Customer success with Hunter’s most advanced molding machines has been immediate, and has already prompted multiple sales reorders. Here are some of the reasons why.
Customer response to Hunter Foundry Machinery Corporation’s HLM Series of advanced matchplate molding machines has been immediate and significant. The company has sold 17 HLMs throughout North America since the product’s launch at Cast Expo 2013. Twelve of these HLMs have been purchased by six customers, including:
- Progressive Foundry of Perry, IA replaced their old 1980 Hunter HMP-10C molding machine with the first new HLM-10 immediately upon its launch at Cast Expo 2013, installed it in August 2013. Progressive also purchased an HLM-20 molding machine earlier this year.
- Eaton-Crouse Hinds in Syracuse, NY purchased the first HLM-20 molding machine, while the company’s Iztapalapa, Mexico foundry has twice purchased an HLM-10 molding machine, to run with Hunter’s HLH-10 mold handling systems.
- Castwell Products in Skokie, IL received its Hunter HLM-20 in December 2014.
- Sioux City Foundry Company in Sioux City, IA installed its HLM-10 in March 2015. Sioux City Foundry has been relying on Hunter equipment to produce its-high quality castings since 1969.
- St. Paul Foundry in St. Paul, MN purchased an HLM-10 for delivery in December 2015.
As a result of its North America customers’ immediate results, Hunter looks forward to a banner year in 2016, as HLMs are deployed throughout the world foundry market. To that end, Hunter introduced the HLM Series to global foundry market at GIFA 2015 in Duesseldorf, Germany in June of this year. The market opportunity is huge, and Hunter is ready to meet it, according to company president and CEO Bill Hunter (inventor of the HLM Series).
“This type of immediate, repeat customer response and loyalty is quite gratifying,” said Mr. Hunter. “Repeat sales, in particular, confirm what we had hoped: that the proprietary, advanced technologies we designed into the HLM Series would quickly benefit both new and current customers,” he stated, adding, “We look forward to bringing these same benefits to foundries around the world.”
There are several proprietary technologies in the HLM being enjoyed by Hunter customers in the U.S. and Mexico. Earlier this year, the company was awarded U.S. Patent 8,826,967 B1 for its unique integration of linear-motion bearings, both for the squeeze station and hopper car, as well as its board feeders, which are based on magnetically coupled, rodless pneumatic cylinders. Key benefits of the HLM Series include smoother, quieter, more energy-efficient operation and lower maintenance requirements. These features result in increased mold quality, productivity and profitability.
