Swiss-based MOLD & ROBOTICS group has announced that subsidiary H. MULLER-Fabrique de Moules SA, a global specialist in in-mold labeling (IML) systems, is transferring its technology and know-how to sister company CBW Automation in the U.S. MULLER’s leading-edge IML systems, which are made in Conthey, Switzerland, will be manufactured in North America for the first time at CBW Automation’s Fort Collins, Colo. facility. A cross-functional team has been established between MULLER and CBW to coordinate the transfer of the engineering designs, control programs, manufacturing techniques, and optimization processes for these types of systems.
The transfer of IML technology will enhance CBW’s capabilities and help meet the growing demand among processors and end users for IML systems in North America, according to Taras Konowal, CBW Automation’s North America director of sales and marketing. “There is strong growth for in-mold labeling systems in North America and our customers are hungry for domestically produced systems that reduce shipping costs and deliver time-to-market benefits,” said Konowal.
CBW Automation will initially manufacture IML systems that are designed for large 2x12 stack molds delivering 24 cavities per shot. These systems are for production of injection molded thin-wall polypropylene (PP) packaging for containers and lids.
Unlike Europe where IML has gained strong penetration in a range of packaging applications, Konowal notes that IML technology has been slower to develop in North America. CBW Automation’s capability now gives the U.S. market proven technology which is flexible and highly cost efficient, he said. Customer support (English speaking) and replacement parts will be available in the U.S.
CBW Automation has already reached an agreement for the manufacture of its first IML systems for a U.S.-based molder of thin-wall packaging. Design and manufacturing is already underway with delivery later this year. According to Jean-Philippe Obrist, the Head of the Mold and Robotics Group’s Robotics Business Unit, additional projects are in the planning stages. The technology for smaller cavitation IML systems and take-out robots from MULLER to CBW are in the transfer stage. These technology transfers will be completed later this year.
About MOLD & ROBOTICS GROUP
Swiss-based MOLD & ROBOTICS group is the first globally acting industry and technology leader in tool making and automation technology for thin-wall plastic packaging. With an established presence in the U.S. and Europe, the Swiss company H. MULLER-Fabrique de Moules SA, Conthey, and the two companies CBW Automation, based in Fort Collins, Colo. and DOLLINS Tool, Independence, Mo., operate under the umbrella of the MOLD & ROBOTICS group.
The expanding global market for thin-wall packaging, relating to food and non-food containers, increases the demand for superior product design, tool making, and automation. The intercontinental positioning of MOLD & ROBOTICS group contributes to supporting companies from the food, non-food, and medical technology sectors in the development of new packaging for their products.
About H. MULLER-Fabrique de Moules SA
The Swiss company H. MULLER-Fabrique de Moules SA was founded in 1959 and is a pioneer and leader in the field of packaging design, mold, and automation solutions for injection molded thinwall packaging with leading-edge expertise in in-mold-labeling (IML).
Since 1993, customer-specific, complete systems for the food, non-food and medical technology sectors are the basis of the MULLER-portfolio. From the development of innovative products and the construction of high-performance systems, followed by quality-oriented customer service, MULLER stands for Swiss precision – for optimal results from one source. H. MULLER-Fabrique de Moules SA is the platform company of the recently founded MOLD & ROBOTICS group.
About CBW Automation
CBW Automation, based in Fort Collins, Colo., is a leading U.S. supplier of robots and automation solutions with a focus on injection molding and thermoforming applications in the packaging and medical sectors. The company, founded in 1970, developed the first automatic system for stacking Cool Whip lids from the injection molding process. CBW has also pioneered the design and construction of high-speed, side-entry and top-entry robotic systems to reach the fastest possible cycle times in the high-volume production market of thin-wall molded parts.
