ahead the expansion of electricity generation. In the period from January to July 2024 the total installed generation capacity of power plants was increased by 14% to 3.1 TW, mainly by the construction of wind and solar power plants.
As of the end of July 2024, nuclear power plants with a total capacity of around 58 GW were in operation in China. In August 2024, China’s State Council approved five new nuclear power projects with a total of 11 reactors. The electricity transmission grid requires huge amounts of wires and cables. In 2022, China invested nearly US$166 bn in its expansion and maintenance, while all other countries collectively spent for their grids US$118 bn (Fig. 2). In the next six years, an investment of more than US$800 bn is foreseen to overcome strains on the energy system as the country makes a rapid shift to renewable sources. Grid operations also have to become smarter to merge the fluctuating demand with decentralised power generation systems like wind turbines and solar panels.
Another important consumer of wires, cables and other wire products like fasteners and springs is the automobile sector. Cars need cables which supply numerous components with electrical energy, transmit control signals and transfer information. Moreover, all cars also need tubes for the frame, the chassis and the powertrain. As tubes are lighter and stiffer than solid rods, they help reduce the weight of cars and – in the case of electric vehicles (EVs) – to compensate for the weight of heavy batteries. In 2023, more than 26 million passenger cars, almost one third of the world’s passenger cars production, were produced in China by national and foreign manufacturers. It is expected that China’s automobile industry will see another strong growth in 2024.
Tubes and pipes
Tubular products are as important as wires and cables. Tubes and pipes made from different steel grades are used in the oil and gas industry for different applications in upstream operations (as socalled Oil Country Tubular Goods – OCTG), midstream operations such as transmission and distribution of oil, gas, fluids, acids, steam, and slurries, and downstream operations such as refining processes. According to the Baker Institute, China operated in 2023 more than 100 crude oil pipelines with a total length of nearly 26,000 km, refined product pipelines with a total network length of nearly 26,000 km and more than 410 natural gas pipelines with a total length of more than 110,000 km. Increasing investments in the oil, gas, and chemical industries are propelling the growth of the tubes and pipes market as well as spending on infrastructure including water and irrigation infrastructure, water and sewage treatment.
Also worth mentioning are the activities in the field of hydrogen production and use, the construction of buildings, and the replacement of aging pipes. Coal and gas power plants, which continue to play an important role in China’s electricity generation, and nuclear power plants need water piping systems for operation and cooling processes. Because of cost-efficiency, durability, corrosion resistance and a relatively light weight plastic pipes such as PE and, in particular PVC pipes become more and more important. The marketing research company Bonafide Research valued the Chinese plastic pipes market at US$14.2 bn in 2022 and expects that it will grow at CAGR of 4.2% to reach US$19 bn in 2028.
Outlook
To comply with the challenging requirements, Chinese manufacturers of wires, cables and tubular products need cutting-edge processing equipment. The wire China and Tube China trade fairs provide a unique opportunity for production equipment manufacturers to present their products and services while professional visitors get access to information about the latest developments.
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