1er.
Encuentro Iberoamericano de la Industria del Rotomoldeo
(1st
Meeting of the Latin American Rotational Molding Industry)
11-13
November
11-13, 2004,
Guerrero,
México
Attendees:
100+
Molders:
90
Suppliers:
5-10
Countries
Represented: 12
This
was an
excellent opportunity for
molders and suppliers to meet and address common issues as well as learn about
new technologies and hear about molding activities around the world. Sponsored
and organized by Polimeros
Mexicanos this turned out to be an excellent event with a very large group of
molders in attendance from all over Mexico, Central and South America.
Jose Antonio Chacon opening the meeting
with a spirited talk on market opportunities in the Latin American marketplace.
A packed house of over 100 people -
almost 90% of whom were molders!
The VIP line-up! Rafael Blanco, Horacio
Lobo, Jose Antonio Gomez, Jose Antonio Chacon and yours truly.
Orla and Sandy Scaccia playing host at the
Norstar stand.
Singing after dinner appears to be a
national past-time in Mexico! Even Venezuelans can get in on the act! A famous
Mariachi band rounded out a pleasant evenings entertainment.
Time for a little sightseeing in
Acapulco - glorious weather and some glorious scenery.
This is the life - what a way to relax
after a hard day at the office...
Present & Future of Plastic in
Mexico at 2006, Rafael Blanco, Instituto Mexicano del Plastico Industrial
Rafael is President of the Institute
and in his role has a broad vision of the plastics industry in Mexico. He
presented data on the market consumption of plastics and compared rotomolding
to other plastics processes such as blow molding and injection molding. He
wants to encourage training and technical support and suggested that
conferences such as this should be held every six months. Cancun in May sounds
good to me!
The Rotomolding World, Paul Nugent
General review of products produced
around the world, markets and molders in the various regions, technical
developments and trends. Fast and furious as usual but thankfully well
received by the group.
Challenges of the Future, Jose A.
Gomez Rosillo, Polimeros Mexicanos
Jose encouraged the molders present to
rise to the challenges (retos) that they face and to prepare their
organizations for opportunities. He pointed out that China has now passed
Mexico to become the 2nd largest US trading partner. Molders in Mexico must
work as a team to compete with China - they need:
-
Market Understanding
-
Technical Service
-
Good molds
-
Advice on Equipment
-
Good Materials
Rotational Molding Opportunities in Our Markets,
Jose A Gomez Chacon, Polimeros Mexicanos
Jose noted that the current rotomolding market was more
than 60% focused on water tanks. These are becoming less attractive as margins
tighten and material and energy costs rise. Lower efficiency in plants needs
to improve and molders need to look at higher margin products. He listed a
wide range of possible product areas for the molders present to consider,
noting that at least one molder in Mexico was already making furniture. He
encouraged molders to diversify, innovate, practice good design, seek
alliances and aim for efficiency in their operations.
New Markets & Products, Rotational Molding
Opportunities, Sandy Scaccia, Norstar Molds
Sandy covered four main areas of opportunity for molders:
-
Conversion
-
Consolidation of Parts
-
New Product Designs
-
New Markets
Good analysis of various designs and why they were
successful in rotomolding. He also showed an impressive giant single piece
casting that Norstar recently completed.
Mold Releases, German Ramirez, Pellets International
German presented a basic mold release commercial.
Open Flame Machines, Carlos Garcia, Rotoline
Carlos reviewed the product line from Rotoline, noting
that they have had a very successful four years across four continents.
Carlos has also teamed up with Industrias Ruedas of
Argentina for the supply of:
Rotational Molding Enterprise Approach, Horacio Lobo
Zertuche, Negocios Especializados
The godfather of Mexican rotomolding gave advice to the
next generation of molders on how to organize and operate a successful molding
business! Horacio noted that the Mexican market uses about 60,000 tons per
year compared to over 360,000 tons in the US and that competitiveness in a
molding business combines strategy, equipment and processes. An entertaining
talk.
Workshops
1. Tools for Enterprise Success, Horacio Lobo
Zertuche, Negocios Especializados
2. Polimers Rotomolding Quality, Chely Chacon,
Polimeros Mexicanos
3. How to Design New Products with Rotomolding, Ravi
Mehra, Norstar Molds
4. Chemical of Plastics, Polimeros Mexicanos
5. How to Make Double & Triple Layer Foamed Tanks,
Ismael Chacon, Polimeros Mexicanos
Seminar
Rotational Molding Seminar, Paul Nugent
Lot's of people in attendance - lot's of questions - not
enough time!
Thanks to everyone who came along.
