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Extrusion Machine Manufacturer Reaching Innovation Goals with MEP Center Connections and Support
With the help of: Polaris MEP
About
The Challenge
The expertise, the skilled staff, and the understanding that the MEP program nationally and Polaris MEP in particular has, all contributed to growing our knowledge base about plastics and plastics recycling. I just encourage people to pick up the phone and reach out to Polaris MEP.
MEP's Role
The Rhode Island Department of Labor & Training had tapped Polaris MEP to lead a workforce initiative called “Machine & Marine,” leveraging CARES ACT funding to support hiring and training of employees. US Extruders had an assembler on staff named Brandon Mello with a passion for R&D. Polaris MEP guided Riendeau through the application process for reimbursed wages and internal training. The “Machine & Marine” program provided some incentives for the company to support Brandon and a second employee.
Mello noted that he had a diverse manufacturing skillset but, “I had no experience with plastics. So, when I came to US Extruders, it was amazing. I was able to work with the director of process technology almost daily, learning the ins and outs of the plastic industry, and how various resins will work in extrusion.” Mello went from assembler to an integral part of the team researching and testing plastic recycling through extrusion.
Today he is managing the company’s new R&D lab. Mello said that the time in intensive learning was thanks to the workforce training funding. “We’re not worrying about a bottom line in that situation. We’re more focused on innovation and improving technology. It’s much more proactive.” Riendeau and Mello later tapped into Polaris MEP’s local industry connections as they began to explore and test recycling of other plastics. A Polaris MEP project manager connected them to a local textile company, expediting research into recycling polyester (PET).