Surging Demand for Hand-Sanitizer Dispensers Keeps Molding Machines Busy
Grab a squirt of hand sanitizer—who’s molding that dispenser?
It’s an ill wind that blows no one any good.
The old proverb rings true in the current coronavirus pandemic. Injection molder and contract manufacturer Sussex IM in Sussex, Wis., has around 20 of its 70 injection machines running 24/7 to produce wall-mounted dispensers for hand sanitizer. Each dispenser comprises 10 to 14 injection molded parts—of ABS, SAN, PC and acetal—as well as metal springs, magnets and motors. Assembly involves sonic welding and snap fits with both manual and automated steps.
Photo: Getty Images
Sussex CEO Keith Everson notes that when the H1N1 “swine flu” epidemic hit in 2009-2010, all these dispensers were made in Asia. Now, Sussex produces 50,000 to 70,000 dispensers per week, in 12 styles and various colors.
Everson sees this product as a candidate for the growing trend toward mass customization. He notes that wall dispensers for schools or companies could be decorated with their logos in limited runs economically using IML or digital printing. “There’s a huge need for mass customization,” Everson says, “and we’re investing heavily in R&D and capital equipment to pursue it.”
For more on Sussex IM, see the On-Site feature coming in the May issue.
Related Content
-
Catheter Specialist Finds Sweet Spot Serving Small, Medium-Sized Concerns
Medical-component specialist LightningCath has carved a niche meeting the needs of small to medium-sized entrepreneurs with complex catheter designs … quickly.
-
Krones Acquires Netstal
Krones adds PET preform injection molding to its bottle blowing and filling capabilities, as well as cap molding and expansion into medical, food and other markets.
-
Plastic Compounding Market to Outpace Metal & Alloy Market Growth
Study shows the plastic compounding process is being used to boost electrical properties and UV resistance while custom compounding is increasingly being used to achieve high-performance in plastic-based goods.
