- The new site allows PolyFlex – Part of Nefab Group to design, prototype, and manufacture tooling for injection molded solutions all in one location.
- The facility increases production capacity and reduces time-to-market for injection molded packaging solutions at the nearby Farmington Hills, MI location, serving automotive customers.
- This opening is part of a larger expansion strategy to bring injection molded products to market more efficiently while prioritizing sustainability and cost-effectiveness.
Grand Blanc – Nefab, a global leader in sustainable packaging and logistics solutions, is excited to announce that PolyFlex – Part of Nefab Group, is opening its new state-of-the-art facility in Grand Blanc, Michigan. This new site houses sophisticated equipment, enabling PolyFlex to design, prototype, and build tooling for injection molded solutions all in one location. Together with PolyFlex's nearby Farmington Hills, MI location, which specializes in injection molded packaging solutions for the automotive industry, this new facility fosters collaboration that reinforces Nefab's commitment to providing high-quality packaging solutions for automotive customers.
“Leveraging the latest technology and boosting our in-house capabilities gives us greater control over costs and timing,” said Darrell Tiedeman, COO at PolyFlex – Part of Nefab Group “With these innovations, we can deliver injection molded tools and other critical components faster than ever, ensuring our customers meet their production schedules without compromise.”
The 19,000 sq ft (1765 m2) facility houses cutting-edge equipment, including brand-new CNC machines and sophisticated 3D printers. With a significant investment in the latest technology, Nefab can now work with a wider variety of materials, including thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), to deliver rapid prototyping, cost-effective solutions, and faster lead times. By integrating injection molding, thermoforming, and tool production under one roof, Nefab streamlines operations, reducing turnaround times, and enhancing its ability to produce tools in-house, ultimately cutting costs and improving speed to market.
Scott Bennett and David Robertson from Grand Blanc Township attended, along with Mark Kirchmer, CEO, and Darrell Tiedeman, COO, from PolyFlex – Part of Nefab Group. The teams from Farmington Hills and Grand Blanc were also present.
Sustainability and Innovation at the Core
As part of its commitment to sustainability, Nefab's closed-loop system for returnable injection molded and thermoformed packaging is designed to minimize waste and enhance sustainability throughout the packaging lifecycle. This year, the company has successfully integrated reground material into its processes, reusing over 1 million pounds (>450 000 kg) of plastic that would have otherwise ended up in landfills. Once customers finish their existing programs and no longer need their plastic packaging, Nefab offers a credit to buy back the packaging, which is then reground and repurposed for future programs. This innovative approach not only reduces environmental impact but also ensures that valuable materials are efficiently reused, aligning with Nefab's mission to deliver sustainable packaging solutions.
The facility also features a large training room where employees and customers can learn hands-on packaging and tooling technology advancements. This interactive experience provides a deeper understanding of design, manufacturing processes, and the benefits of Nefab’s innovative solutions.
“Informed customers are empowered customers. We invite them to experience the technology firsthand, walk through the processes, and see how our solutions can improve their operations,” added Darrell.
Michigan: A Strategic Location for the Automotive Industry
Located in Michigan, the “auto capital of the world”, Nefab's new facility is ideally positioned to serve the automotive industry, benefiting from the region's dense automotive supply chain and skilled workforce. In line with the US President’s recent decision to support the auto workforce, Nefab’s facility will strengthen Michigan's status as a hub for innovation in the automotive supply chain. Nefab's returnable packaging solutions offer significant cost savings for the automotive industry by enabling materials to be shipped between suppliers and OEM or power engine plants throughout the vehicle program lifecycle, reducing the need for disposable packaging and lowering overall expenses.
This new facility is a significant milestone in Nefab’s broader expansion plan, enabling the company to bring thermoformed products to market more efficiently while maintaining a focus on sustainability and cost savings.
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關於NEFAB
Nefab saves environmental and financial resources by optimizing supply chains. We do this by innovating together with our customers to create smarter packaging and logistics solutions while always respecting people and high ethical standards. This contributes to a better tomorrow for our customers, for society and for the environment.
With more than 75 years of experience combined with competence and presence in more than 38 countries, we offer global solutions and local service worldwide to companies in industries such as Telecom, Datacom, Semicon, Energy, Healthcare, Mining & Construction, and LiB & E-mobility. Nefab Group has over 4900 employees spread across 38 countries, with a yearly turnover of 966 mln USD. The owners are the Nordgren/Pihl family and FAM AB, a privately owned holding company within the Wallenberg Ecosystem.
Nefab Acquires PolyFlex
Effective June 21, 2023 - Nefab Group AB acquired PolyFlex Products, Inc., a prominent American industry leader specializing in environmentally friendly returnable solutions, to further strengthen its global market position and commitment to saving resources in supply chains.
PolyFlex Products provides reusable packaging and material handling solutions for industrial applications. Significant investments are made in both people and technology to efficiently manufacture leading-edge packaging products. Cost savings are delivered to manufacturing customers by designing sustainable packaging for shipping, work-in-process flow, and automated production processes.
As a leader in package development for the battery, e-mobility, and automotive markets, PolyFlex is headquartered in Farmington Hills, MI, with employees across multiple manufacturing facilities in the USA and Mexico. This strategic presence allows for rapid response to critical material handling needs throughout North America.
Read more: Nefab acquires PolyFlex