In the dynamic world of plastic manufacturing, collaborations that bring together expertise from different domains often result in groundbreaking solutions. The affiliation between thermoforming manufacturer Vantage Plastics and injection molding firm LOTIS Technologies is a testament to this synergy. Both based in Michigan, these companies continue to join forces to expand their reach and offer a broader spectrum of plastic product solutions.
As a member of the Vantage Plastics Family of companies, LOTIS Technologies is setting up operations at Vantage Plastics’ new Wilder Road Facility, a move that promises to redefine the dynamics of their collaboration. The Wilder Road Facility has nine injection molding machines and three thermoforming machines in place to execute various projects. Several pieces of additional equipment will be added in the near future. The addition of LOTIS’ injection molding capabilities is a game-changer among the many exciting features of Vantage Plastics’ expansion.
According to Paul Aultman, owner of Vantage Plastics, the affiliation is a perfect match. The collaboration leverages their individual strengths to be uniquely equipped to meet the needs of existing customers and venture into new markets. The combined expertise of Vantage Plastics and LOTIS Technologies creates a powerful force capable of delivering durable, reusable, customizable, recyclable, and innovative products for numerous industries. In many cases, both injection molded and thermoformed items can be incorporated into a product. During the recent Society of Plastics Engineers Thermoforming Division meeting held in Cleveland, Ohio, Vantage Plastics won two Gold awards. The awards included the Twin Sheet Gold Award for an agricultural product and the Sustainable Thermoforming Gold Award for Returnable Recyclable Shipping Tray. Both of these products dynamically incorporate both thermoformed and injection molded plastics to provide very unique solutions.
LOTIS TECHNOLOGIES INJECTION MOLDING CAPABILITIES
LOTIS Technologies, headquartered in Lake Orion, Michigan, focuses on injection-molded returnable packaging solutions. Lotis Technologies is known for their innovative designs and overall expertise related to the ins and outs of injection molding. Clients often report significant cost savings from the cutting-edge design solutions provided by Lotis Technologies.
The company excels in crafting custom returnable dunnage solutions, including shipping trays and totes, rack dunnage, seat pallets, tote inserts, glass dunnage, and automated pallets. Stacking columns are a specialty only offered by a few companies within the world. No-touch products designed to interface with robotics is another area of expertise.
INJECTION MOLDED RETURNABLE DUNNAGE AND PACKAGING
LOTIS Technologies’ expertise in injection molding enables the creation of tailor-made solutions for clients looking to transition to returnable plastic packaging.
Some custom returnable dunnage solutions that LOTIS Technologies has engineered are:
- Shipping trays and totes
- Rack dunnage
- Seat pallets
- Tote inserts
- Glass dunnage
- Automated pallets
- Stacking columns
STACKING COLUMNS
Beyond standard dunnage solutions, LOTIS Technologies excels in the design and production of stacking columns—a versatile solution with many benefits. Stacking columns are a protective barrier, preventing damage to class A surfaces, facilitating more accessible transportation during loading and unloading processes, and safeguarding products from potential collisions. LOTIS Technologies has experience in injection molded steel, extruded aluminum, and composite fingers for stacking columns. A current R&D project is investigating the utilization of carbon fiber within stacking columns.
Some products that LOTIS has packed safely with stacking columns are:
- Roof panels
- Hoods
- Doors
- Sunroof Housings
- Frame Rails
- Battery Covers
WILDER ROAD FACILITY INTEGRATION
The Wilder Road Facility is set to become a hub of innovation, combining the strengths of Vantage Plastics’ thermoforming expertise with LOTIS Technologies’ skillset in injection molding. As a design firm specializing in injection molding, LOTIS Technologies brings its expertise to the forefront, ensuring that the machinery aligns perfectly with the unique requirements of Vantage Plastics. This fusion of technologies opens new possibilities for creating complex, multifaceted products integrating various manufacturing techniques.
Gary Lovins, the Director of Design and Product Development at LOTIS, expresses excitement about the future, citing the company’s growth in talent and increased injection molding capacity. His focus remains on delivering innovative solutions that exceed customer expectations.
Customers can anticipate a broader range of product offerings by combining thermoforming and injection molding capabilities. From robust, reusable material handling items to intricate, custom-engineered injection-molded solutions, the collaboration is set to diversify the product portfolio of both companies.
The Wilder Road Facility is not just a physical space; it’s a symbol of a partnership that goes beyond affiliation, setting the stage for a future where the boundaries of plastic manufacturing are continually pushed, and new horizons are explored.
A SHARED VISION OF GROWTH
The future looks promising as LOTIS Technologies takes charge of designing and managing products at Vantage Plastics in Bay City. The decision for LOTIS Technologies to set up operations at Wilder Road creates an environment where teams can work side by side, fostering a culture of continuous collaboration and innovation. Both companies, operating in tandem, are well-positioned not only to meet the needs of existing clients but also to explore new markets and push the boundaries of what’s possible in plastic manufacturing. Contact us today!