Shanghai’s Sonner Establishes U.S. Presence in Akron, Exhibits at NPE

March was a busy month for the company, which in addition to exhibiting in the South Hall of NPE2015, opened a new branch in Düsseldorf, Germany. Both moves reflect the company’s bid to penetrate markets beyond China, where it began operations in 2002. Previously it entered the Indian market via the 2013 creation of Sonner Feeding Systems India in Mumbai.

Michael Madsen, sales engineer for the company’s U.S. subsidiary, Sonner Technology Co. LLC, which opened in Akron, Ohio in August 2012, told Plastics Technology that while he is currently the only North American employee, that won’t be the case for long.

“As the business grows,” Madsen said, “the goal is to hire two to three sales people; one person in after sales; and two more working in R&D for software design—all within one year.” As headcount grows, the company will also seek a larger space in Akron, including room for spare parts.

Madsen believes Sonner is poised to make a splash in the market for several reasons, including a strong internal R&D department, inherent cost advantage, experience and global presence.

“Sonner produces high quality machines at a very competitive price,” Madsen said. “We understand this is a crowded market, but we are confident that our machines and service philosophies will thrive here. We are a global company that understands different business cultures around the world. This versatility helps Sonner thrive in any environment.”

Sonner’s entire catalog of machines, including equipment for feeding, dosing, blending, metering and conveying, will be available in the North and South American markets, but from a technology standpoint, Madsen said the company will initially focus on promoting its SS/ST gravimetric feeder. The company also offers gain-in-weight, loss-in-weight, and volumetric feeding, dosing and metering products.

Sonner doesn’t currently have any direct customers in the U.S., but its equipment is in the field throughout the country thanks to prior cooperation with larger machinery companies that distribute across the U.S.

Sonner will host an open house in June with guests to include various Akron officials, the chamber of commerce and other local businesses.