German machinery manufacturer KraussMaffei (KM, Munich; www.kraussmaffei.com) has officially opened its TechCenter in Querétaro / Mexico, which is focused on reaction process machinery. More than 100 of KM’s Mexican customers attended the opening ceremony, watching live demonstrations and listening to presentations on topical issues such as lightweight construction with fibre-reinforced plastics, applications in car interiors, and white goods.

During the event, KM introduced a new mould carrier that will be used mainly for producing steering wheels. When closed, the carrier can be turned through 90° with the additional rotation range allowing ventilation across the mould’s division plane, accelerating the process as a result.

Klaus Jell, general manager of KM’s subsidiary in Mexico, said the new TechCenter allowed it to offer individual development and sampling possibilities in reaction process machinery, through to prototype series production. “Our customers benefit from the possibilities to combine the three processing technologies of injection moulding, extrusion and reaction process machinery under one roof,” said Jell, adding that KM would continue to make use of the country’s growth opportunities.

Present in Mexico since 1999, KM said it is the country’s leading machine manufacturer. KM is now owned by China National Chemical Corporation (ChemChina, Beijing / China; www.chemchina.com.cn/en). The state-owned firm completed its takeover of the group on 29 April 2016 for a sum of nearly EUR 1 bn – see Plasteurope.com of 04.05.2016.