DELANO, MN—Contract manufacturer Solar Plastics LLC says that it is expanding its manufacturing capabilities into Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, and will begin operations at a new plant there by the end of 2021. The decision to expand into Monterrey is part of the company's long-term strategic growth plan.

Solar Plastics is part of the ATEK Companies group of technology and manufacturing businesses. It specializes in rotational molding design, engineering and manufacturing expertise. The company typically works with large OEMs to help them achieve their project goals with respect to performance, cost, quality and product differentiation.

Solar Plastics’ recent significant growth and existing customer volume commitments are forecasted to push its current facilities in Davenport, IA, and Delano, MN, beyond capacity limits. Trends in labor availability was a major factor into the decision to look at additional manufacturing capacity outside of its current footprint.

“We are experiencing increased domestic demands across all of our business sectors,” says Solar Plastics President, Sam Rosen. “When you add in our customers ‘re-shoring’ efforts, it made the additional investment opportunity very attractive.”

The new facility will start with 55,000 square feet of space, but can be increased to more than 300,000 square feet. Production is scheduled to begin in the first half of 2022.

“We are excited about this expansion, and what it means for our company,” adds Rosen. “Our ownership supported and encouraged us to build a state-of-the-art facility with the latest in process controls and system automation. This facility and the top-tier team we brought onboard will help us continue to grow and extend our position as one of the premier rotomolders.”

In addition to standard rotomolding offerings, Solar Plastics offers customers design services, project engineering, assembly, post mold foaming, and complete outsourced manufacturing.