Bookmark 12-23-2015

PTi Announces Major Plant Expansion

An integral part of the expansion is a 15,000 ft2 Technology Development Center (© PTi)

Processing Technologies International LLC (PTi), a leading global manufacturer of high-performance sheet extrusion machinery, has announced a USD 10 million plant expansion at its Aurora, Ill. headquarters in response to growing demand for its sheet extrusion equipment. The company will add 40,000 ft² of space, nearly doubling its net manufacturing capacity while increasing office space to 20,000 ft² .

“Our strong sales are driving this expansion need,” said Dana Hanson, PTi president. “Over the past couple of years we’ve enjoyed a steady rise in business volume and this appears to be the trend for the foreseeable future.” Groundbreaking is slated for March 2016 and the new space is expected to be fully operational by October 2016.

PTi needs additional manufacturing space to assemble its sheet extrusion systems, according to Hanson. The company sees strong activity for sheet extrusion equipment in the packaging, industrial, and automotive industries. In particular, PTi has established itself as the leader in dryer-less PET systems in North America. The company has sold 17 systems in four years and predicts steady growth as dryer-less technology becomes the new “norm” for PET/PLA processing.

An integral part of the expansion is a 15,000 ft² Technology Development Center that will be dedicated to product development and process trials for customers on production-scale systems. This space will accommodate up to three different systems including the patented High-Vacuum Twin-Screw Extruder (HVTSE) dryer-less technology, a conventional multi-layer (barrier) system, and a third system with newly patented sheet extrusion technology that will be released soon. All demonstration systems will feature winders for producing roll stock.