Farrel opens customer demonstration facility

ERJ staff report (R&PN)

Ansonia, Connecticut -- Continuous compounding systems maker Farrel Corp. is opening a new U.S. laboratory and customer demonstration facility 12 miles from its Ansonia headquarters.

The 6,500 square foot facility is located in nearby Oxford, Connecticut, said Stephen Peterson, vice president and business unit director, in an April 27 telephone interview.

“We are open for business and open for lab trials,” he said.

The new center houses a model CP550 continuous mixer as its primary machine. The CP processor combines the Farrel Continuous Mixer with a single screw extruder in a package complete with variable speed drives and PLC controls. According to Farrel, the CP models excel in polyolefin based compounds with high levels of mineral fillers, additives and color masterbatches, polymer-elastomer blends and applications requiring high intensity mixing. The CP offers a versatile, energy efficient compounding solution that allows users to process a wide range of compounds with a high on-stream factor.

Farrel is conducting joint development work at the lab. Some support equipment still is being installed.

“We wanted to have a modern facility,” Peterson said. “It's equipped with new feeders, new control systems. We wanted to give the impression when customers see it that they know we're here to stay.”

Peterson said that Farrel is working on debottlenecking projects in the U.S. The U.S. market is going to be better for us in the near term. All the signs are there for bookings for us.”

From Plastics News (A Crain publication)