Athlone Extrusions Ltd - Home to the 50,000th Blender?

Summit Systems has successfully installed a quartet of Maguire Gravimetric Blenders for thermoplastic sheet company Athlone Extrusions Ltd, who recently installed a new four layer extrusion line. The blenders are four out of 50,000 Maguire blenders produced globally, currently being celebrated by a specially produced golden blender touring the world. With production and shipping times taken into consideration, there is a chance one of the items may even be the 50,000th Maguire blender produced.

Seamus Farrell, Engineering Development Manager at Athlone Extrusions says:

“Whilst we can’t be sure if we have the elusive 50,000th blender, we can be sure that with 50,000 globally, it is the most tried and tested machine of its kind in the market. We have a library of over 12,500 colours so it is vital we ensure consistency of colour. Blending is a very important part of this process, and we are delighted with our Maguire Gravimetric Blenders’ performance”.

In addition to the blenders, Athlone Extrusions’ installation includes, three low energy dryers, hopper loaders and a central material conveying system, all fitted to its new 4 layer extrusion line. 

Seamus continues:

“We needed to increase our production capacity which is why we invested in a new line and asked Summit Systems to support us with ancillary equipment. We are really pleased with the outcome which has seen us increase production by over 10%. The blenders join our existing band of 30, the first of which was installed in 1996. They have ensured very efficient material usage over the years and can be relied on in full.”

Mike Jordan, MD Summit Systems, met Steve Maguire, founder of Maguire and inventor of the Weigh Scale Blender (WSB) in 1989 and brought the concept to the UK the same year. Summit Systems is now in its 27th year of partnership with Maguire, even sharing a building in Tamworth. The accuracy of the WSB has saved thousands of tonnes of material and associated costs for clients around the world. It remains the oldest but still the best machine of its type in the world. 

Mike Jordan says:

“Our customers know they can rely on the WSB which is why they have installed 50,000 globally. Maguire have been the perfect partner over the years, enabling us to enhance the machinery to meet our customer needs together. The fact that we are still sharing a building so many years on is testament to the strength of our relationship.”

For more information or to purchase your own WSB, please call 01827 265843 or email [email protected]