Westminster Tool Partners with Sumitomo (SHI) Demag to Add New Injection Molding Machine

Westminster Tool is proud to announce that it has recently introduced a new Sumitomo (SHI) Demag 354T SE-EV-A-HD injection molding machine to its mold qualification technology center. The new addition will complement the company’s two injection molding presses, 110T and 150T.
In order to expand its mold qualification capabilities, CT-based mold maker Westminster Tool partnered with Sumitomo (SHI) Demag in hopes it can better serve its customers’ needs. Westminster Tool president, Ray Coombs, says the machine’s application will specifically accommodate upcoming medical manufacturing projects that require larger parts and higher cavitation. “Partnering with Sumitomo (SHI) Demag was a natural fit considering the timing, and it’s a perfect alignment of each company’s needs.”
Sumitomo (SHI) Demag, producer of precision plastic injection molding machines, HQ of North America operation located in Georgia, was specifically looking for partners that could help them market the machine to a critical regional market in New England. Sumitomo (SHI) Demag North America Business Development Manager, Bob Brady, says, “With Westminster Tool’s reputation in the plastics industry and its reputation in the community here in Connecticut, our machines are getting the exact kind of exposure we need.” He says it was Westminster Tool’s widespread influence as an industry leader, its commitment to skill development and its overall company culture that helped solidify the new partnership.
In addition to mold validation and internal research and development, the machine’s new home at Westminster Tool will also serve as a centralized showcase for potential training, especially with prospective Sumitomo (SHI) Demag customers. “Training is a major focal point for Westminster Tool, and that’s why this relationship is such a great fit,” Brady says. Both companies recognize the importance of education when it comes to new technology.
According to Coombs, several of its key medical customers are proud Sumitomo (SHI) Demag owners, which makes for a smoother transition from the mold build to qualification. “In the medical industry, it’s all about consistency,” Coombs says. “By partnering with a company like Sumitomo (SHI) Demag, we can rely on their trusted reputation with our customers and validate their molds to their own standards.”
“Several of our features are specifically geared toward the rigid consistency needs of the medical industry,” says Brady. Features such as Sumitomo’s Zero Molding technology aims to reduce defects to zero by stabilizing molding at a lower mold clamp force, all while maintaining precision and accuracy. And now, with Westminster Tool’s help, they can demonstrate those features to regional prospects on site.
For Westminster Tool, the new machine represents the company’s latest commitment to merging people and technology. “We spent years establishing our company culture to support our skilled talent,” Coombs says. “Now we need to expose them to the technology that is going to give them the tools they need to step up their game.”
To learn more about Westminster Tool’s commitment to exploring the latest technology, visit http://www.westminstertool.com.

About Westminster Tool, Inc.
Westminster Tool Inc., located in Plainfield, Connecticut, is a mold-making company that specializes in innovative manufacturing solutions for plastics and composites. Westminster Tool Inc. is dedicated to continually innovating and providing customers with the latest in machining and software technology. In addition, Westminster Tool offers solutions from concept through development and into production to satisfy aerospace, medical devices, or consumer packing requirements.
About Sumitomo (SHI) Demag
Sumitomo (SHI) Demag has shaped the development of the plastics industry from its very beginning. As a specialist for injection molding machines for plastics processing, Sumitomo (SHI) Demag and its Japanese parent company are leading the industry. The global development and production network of Sumitomo Heavy Industries and Sumitomo (SHI) Demag is comprised of four facilities in Japan, Germany and China with more than 3,000 employees. The product portfolio includes all-electric, hydraulic and hybrid injection molding machines with clamping forces of between 180 and 15.000 kN. With more than 149,000 installed machines, Sumitomo (SHI) Demag is present in important global markets and ranks among the largest manufacturers of injection molding machines in the world. At Sumitomo’s headquarters in Chiba, Japan, the company manufactures machines with clamping forces in the small to medium range. Nearly 95 % of all delivered machines are equipped with an all-electric drive concept. Sumitomo (SHI) Demag’s German facilities in Schwaig and Wiehe produce the Systec Servo range with hybrid drive as well as the El-Exis SP and Systec SP range of high-speed, high-performance machines. The all-electric IntElect range for international customers is also being produced in Germany. With its comprehensive sales and service network of subsidiaries and agencies, Sumitomo (SHI) Demag is present in all major markets.

For more information on Sumitomo (SHI) Demag, visit http://www.sumitomo-shi-demag.us.