LMI Custom Mixing, a manufacturer of polymer compounds, is investing $12 million in facility improvements that will allow it to meet long-term customer demands.
The Cambridge facility, which opened in 1998, previously doubled its production capacity with an expansion completed in 2007. This newest expansion will add 50,000-square-feet of warehousing and storage, upgraded plant infrastructure and a third mixing line. The new mixing line will feature a 135 Liter intermesh mixer with in-line gear pump straining and advanced cooling capabilities, as well as a state-of-the-art control system.
The completed expansion will increase the annual production capacity of the LMI operations to 60 million pounds of rubber, a 50 percent increase that will help support the strong growth of LMI’s customer base.
“This is a direct result of the industry recognizing the commitments we have made to delivering high-quality products, quick turnaround and excellent technical service,” said Jim Nixon, LMI general manager. “We are putting ourselves in position to support our customers well into the future.”
In addition to investing in the growth of their customers, LMI is also investing in the growth of the Cambridge community. LMI has worked with the Cambridge City Council, the Cambridge City Board of Education, the Guernsey County Port Authority and PNC Bank to secure tax incentives and financing for the project. These partners have helped to bring this expansion to reality and will allow the community to benefit from increased employment and security of the existing jobs in the area.
“We’re grateful for the community support on this project, and we’re incredibly proud to be able to make this investment in U.S. manufacturing,” Nixon said. “Our vision is to build upon our reputation for operating one of the most advanced facilities of its kind.”
Construction is already underway, and the project is expected to be complete by the 2nd quarter of 2017. LMI is a joint venture of Lauren International and Toyoda Gosei – Meteor.
