Chinaplas 2015: Exhibitors' Feedback

Strong market for healthcare

Healthcare is a key area of focus for Davis-Standard in Asia, where multinational and national companies are setting up operations. “Asia in general have a lot of investment in medical device and healthcare, so it’s really a strong market,” explained James Murphy, president and chief executive officer.

Prior to Chinaplas, Davis-Standard hosted about 60 medical equipment companies at their facility in Suzhou, China, which is equipped with a high-speed FPVC extrusion system and multipurpose microbore tubing line to support the continued growth of the regional medical industry. “I would say probably 80% of the attendees at our open house were from China and the rest from other parts of Asia,” Mr Murphy said.

Another area that the company is geared for is the flexible packaging market. “We’re seeing a lot of growth in food packaging applications where flexible packaging can be done in a number of different ways,” he commented. “Dry bond lamination, which is efficient and effective in smaller volumes, but as volumes grow, the efficiencies and the effectiveness of the packaging is much greater with extrusion lamination.”


Davis-Standard (China)
Tel: +86-21 6440 0468
Fax: +86-21 6440 0219
Website: www.davis-standard.com/

Davis-Standard (Germany)
Tel: +49 211 2404-0
Fax: +49 211 2404-281
Website: www.davis-standard.com/

Expanding the market for asphalt and plastic modifiers
 
 Dynasol, the synthetic rubber joint venture of Mexican conglomerate Grupo KUO and Spain’s Repsol, recently opened a manufacturing facility in Liaoning, China. This brings to three the production operations, in addition to production facilities in Altamira, Mexico and Santander, Spain, of the world leader in asphalt modifiers and plastics.

“Strategically, wherever we do business, there are three main drivers in the synthetic rubber business in general. First, to assure  the raw material supply; secondly, have a partner agreement; and third, establish a convenient and stable pricing formula focused more on contract pricing rather than spot pricing,” said Raul Olabarrieta, Asia sales director, Dynasol.

In Asia, Dynasol will focus on value-added sector and work with local companies that are producing and exporting their high value products that require, technical compounds and adhesives. To that end, they will also work closely with customers in order to understand their needs, help develop formulations and offer troubleshooting services through a newly equipped technical service laboratory.

Dynasol will remain active in other applications, such as asphalt, plastic modification like ABS and polystyrene resins and styrene copolymers, and with the future view of entering other sectors, such as low rolling resistance tires, said Mr Olabarrieta.

Dynasol
Tel: +1-281 874 0888
Fax: +1-281 885 1742
E-mail: marketing@dynasol.com.mx
Website: www.dynasolelastomer.com

Delivering superior performance

 Strategically focused on functional chemicals, pharmaceutical chemicals, and plastics & coatings, Feixiang Group highlighted absorbers and light stabilisers for PVC, PP and plastic products.

FENTASORB 531 is an excellent performance and efficient anti-aging additive, which can absorb 240-320 nm UV light, with a light colour, nontoxic, good compatibility, easy processing characteristics. FENTAUNIV 1130 is a liquid UV absorber for paints and coatings that can effectively maintain the lustre, avoid cracking and produce spots explode and surface stripping. FENTASTAB 770 is an antioxidant-rich UV absorber that improves heat resistance and light stability; and FENTASTAB 292 can effectively prevent the coating remains shiny in the sun exposure, avoid cracking and produce spots, greatly improving coating life.

Sales director Hua Jiang said Feixiang exports 50 to 60 percent of its products to Asia-Pacific and European markets, and the rest are sold in Mainland China.
 

Feixiang Group of Companies
Tel: +86-512 5811 0839
Fax: +86-512 5811 0322
Website: www.feixiangchem.com

Customer-oriented strategy

 Taiwan’s largest manufacturer of plastic extrusion lines, Fong Kee International (FKI) Machinery, is strongly focused on exports and 90% of the company’s output is exported. The latest Fong Kee blow moulding machines can be used to produce 0.2- to1000-L containers.

Charles Wei, vice chairman and managing director, said FKI is currently working on a fully servo-driven blow moulding machine. “This year our goal is to develop one of the largest, 100% all-electric, blow moulding machine,” he said, adding that the machine can be expected to be suitable for the pharmaceutical, household, cosmetic and beverage industry.

The servo-driven alternative will be from 40 to 50 percent more expensive than a hydraulic version, but the cost will be offset by savings in power consumption and higher productivity, Mr Wei explained.

Until the launch of this new development, FKI will continue its strategy of improving quality and gaining customer respect. “Next year, we will continue to participate in Chinaplas and K in order to reach more customers and direct communicate with them,” he said.
 

Fong Kee International Machinery Co, Ltd.
Tel: +886-6 2532 157
Fax: +886-6 2533 079
E-mail: sales@fki.com
Website: www.fki.com

Keeping it cool
 Process cooling specialist Frigel showcased the Ecodry 3DK, which saves up to 95% in water usage compared to a conventional cooling. In addition to improved water consumption, energy use can also be reduced between 20 and 30 percent compared to traditional systems.

These solutions are intended to provide cooled water for injection moulding machines and all the auxiliary equipment. The systems are designed to work in virtually any climate to improve manufacturing productivity while keeping costs manageable, said Frigel Asia Pacific president Benjamin Sutch.

Frigel offers a program, called “PAYS” for Pay as You Save, which allows small- and medium-sized manufacturers customers to structure the payment on the equipment over the term of the ROI.

“So for the customer, it’s a very small initial investment and then really, the savings pay for the equipment. So that’s a very powerful proposition. Instead of paying for the utility costs, you pay for the equipment,” Mr Sutch.

Frigel Firenze S.p.A.
Tel: +39-055 72209 20
E-mail: sales.emea@frigel.com
Website: www.frigel.com

Frigel Asia Pacific Co. Ltd.
Tel: +66 3857 7799 
E-mail: sales.fap@frigel.com
Website: www.frigel.com

High-end automation solutions

China’s plastics auxiliary equipment industry leader, Guangzhou Wensui Plastic Machinery Co., Ltd, has grown in 25 years of operation to include three wholly-owned subsidiaries, two production bases, two R&D platform, and two overseas development centres. Now they are setting their sights on growing their export market further.

 
Wensui automation solutions target material handling and processing, and from the outset have targeted high-end manufacturing companies. “In order to ensure the quality of our equipment, our engineering staff also actively participated in exhibitions at home and abroad, to learn advanced experience,” said marketing director Li Dong. “In addition, three years ago, we set up shop in Canada, mainly to absorb foreign expertise, production experience, management and sales aspects.”

Although international business currently accounts for only 30% of overall business, Mr Li said continued R&D to provide customers with reliable equipment will mean more growth momentum for Wensui exports.

Guangzhou Wensui Plastic Machinery Co., Ltd
Tel: +86-20 8485 3668
Fax: +86-20 8455 0068
E-mail: sales@wensui.com
Website: www.wensui.com

Green innovation on the agenda

Diversified international company, Lee Chang Yung Group, is headquartered in Taiwan, and has established factories in China, the United States, and the Middle East. Their portfolio includes polypropylene, thermoplastic rubber, solvents, methanol-related products, silicone and polysilicon.

New Business Development manager Debbie Chiu said Lee Chang Yung (LCY) hues to the philosophy that strengthening the group’s competitiveness means focusing on research and development. “For example, last year, we established a new R&D centre in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, with about 150 staff. We are willing to invest so much money and effort in R&D, because we believe that only through continuous research and innovation can we bring new value to customers,” said Ms. Chiu.

LCY’s green innovation strategy is currently targeting the global trend in environmental protection for polypropylene, so the R&D focus is on clean and sustainable properties, energy savings, transparency and lightweighting while assuring comfort, stability and safety.

To address this issue, PP business unit director Hank Chen revealed that one direction towards this goal is utilising the transparent plastic agent NX 8000 from Milliken. “Through the use of this new series of transparency agent, we can help customers improve process speeds, lower power consumption and thus enhance product profitability,” he said.

Lee Chang Yung Group
Tel: +886-2 2763 1611
Fax: +886-2 2748 6937
E-mail: lcy@lcygroup.com
Website: www.lcygroup.com

Ground-breaking TPE compounds

 Automotive-specific compounds with international automotive manufacturer approval were the focus of Kraiburg TPE. Applications in automotive construction require materials with excellent mechanical properties, and the approvals for latest portfolio for both exterior and interior components open up new applicable scope for the TPE compounds.

“International automotive approvals are very important since OEMs in the automotive industry are working to a very high technical standard and supply components worldwide,” said Roland Ritter, director Asia Pacific for Kraiburg TPE.

Window trim on the exterior, for instance, presents a special challenge but Florida test and Kalahari test, for example, are essential for light fastness and weathering. These special high-flow compounds for window encapsulation allow a homogeneous surface appearance.

In  automotive  construction,  as  in  numerous  other  market  segments,  a  functioning  and  coordinated worldwide  network  is  the  basic  prerequisite  for  successful  international  business  relations, Mr Ritter said.

“At Kraiburg, we can follow up on international approvals to track down and help customers find out about the approval process to fulfil customer requirements for numerous applications in the interior, exterior and motor compartment,” he explained.

KRAIBURG TPE China Co Ltd
Tel: +852 2164 4882
Fax: +852 2164 4883    
E-mail: info-china@kraiburg-tpe.com
Website: www.kraiburg-tpe.com

KRAIBURG TPE GmbH & Co. KG
Tel: +49 8638 9810-0
Fax: +49 8638 9810-310
E-mail: info@kraiburg-tpe.com
Website: www.kraiburg-tpe.com

Broadcasting a brand

Unlike the majority of exhibitors, Rajoo Engineers did not showcase equipment or technology. Already a dominant player in India, they have installed over 2,000 plastic extrusion equipment in nearly 60 countries, and have strategic partners in the U.S., Germany, Italy and the Netherlands. Their latest offering is an extrusion system for wood-plastic composites, but there is little promotion of the technology.

Although none of these installations are in China, the rationale for participating in Asia’s largest plastics and rubber show is clear: Brand building and exposure to a wide range of visitors from as many markets as possible.

“One has to have a very wide basket. Your basket has to be big both in terms of geography and in terms of portfolio, because there are ups and downs. So in spite of all these ups and downs, we've been going because of this strategy,” explained Sunil Jain, executive director and president of Rajoo Engineers.

Participating in the show is a decision based on due diligence to ensure that almost every visit to their booth is purposeful. “We don’t get people here who are just walking through. They come looking for us, with a deliberate agenda,” he pointed out.

It’s a marketing strategy that seems to work even in an uneven global economy. “Our financial year has just ended in March, and we’ve registered a growth of around 14%,” Mr. Jain said.

Rajoo Engineers Limited
Tel: +91 97 1296 2701 / 04 / 06
Fax: +91 28 2725 2700
E-mail: rel@rajoo.com
Website: www.rajoo.com

High-end extrusion solutions

 With over half a century of experience in developing extrusion technology, Reifenhäuser has tagged itself as the “Extrusioneer”. Cutting-edge technology backed by total service orientation keeps the plastic extrusion specialist competitive even in challenging markets and in developing economies.

In the high-end, high-performance segment, Reifenhäuser is the market leader nonwovens and cast lines in China, and in blown film in Asia. Another strong market is high quality surface protection films, such as those for mobile phones which require 100% clear film.

Ralf Pampus, general manager of Reifenhäuser Plastic Machinery (Suzhou), said the company is able to overcome misgivings about their higher priced lines by demonstrating the price performance ratio, for example output, uptime of the line, number of scraps, etc., of the technologies offered. “We have been able to demonstrate this to prospective customers in China, where in the last three to four years we have installed a number of lines,” he said.

Food packaging, in particular, has not really been affected by economic slowdown and the market for Reifenhäuser extrusion machinery continues to grow. “Our latest technology for blown film lines, nonwoven lines, and also cast lines have been installed here, so when we talk about the latest German technology, such as our 11-layer barrier film technology, we have that installed in China, too,” he explained. Prospective customers are then able to see the positive results of such investments in the China market and see the potential in their own markets.

Reifenhäuser Plastic Machinery (Suzhou) Co., Ltd
Tel: +86-512 6568 6036
Fax: +86-512 6568 6031
E-mail: rc-info@reifenhauser.com
Website: www.reifenhauser.com

Reifenhäuser Group
Tel: +49 2241 23510-0
Fax: +49 2241 23510-790
E-mail: info@reifenhauser.com
Website: www.reifenhauser.com

PE stretch/cling film rewinder machine

 Chyi Yang promoted its PE Stretch/ Cling Film Rewinder machines: RWA Series and RW-2 Series. For 300mm film width & length 20 metres, the speed of RWA Series can be up to 20 pcs/min. The newly machine speed is max. 1000 m/min. According to Sales Manager, Rodman Kuo, this machine is fully automatic, it can feed the paper core, rewind film, cut film and change paper core automatically. It’s the fastest rewinder machine in PE stretch/cling field in Taiwan, Mr. Kuo added.  The RW-2 Series covers 200-550 mm width, 30-1000 m length, and the speed reaches to 0-150 m/ min. These two models can support food processing and packaging requirements.  

The company is CE certified and is specialised in manufacturing co-extrusion lines, PE/PP/PVC blown film whole plant equipment, flexographic printing machines, bag making machines, recycling and pelletising machines and other advanced machineries.  

Chyi Yang Industrial Co., Ltd.
Tel: +886-3-3288686
Fax: +886-3-3283737
E-mail: cymw@cymw.com.tw
Website:www.chyiyang.com

HB-350RV for added value

FCS Company always amazes visitors at trade fairs. At Chinaplas 2015, the company promoted its HB-350RV Two-Component Horizontal Injection Moulding Machine. The horizontal rotary table reduces gravity impact during processing. The maximum load of the mould is 3,600 kgs, and the rotary table can re-position within 3 seconds. The machine allows for double colour and single colour modes, delivering practical usages. The application of HB-350RV covers household appliances, furniture, automotive components, and other 3C shells applications.

Vice President Jerry Wang said that FCS is now further exploring the China market by building new plants in order to support the growing demand for its products. Moreover, the company also works hard in the ASEAN market and has one branch in Indonesia and two offices in Vietnam and India, respectively. In the future, Mr. Wang stressed, FCS will penetrate the Asian market by offering more value-added products and solutions.

Fu Chun Shin Machinery Manufacture Co., Ltd.
Tel: +886-6-595 0688
Fax: +886-6-595 1129
E-mail: fcsco@fcs.com.tw
Website: www.fcs.com.tw/eng/