March 15, 2016 Updated 3/15/2016
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Custom molder Quantum Plastics LLC continues to expand through acquisition.
Quantum of Elgin, Ill., acquired 3D Plastics Inc., an injection and blow molder in Gladewater, Texas, Quantum announced March 14. 3D Plastics produces firearm ammunition components, auto seatbelt parts and items for food and beverage industries.
Quantum spokeswoman Lisa Forret said 3D Plastics’ southern U.S. location is a key attraction. In a phone interview, Forret also said the firm’s ISO certification meshes well with Quantum’s quality programs and 3D Plastics brings value-added work involving heat staking and assembly.
Quantum now has about 240 molding machines, of which about 30 are blow molders. Injection press tonnages range from 8 to 3,000 tons and the company’s injection processes include gas-assist and insert molding. Total employment has grown to between 600 to 700. Forret declined to disclose sales figures.
3D Plastics Inc. 3D Plastics plant in Gladewater, Texas.
The recent purchase joins several other injection molding businesses acquired by Quantum Ventures of Auburn Hills, Mich.
Since 2014 it has consolidated under the Quantum Plastics umbrella former businesses known as Master Molded Products Corp., River Bend Industries LLC, Apollo Plastics and Hospitec USA. In addition, the 3D Plastics acquisition followed by four days Quantum’s purchase of molds and the business of Transfer Solutions, a developer to the well-known wheelchair stabilization device called the Translock System. Quantum’s Iowa location had been molding and assembling the safety system so the transition to new ownership was a smooth one.
3D Plastics’ President and founder David Frye will remain with the business as vice president of operations. Dena Wood will continue to be involved with purchasing, production and operations.
Quantum CEO Morris Rowlett stated in a news release that the purchase underlines his firm’s commitment to growth and diversification. Frye noted in the release that the 3D Plastics business will gain a competitive edge with Quantum’s team of engineers and geographic locations.
