Husky Injection Molding Systems Ltd (HQ: Boltin, Ontario, Canada) is already expanding their Advanced Manufacturing Center (AMC) to meet a growing demand for their services. The 28,000 square foot expansion of the test hall has been completed this January and can service up to eighteen machine cells. "The year old facility is at its capacity," explains Gary Hughes, the Centers Operations Manager. "Customers are extending their projects to include more advanced subsystems for integration. We have repeat business for machine cells and we are an important player in the Company's aggressive marketing plan to assist molders supplying products to the North American automotive industry."

The AMC is being marketed as the organisation which provides solutions that contribute towards their customers' success. Its first year of operation has already produced many significant advancements. According to Husky Injection Molding Systems SA (PO Box 93, L-3401 Dudelange) the Center's Manufacturing Planning group reduced a customer's product handling costs with the design of an automated crane system and improved shipping containers now being installed by an alliance partner. The pallet handling system reduces the customer's operating costs by automating the removal of plastic product from more than a dozen high volume injection moulding machines. Systems Integration and Commercialisation designed a pellet to pallet system that positions a customer in the injection moulding business. The new "Greenbox" shopping basket (In-Store Products Ltd) and it's complete moulding system were designed to provide the molder with a competitive product to introduce to his market.

While Husky is completing the expansion of their AMC facility, the Company has set some ambitious goals to model the factory of the future. A central resin distribution system in the year old facility can accurately supply resin from any one of ten storage bins to any location within the plant. The system uses advanced controls to track resin usage and prevent accidental contamination from the blending and routing of materials.

Together energy efficient lighting, heating and cooling systems were installed. They use 45% less energy than conventional systems resulting in annual cost savings of over $ 380,000. In 1995, an automated mold change and pre-heat system will begin operating at the centre. The aim of this project is to reduce the mold change time in the customer's 825 US tonne "Tandem" test machine to less than five minutes. Comprehensive management information systems will be installed for all aspects of the operation, including; automated pallet handling, material handling, predictive maintenance, process mechanical room monitoring, production monitoring and control, energy management, etc. Another goal for 1995 will be to reduce the noise level in the entire machine test hall to 75 dbA.