In the run-up to the Injection Molding and Design Expo, we will be talking to our speakers to get their insight into the industry. First up is Adam Idlewine, Technical Sales Manager at Decatur Mold Tool & Engineering. 

Decatur Mold Tool & Engineering are an injection mold manufacturer that also offers contract machining services and short-run plastic part production.

What do you think sets your company apart from your competitors? 

Founded in 1966, Decatur Mold Tool & Engineering Inc. is a team of tooling experts that help busy tooling managers reduce their uncertainty and lighten their workload. We are a 24/7 operation with our own fleet of trucks, giving us the capability to meet customer needs in a timely fashion. With the capability of both fully domestic builds and overseas sourcing as well. We also have reverse engineering capabilities with our ATOS 5 High Speed Light Scanner. We take pride in our ability to serve our customers in a wide variety of ways.

Are there any new technology developments that your company is working on at the moment? 

We recently completed an 18,000 square foot expansion to our North Vernon, Indiana facility, which will incorporate two automated Makino 5 axis machining cells. These two new cells will allow Decatur Mold to increase domestic mold production, provide even better quality and accuracy, and bring the prices of our domestic tools much closer to the price of overseas tools.

What are the biggest challenges facing the injection molding industry today, and how can this be overcome? 

Labor has been and will be a continuing challenge in the industry. Decatur Mold goes to great lengths to invest in its employees and to seek out quality people to join our company. Another way we have worked to mitigate labor issues is to invest in infrastructure to make our shop more efficient, as we have with our recent expansion and automation.

How do you see the sector developing in the next five to ten years? 

We see a push towards automation being a key factor in a company’s success over the next 5 to ten years. To compete with overseas manufacturers, we all must become more efficient through adopting new technologies.

You are speaking at the Injection Molding and Design Expo, what are you most looking forward to? 

We are most looking forward to making connections with current and potential customers, and discovering how we can serve their needs most effectively.  

Hear Adam talk on our Panel discussion: Future of moldmaking, at the Injection Molding and Design Expo conference.