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Tariff woes affect North American machine sales


The US-based Plastics Industry Association says that uncertainties over tariffs affected first-quarter machinery sales. Its Committee on Equipment Statistics (CES) says sales fell to around US$252 million in the first quarter of the year – down nearly 5% year-on-year, and nearly 18% lower than the previous quarter. Year-on-year, extruder


sales rose strongly, with single-screw extruders up 31% and twin-screw up nearly 11%, while injection


moulding sales fell by almost 9%. This contrasts with sales since the previous quarter – which saw single- and twin-screw extruder sales rise 17% and 3%, respec- tively, while injection moulding sales fell 22%. “Shipments appeared to pause in the first quarter as businesses reassessed strategies amid uncertainty surrounding US tariffs and trade policy,” said Perc Pineda, the organisation’s chief economist.


US plastics equipment


imports rose more than 6% in the first quarter to nearly $940m, up nearly 6% from the same period last year. In addition, exports fell to $325m, a near-19% decline in the same period. In the CES first-quarter


survey, 62% of respondents expected market conditions to remain steady or improve over the next 12 months – down from 83% in the previous quarter. However, 42% reported an increase in quoting activity, up from 31% in the prior survey. �www.plasticsindustry.org


Engel opens new tech centre


Engel has opened a new technical centre at its site in Frauenfeld – which coin- cides with the company’s 50th anniversary of operat- ing in Switzerland. The centre includes


training and office facilities and an application centre


with two injection moulding machines: a 500 kN tiebar- less Victory electric machine in medical configuration; and a fully electric 1,000 kN E-mac, with an Easix articulated robot. Both machines are fitted with digital assistance systems


from the iQ product family. “The Swiss market is among the most demand- ing in the world,” said Stefan Engleder, CEO of Engel. “Many of our customers here are technology leaders in their respective fields.” � www.engelglobal.com


Fast work leads to contract


Opmobility says it has developed a bumper and grille concept for an Indian automotive customer in “record time”. The component, for


one of its customer’s light duty trucks, is now expected to go into production early next year. This company delivered a prototype and series- ready product in less than 15 months – compared to an average of 26 months in India, it says. Opmobility already


operates four R&D centres and five plants in India, and has plans to open four more plants by the end of the decade. “Winning this contract


from an Indian automotive manufacturer illustrates the talent of our teams in a fast-changing market,” said Christian Kopp, president of Opmobility’s exterior and lighting unit. �www.opmobility.com


Alpla expands by buying closure specialist


Alpla is expanding its injection moulding division by acquiring closure manufacturer KM Packaging. It means Alpla will now manufacture closures for tubes, bottles and jars – including cleanroom production – at six extra sites in Germany, Austria, Poland and the US. These employ around 500 people and make more than 6.5 billion parts each year. “KM Packaging, a well-regarded specialist in tube closures, caps and dispensing aids, is a perfect match for us,” said Michael Feltes, managing director of Alpla’s injection moulding division. KM Packaging’s management team and employees will all be


IMAGE: ALPLA


Alpla says buying closure manufacturer KM Packaging will boost its injection moulding division


www.injectionworld.com


taken on by Alpla. Klaus Mauer, managing director of KM, said: “With Alpla’s global network, access to our innovative closures will be available worldwide in future.” �www.alpla.com


July/August 2025 | INJECTION WORLD 5


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