Hamilton-based P&G subsidiary Imflux makes first-of-kind agreement with Milacron

Hamilton-based Imflux, a subsidiary of Procter & Gamble, has made a first-of-its-kind agreement to with Milacron Holdings Corp.

The distribution agreement between Imflux, which was formed in 2013 to develop new plastics processing technology for injection molding, and Blue Ash-based Milacron (NYSE: MCRN), an industrial technology company serving the plastics processing industry, is aimed at reshaping the molding industry, officials said.

Milacron is working to be the first machine manufacturer to integrate Imflux technology into its injection machine controls within their native user interface and screens.

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The company has certain exclusive rights to offer Imflux patented processing technologies as a fully integrated package.

Imflux developed an injection molding process that broke every norm and every assumption of the conventional process, according to Imflux CEO Mary Wagner, leader of P&G’s global plastics supply chain strategy.

“This new, low, constant pressure injection molding process creates new opportunities for the entire plastics industry,” Wagner said. “What Milacron has created with Milacron M-Powered, its suite of IoT technologies, is a perfect pairing for Imflux.”

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The deal will give the companies the ability to include the M-Powered Imflux module, a cutting-edge adaptive processing control, directly in a customer’s new machine or provide most existing Milacron injection molding machines with an M-Powered Imflux retrofit upgrade.

The M-Powered Imflux Module will help to improve part quality and also decrease the energy required to produce it.

It also will allow for a number of real-time adjustments to mold and material changes.

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When coupled with existing M-Powered applications, Imflux allows data to be collected, analyzed and utilized to improve performance and overall equipment effectiveness through increased productivity, reduced scrap, improved quality and the ability to automatically compensate for the changing conditions that occur in a molding operation, Milacron officials said.

Financial terms of the deal were not immediately disclosed.

“Developments and technologies like Imflux’s are rare and potentially game-changing,” said Milacron CEO Tom Goeke. “At Milacron we’re always looking for ‘what’s next’ and how we can help our customers succeed, and we believe Imflux is ‘what’s next.’ The combination of Milacron’s industry-leading injection machines and Imflux’s process innovations are sure to equal gains for our most important asset, our customers.”

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