MIRAMAR, Fla.—Simtec Silicone Parts L.L.C. is expanding its operation more than three-fold in a move that will relocate the firm's business to Miramar from Madison, Wis.
The liquid silicone injection molder is in the final phase of the relocation project, President Enrique Camacho said, and expects to complete the move by the end of May.
Simtec's new facility spans about 80,000 square feet, compared to the old 22,000 square feet of its Madison plant, which will be closed. The company, formed in 2002, is moving from a two-building complex, where it housed production in one facility, and raw materials and finished goods in another.
Simtec outgrew the buildings it occupied in Madison and ran out of expansion options, Camacho said. "Relocation was therefore necessary, and we found countless advantages in relocating to South Florida," including additional space and the proximity to two international airports as well as a sea port.
Logistically, he said, the Miami area makes more sense given the firm's international and domestic client base.
The manufacturer has a work force of about 54 and more than half decided to relocate to the new site, Camacho said. "We have already hired and will, of course, be hiring new team members and creating new jobs in Florida."
All of the firm's existing machinery is being moved to Miramar, Camacho said. "Our new South Florida location is a state-of-the-art facility and the most modern of its kind in the Western Hemisphere."
The new facility was designed and built with additional expansion capabilities in place. "Our utility capacity is set up to be able to accommodate significant additional demand that would allow us to serve our current business as well as additional customers," the executive said.
As the company grows, he said, additional machinery will be added without making further expansion investments in infrastructure.
Simtec's core business is LSR processing from concept to full production, the company president said, He said the firm is a world leader in the manufacture and supply of LSR and LSR 2-shot applications for infant care, home entertainment, HVAC, food contact applications, automotive and health care.
"Ultimately, however, we serve any market where LSR and LSR 2-shot could bring results," he said.
The company has been growing because of its knowledge and experience in LSR and LSR 2-shot injection molding, according to Camacho. That has allowed it to partner with global firms and develop untapped technology to bring new products to market, he said.
"The integration of LSR and thermoplastic materials (in LSR 2-shot injection molding) has significant advantages, so that with our LSR 2-shot expertise, we are able to contribute cost savings to customers that realize the benefit of integrating multiple parts into one component," he said.
Simtec always is implementing new and better capabilities, the executive said, and works to increase the efficiency and precision of its molding machines.
Camacho said the key to the company's success has been its approach, pointing out that it works with customers and suppliers as a team, "with the ultimate goal of bringing technical solutions at cost competitive conditions and the shortest lead times possible."
In addition, he said, the firm's employees continuously update their knowledge and skills, which plays a big role in all phases of new and existing programs.