Article by Plastics Business Magazine

Plastics processors are accustomed to pressures of new program launches and meeting customer expectations. Whether the program launch entails implementing production using new molds or transferred molds, there are processes to follow and deadlines to meet. But today, processors are approaching program launches a bit differently. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has caused many of them to change the way they interact with customers and their teams and, in some cases, how they handle the molds as they move through the qualification process.

Communication more critical with coronavirus

In a white paper issued recently, Diversified Plastics, Inc., Minneapolis, Minnesota, relates ways to minimize risk and avoid pitfalls when taking on transfer tooling. The white paper opens by stating, “Every mold transfer is a challenge. Transferring tools from one plastic injection molding company to a new supplier, with uninterrupted production, requires up-front planning and effective communication for a successful outcome.” According to Annette Lund, vice president, “effective communications” has become even more important since COVID-19 came on the scene.