Syntec Optics is Preparing for a $500,000 Expansion Project
Pavilion, NY...Syntec Optics, a manufacturer of molded plastic optics for the medical, defense and biometric industries, is preparing for a $500,000 expansion project that will upgrade its facility while adding new production equipment and several jobs.
The project will be done in two phases, with Phase I including the purchase of a new 77 ton Arburg injection mold machine that features an intelligent control system for better process control. According to Lori Steffenilla, VP of Manufacturing Operations, the machine utilizes cutting edge technology that allows for improved process monitoring including a "Cycle Time Diagram", a diagnostic tool that improves cycle times while maintaining high yields. "In our high tech business, we need precision equipment to hold tighter tolerances and really push the capabilities of traditional plastic optics," said Steffenilla. "It's just another example of Syntec's commitment to quality and continual improvement."
Also included in Phase I renovations will be the addition of new automated production stations that will utilize custom robots. By utilizing these robots, Syntec will be able to improve efficiency, resulting in reduced lead times for customers. Other Phase I improvements include infrastructure upgrades essential to Phase II, new climate control equipment and upgrades to the company's clean room facility. The class 10,000 clean room was unveiled in January of this year and has given the company the opportunity to secure several new medical device projects.
Phase II of the project will increase total production space by nearly 30% and increase capacity by adding three new injection molding machines. According to Rick Arndt, VP and General Manager of Syntec Optics, these improvements will allow the company to increase its workforce by 12%. "Despite the uncertainty of the economy, we have been able to continue to make investments and improvements in our facilities to ensure continued growth and supply the best possible products to our customers," said Arndt.
Syntec Optics is the leading independent custom manufacturer of polymer optics in the nation and recently upgraded its ISO certification from 9001:2000 to 9001:2008. The company, which has locations in Pavilion and Rochester, NY, holds a patent for High Refraction Diamond Turning (HRDT). The HRDT process is ideal for optics applications that require high refraction, heat resistant, and Near Infra-Red (NIR) performance. This is critical in industries such as telecom, defense, and biometrics in order to meet the stringent performance demands. This technology reduces the cost by about five times for optical applications when compared to glass optics, by drastically reducing the time and cost of prototype cycles.
