PTi to Expand Headquarters

Processing Technologies International LLC (PTi) will add 40,000 ft² to its Aurora, Ill. headquarters—a move the company says will essentially double net manufacturing capacity while increasing office space to 20,000 ft² and total space to 100,000 ft². Groundbreaking is scheduled for March 2016 with the expansion to be fully operational by October 2016.

Hanson told Plastics Technology the expansion will give PTi a net percent increase in primary assembly bay space of 75%, nearly doubling the "under-crance" assembly space the Aurora facility currently has. Hanson expects up to 20 full-time jobs to result, with the addition of mechanics, electricians and engineering personnel.

The expansion will include a 15,000 ft² Technology Development Center dedicated to product development and process trials. This center will include multiple production-scale systems, with space for up to three different lines, including the High-Vacuum Twin-Screw Extruder (HVTSE) dryer-less technology, a conventional multi-layer barrier system, and a third system with newly patented sheet extrusion technology that “will be released soon”, according to the company. PTi noted that all the demonstration systems will be coupled with winders for producing roll stock.

In a release, PTi President Dana Hanson said strong sales are driving the expansion, specifically citing the HVTSE technology, noting that since partnering with Italian extrusion technology firm Luigi Bandera Meccaniche S.p.A. in 2010 to introduce the technology in North America, it has sold 17 of the systems (read more here).

Hanson told Plastics Technology that year-over-year sales have been growing in double digits for several years, with 2015 backlog carry forward into 2016 up more than 20%.

PTi also noted that it is currently working with area government in a bid to secure tax incentives. PTi’s current facility is 60,000 ft² and employs 80 people. The company was founded in 1988.