PETpla.net Insider 04/ 2013

PREFORM PRODUCTION 23 PET planet insider Vol. 14 No. 04/13 www.petpla.net the system demonstrates that much of this new customer value is delivered directly from the mould and how it works together with the machine.” Husky debuted its new HyCap HPP system at Chinaplas 2012. The official launch is taking place in mid- 2013 and the first systems will be shipped this year. World Tour 2013 We asked Jeff MacDonald about the company’s courageous (or, some would say, risky) decision not to par- ticipate in the K-2013 and Drinktec fairs in Düsseldorf and Munich in 2013. He explained that Husky may still choose to attend tradeshows in the future, but for the products the company is launching in 2013, having more focused, local cus- tomer events was a more effective approach. “We believe that we can use our resources more effectively to develop closer links with custom- ers across our core markets, both new and established,” he said. “What we are aiming to do,” he continued, “is to bring the newest Husky technology closer to today’s and tomorrow’s customers in our facilities in an interactive way, which will help us to gain a deeper knowl- edge of the market and of our custom- ers’ requirements. And, we’ll be able to significantly increase the number of interactions we will have with custom- ers throughout the year and in more locations than ever before.” The Husky World Tour 2013 will incorporate a series of customer events in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific. It has already been kicked off with a Bever- age Packaging Day in Korea. China Any discussion with the key play- ers inevitably comes to the “China question.” MacDonald is emphatic: “Our strategy as far as China is con- cerned has basically not changed. Machinery and hot runners are built in China. The mould insert groups come from Luxembourg or Canada. Prior to delivery to customers in China, we have the people and facilities in place to oversee final integration, testing and training. This allows us to deliver the same Husky value with competi- tive lead times and local support.” And the market? There continues to be a demand for high performance systems featuring 96 cavities and higher. “Even with the youngest fleet of equipment in the world, customers are demanding our latest technology advancements to continue improving their quality and lowering their produc- tion costs.” How will Husky maintain its posi- tion in the market in the coming five years? According to Jeff MacDonald, Husky is planning to become further involved in total solutions for beverage packaging. On-going development will be geared to increased efficien- cies leading to lower risk and lower total cost to produce for its custom- ers. MacDonald concluded by stating his belief that there is still enormous potential for reducing the manufactur- ing costs for preforms and closures without sacrificing quality. www.husky.ca 90% of orders for the H-PET AE preform system have come from emerging economies Husky debuted its HyCap HPP system at Chinaplas 2012 A HyPET system with 96 cavities