Bema Inc. Enters Blown Film Extrusion Market; Purchases First W&H OPTIMEX Blown Film Line in U.S.
LINCOLN, RI - Bema Inc., located in Elmhurst, IL, has ordered an OPTIMEX blown film line from Windmoeller & Hoelscher Corporation. This is the first OPTIMEX line sold to a U.S. company. Bema, a vertically-integrated company known primarily for its printing operations, will add 3-layer co-ex blown films to its product portfolio, bringing the company back to its roots.
Bema's owner, Glen Galloway, bought the company in the late 90's and said that the previous owner had been a pioneer in film extrusion. "I had always planned to get the company back into extrusion when the time was right. We believe now is that time," said Galloway. The OPTIMEX will run 3-layer co-ex films for downstream converting at Bema. "We won't be able to extrude all the film types needed to accommodate customer needs and will continue to purchase specialty films from suppliers," added Galloway.
The OPTIMEX will be located in Bema's new 70,000 ft.2 facility in St. Charles, IL, which is located close to the Elmhurst headquarters. In addition to film production, the building will house film testing, labs and warehouse space. W&H introduced the OPTIMEX to the market in fall 2009 as a more economical alternative to the well-established VAREX product line.
About Bema Inc.:
Bema Inc. (www.bemaprint.com) is a vertically integrated company currently offering a range of services, including advanced pre-press, 10-color flexographic printing, adhesive lamination and converting capabilities such as form slitting, bag making and pouch making.
About Windmoeller & Hoelscher:
Windmoeller & Hoelscher (www.whcorp.com) is a leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of flexographic and gravure printing presses, blown and cast film extrusion systems, multiwall equipment, plastic sack and bag making machines, as well as form-fill-seal machinery for the converting and packaging industry.
23 NEW ENGLAND WAY, LINCOLN, RI, USA 02865-4252
TEL: (401) 333-2770 or (800) 854-8702 FAX: (401) 333-6491 www.whcorp.com
Contact:
Catherine Mattson-Fimmers
401-744-0895
cmfimmers@whcorp.com
NPE Booth West 733
