Husky Injection Molding Systems Ltd. (500 Green St., South Bolton, Ontario /Canada) has announced plans for a new series of injection moulding machinery in the lower clamp force range. At a press conference in advance of "K '98" (22-29 October 1998), the group said machines starting at 600 kN will reach the market "soon." Executives said the new lines will help Husky to better meet the requirements of plastics converters and bring it a step closer to its goal of becoming a supplier of a widely diversified line of plastics machinery, rather than just a niche player in the medium to high range bracket. With the recent acquisition of injection moulding machinery for magnesium, Husky said it is also extending its range beyond the polymers sector.

In the "near future," the Canadian group (European HQ: Husky Injection Molding Systems SA, PO Box 93, L-3401 Dudelange) plans to open a technical centre in Shanghai. It said it considers the Chinese market "essential," despite the current Asian crisis. A 10,000 sqm technical centre with pilot production will open at Detroit, Michigan /USA in 1999. First project, on which preliminary work is in progress, will be an 80,000 kN two platen injection moulding machine to produce large body parts for automobiles, in cooperation with Chrysler Corporation. While Husky has declined to comment further at present, market sources say the parts will be for the US automaker's Composite Concept Vehicle (CCV), an inexpensive sedan with an entirely plastic chassis.

Husky's new production complex at Dudelange in Luxembourg is making good progress, as journalists attending the press conference could witness firsthand. The first toolmaking machines, including a line for hot runner moulds, already have been installed in the as yet unfinished facility. The new production site also will offer sufficient space for the development and production of PET preforms.

READER SERVICE: Collection of Husky press releases for "K '98" (English): PIE-No. 42758 – Husky annual report (English): PIE-No. 41948.