Composiflex Breaks Ground for Expansion
Composiflex expansion is entirely focused on increasing manufacturing space, set to double the size of its production area.
ERIE, PA (November 1, 2009) - - Composiflex, global supplier of highly-engineered composite products, breaks ground this month on a facility expansion that will double the available production area. Overall, the addition will increase the facility footprint by 60% but this is entirely manufacturing space. Mike Chesley, Composiflex general manager, acknowledged the uncertainty still present in the economy but noted, "We cannot wait any longer in light of active projects which we expect to transition into full production in 2010."
The expansion is planned to house new equipment that will support manufacture of even larger and more complex parts than Composiflex can readily handle today. Among the capital expenditures being evaluated are additional pieces of composite processing equipment, advanced CNC machinery, and a second, larger filament winder with increased automation capabilities. The candidate equipment is being considered as enhancements to the company's already strong vertical integration model.
Doubling of the manufacturing area will also allow streamlining of processes that cannot be accomplished in today's lay-out. "The rapid growth we've experienced over the past several years forced us to put things where we could make them fit, not necessarily where they should be. Still, since our business is primarily the design and manufacture of custom components, optimizing process flow is more of a challenge than it would be for more standardized product manufacturers," said Chesley.
In preparation for planning the revised plant lay-out, a "Lean Manufacturing" team is currently engaged in training with the Northwest Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center (IRC). Phase 1 involves 40 hours of advanced training for the Lean Team. Phase 2 will engage the entire production staff.
Chesley sums it up, "With this expansion, Composiflex is making a commitment to our customers and to our employees. We're setting ourselves up to be in the best position possible as the market improves."
About Composiflex:
For more than 20 years, Composiflex has been an innovator in the design and manufacture of advanced high-performance composites. Specializing in custom designs, Composiflex serves the aerospace, military, ballistic protection, medical, industrial, and recreational markets. The company is characterized by its "art-to-part" projects made possible by its knowledgeable engineering staff, broad materials expertise, cost-effective rapid prototyping methods, and range of modern manufacturing technologies. Certified to ISO9001:2000 and AS9100 standards, Composiflex conducts operations in Erie, PA, USA.
Contact:
Marty Matthews
(814)866-8616
martym@composiflex.com
www.composiflex.com
Holly M. English
Composiflex, Inc.
8100 Hawthorne Drive
Erie, PA 16509
814-866-8616, ext. 57
hollye@composiflex.com
www.composiflex.com
