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Sumitomo (SHI) Demag has credited strong sales of all-electric IMMs, particularly in the packaging sector, for a successful start to 2016.
Sumitomo (SHI) Demag says the company has got off to a “great start” in the first six months of 2016, thanks in part to strong sales of all-electric machinery.
The UK-based subsidiary of Demag Plastics Group, which specialises in engineering injection moulding machines, enjoyed a landmark year in 2015. As a whole, the Group reported an 11 percent sales rise with growth in shares across target markets.
“The first six months of this year has, without doubt, been very strong and the general consensus from the industry is that momentum is high,” explained Nigel Flowers the Managing Director of Sumitomo (SHI) Demag UK.
“Following a dedicated focus on pushing all-electric systems a third of all machines sold this year have been electric, which I believe is testament to the heightened awareness of the benefits these systems deliver.”
Packaging demand powers sales
The strong start comes in spite of the uncertainty surrounding the UK’s decision to leave the European Union in the referendum held on June 23.
“There appears to be little fallout following the recent Brexit result, and with no definitive plans in place yet its business as usual,” Flowers explained.
“So far sales have been prevalent in the packaging sector – however whether this is down to the fact that whatever happens people need packaging, and the majority is produced and consumed within Britain, remains to be seen.”
A focus on training
Flowers said that the focus going forward is to increase awareness of process optimisation amongst UK moulders. “Our Process and Training Engineer, James Hines, has worked with a number of customers over the last year,developing a dedicated training programme to ensure customers get the most out of their IM machines and equipping them with the relevant skills to enhance moulding precision, increase production output, and reduce waste,” Flowers explained.
“In the second half of this year we will be opening a high-class injection moulding training facility in Daventry. Hosted by longstanding project partner, Mouldshop, this facility will provide new and existing customers and their machine operatives access to practical demonstrations, as well as product trials and tool testing, ensuring that UK moulders are getting the most out of their investment.”