AURORA, Ill., May 15, 2012 - Processing Technologies International (PTi), a leading global manufacturer of high-performance sheet extrusion machinery, has announced the sale of its unique "dryer-less" twin-screw sheet extrusion production system to SITE Plasticos SA de CV, a leading Mexican thermoformer based in Guadalajara. SITE Plasticos will use the sheet extrusion system to produce roll stock made of RPET (both consumer and industrial recycle) for thermoformed containers for fruit and produce.

The decision to acquire the novel energy-saving technology was based on PTi's strong engineering expertise and leading market reputation, according to Jorge Jarero, General Director of SITE Plasticos. "There's no doubt that this acquisition will strengthen our market share and improve our operational cost structure due to the significant energy savings that the HVTSE technology brings," said Jarero. 

"This sale to SITE Plasticos further solidifies the growing market acceptance of our technology," said Dennis Paradise, PTi's senior vp. of sales and marketing.  "It's one more validation of our unique sheet manufacturing solution which has generated strong momentum for us."  PTi Extruders has now sold three dryer-less sheet extrusion systems in North America.

SITE Plasticos said PTi will play a key role as a supplier of additional dryer-less machines as the Mexican manufacturer looks to double its production capacity at the Guadalajara facility over the next three years.

 SITE Plasticos was among many OEMs and processors who attended PTi's live customer demonstration on May 1 at the Aurora, Ill., headquarters. The strong interest from attendees at the NPE 2012 exhibition in Orlando, Fla. spilled over to the subsequent live demonstration at PTi as 35 industry representatives viewed the HVTSE technology running PET virgin, flake, and RPET bottle flake material.

At the live demonstration, PTi ran several "proof-of-process" trials for interested companies (including SITE Plasticos). As a result, PTi expects to close on additional sales opportunities in the near future, according to Paradise.

The "dryerless" sheet extrusion system is an eco-conscious manufacturing solution which delivers major energy savings and cost reduction, according to Paradise. It is the only full-scale "dryer-less" twin-screw sheet extrusion demonstration system available for trials in North America. PTi has invested over $3 million to install the unit at company headquarters for North American customers.

The production-scale unit, which is capable of processing rates in excess of 2000 lb per hour (900 kg/hr), runs a variety of resins including post-consumer and industrial PET/PLA. The energy-efficient process relies on Italy's Luigi Bandera's patented High-Vacuum Twin-Screw Extruder (HVTSE™)* technology, which allows PET to be processed without the need for raw material drying and crystallizing. It employs a single atmospheric and dual high-vacuum, vent system with a co-rotating twin-screw extruder. This novel approach allows moisture and other volatiles to be removed as part of the extrusion process. In the case of recycled PET, the need for re-crystallization of the material is also eliminated. The energy savings from the elimination of drying and crystallization can approach 30-35% versus the conventional method.

PTi has a strategic business alliance with Bandera to exclusively market the technology in North America. The demonstration line is available to sheet manufacturers for product evaluation using their own virgin and recycled materials. Paradise noted that customers have the ability to run production-scale trials instead of scaling up from a small lab-scale pilot line that can often result in inaccurate estimations and unfavorable results.

*HVTSE Technology by Bandera

About SITE Plasticos SA de CV                                                                                                

SITE Plasticos, based in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, was founded in 2005 by the holding group Grupo IRM SA de CV. The company has posted strong double-digit growth as a leading thermoformer of plastic parts for the electronics, automotive, food, cosmetics, and housewares markets. For more information, visitwww.siteplasticos.com.

About Processing Technologies International LLC (PTi)                                           

Processing Technologies International LLC, based in Aurora, Ill., is a leading global manufacturer of high-performance sheet extrusion machinery, serving more than 22countries. Established in 1988, PTi produces and services single-screw extrusion equipment for many end-use markets including packaging, construction, automotive, lawn and garden, office products, signage and displays, and appliances. PTi's extrusion systems are engineered to exacting standards and offer an exceptional range of design features which result in superior equipment performance. More information is available by calling (630) 585-5800 or visit www.ptiextruders.com.