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Category Archives: Hunter

Peter Li Named President of Hunter

Peter Li President Hunter Foundry Equipment Corporation

Recently Peter J. Li became the third President in the history of Hunter Foundry Machinery Corporation, a world leader in matchplate molding and sand casting technology.  The announcement was made by Chairman of Board Bill Hunter at the company headquarters in Schaumburg, Illinois, near Chicago.   

Peter joined Hunter in May, 1996 as a sales engineer. He was promoted to Regional Sales Manager Asia Pacific in 1998. In the year 2000, he became General Manager of Hunter Shanghai; in 2016 he was promoted to Managing Director, International.  This history totals 25 years at Hunter, mainly in executive level positions.

Peter graduated from Shanghai Jiaotong University with a B.S. in Foundry Engineering. He then obtained an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering at Oklahoma State University; spent three years in the PhD Metallurgical Program at the University of Alabama, where, by coincidence, the very first Hunter molding machine was donated for that institution’s foundry education programs.

Before joining Hunter, Peter worked for Presto Castings as a metallurgist in Phoenix, Arizona. 

Peter comments, “When I first encountered a Hunter machine, I quickly realized it had a unique and very practical labor-saving aspect and this fact was a big reason for its success in the global foundry market.”  Li knew the reputation of the company’s founder, Al Hunter, as well as Bill Hunter, the two men who preceded him as President of the company. 

Li further observes, “Our challenge for the future is to keep an open mind and remove restrictions on our thinking about the foundry business.  The most successful companies in our industry have automated and that bodes well for Hunter matchplate molding machinery, automated mold handling equipment and the advanced software we bring to our customers worldwide.”  He also commented that his combination of sales, technical experience and corporate management at Hunter, both in America and at the Shanghai plant the company operates, have given him a perspective on the company and the market that will serve him well in his new role as President of Hunter.  “I do consider myself a people person and I believe that remains an important element in our relationship with the foundry business, Li added.” 

Hunter is a global force in the foundry business, with an installed base in nearly every industrialized country in the world.  In addition to the manufacturing locations in Chicago and Shanghai, Hunter has a worldwide network of sales agents.

The company was founded in 1964 by Al Hunter, who pioneered the automated matchplate molding machine concept and held dozens of patents in the industry.  His son Bill, the current Chairman of Board, likewise developed numerous innovations in sand molding machine and mold handling equipment for the global foundry market. 

In naming Peter Li the new President of Hunter, Bill commented, “Peter is exceptionally qualified for this position and we know he will lead Hunter into a bright and prosperous future.  We have a great team of people at Hunter and, under Peter’s leadership, I am certain the company will move forward in a positive direction.”    

For further information on this announcement, interested parties may contact:

HUNTER FOUNDRY MACHINERY CORPORATION
2222 Hammond Drive
Schaumburg, Illinois 60196-1094
USA
Phone:  +1 847 397 5110
Email:  info@hunterfoundry.com
Web: www.hunterfoundry.com
Attention:  Bill Hunter  

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Hunter Promotes Key International Sales Directors

SCHAUMBURG, IL – Hunter Foundry Machinery Corporation, world leader in matchplate molding and mold handling, has announced the promotion of two key international sales directors. Former Director of Hunter-Europe Paolo Nazari, PhD has been named Managing Director – International, and former Director of Hunter do Brasil Eng Gustavo Debona has been named DirectorSouth America.

Paolo Nazari, PhD

Paolo Nazari, PhD

According to company President & CEO William G. Hunter, “Paolo and Gustavo have been instrumental in enhancing and expanding our global presence. These promotions recognize their contributions to our company, as well as helping to affirm its future direction.”

The opportunity to deepen customer support and consolidate its European presence prompted Hunter to open a sales and engineering facility in Legnano (Milan) Italy, when Dr. Nazari began with the company in April 2011. As Managing DirectorInternational he is responsible for directing and managing sales, and operations (including Hunter’s sales agent network) in Europe, Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries, plus Africa and the Middle East, as well as South America.

Eng Gustavo Debona

Eng Gustavo Debona

Eng Gustavo Debona joined Hunter in 2001, as service manager for its South American customers when the company opened its Santa Catarina, Brazil facility. In 2010 he was named Director of Operations for Hunter do Brasil, and as DirectorSouth America is responsible for coordinating service, sales and management of operations throughout the continent.

For more information on the products in this story, please contact:

HUNTER AUTOMATED MACHINERY CORPORATION
2222 Hammond Drive Schaumburg, IL 60196
Phone: (847) 397-5110
Fax: (847) 397-8254
Email: info@hunterfoundry.com
Web: www.hunterfoundry.com
Connect with Hunter Foundry online:  yt gplus thomasnet

ABOUT HUNTER

Hunter Foundry Machinery Corporation was established in 1964 as Hunter Automated Machinery Corporation with the invention of the world’s first gravity-filled automated matchplate molding machine. This began the company’s history of innovation and launched the foundry industry into a new industrial revolution. Pioneered by William “Al” Hunter in his home garage, the original HMP-10 machine streamlined the laborious metal casting process by offering foundries unimagined new capabilities by producing as many molds in one hour as most had previously been produced in an entire day. As industry demands grew, Hunter responded with advanced solutions such as automated mold handling equipment and coresetters.

Now in its 50th year, Hunter Foundry Machinery Corporation’s inventions have earned nearly 150 U.S. and international patents. Hunter has produced more than 1,800 molding machines and mold handling systems for customers around the world. The company’s global reach extends from offices in the U.S., Brazil, China, India and Italy through North American, South American and Asia-Pacific manufacturing sites. Hunter’s sales and technical support is underscored by its $12 million parts inventory, established to maintain each machine’s original production capability across the worldwide foundry market.

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Hunter Molding And Mold Handling Machinery Part Of Watts Water’s New WEFCO 2 Lead-free Foundry

Remarkable U.S.-only engineered and equipped foundry praised by New Hampshire Governor and Franklin, NH Mayor for technological initiative and for creating local jobs

One of two Hunter XL2024 Molding Machines at Watts Water’s WEFCO 2 lead-free foundry

One of two Hunter XL2024 Molding Machines at Watts Water’s WEFCO 2 lead-free foundry

SCHAUMBURG, IL — Watts Water Technologies has begun operation of a new lead-free foundry in Franklin, NH that reflects the company’s commitment to proactively meet the requirements of the “Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act,” which goes into effect in January 2014 and establishes new limits on the lead content in every pipe, fixture, and fitting used to convey water for human consumption. Watts’ new WEFCO 2 foundry produces lead-free products exclusively, including lead-free versions of products the company produces at its WEFCO 1 facility (which is also located in Franklin, NH), as well as other products. Opening ceremonies were highlighted by comments from New Hampshire Governor Maggie Hassan and Franklin, NH Mayor Kenneth Merrifield.

Governor Hassan commended Watts for the types of products it produces at the new WEFCO 2 foundry, as “contributing to public health and safety, and for the company’s educational efforts around the Lead Free initiative.” She complimented the Franklin workforce, noting that, “The work effort here is extraordinary,” adding that the company is “emblematic of the ingenuity found across the Granite State.” Mayor Merrifield noted how rare it is to have a manufacturing facility that lasts 50 years, and how quickly the new foundry came into being.  He referred to meeting this development challenge as a “remarkable accomplishment” and added “Congratulations, to an absolutely fabulous company.”

Discharge on Hunter XL2024 Molding Machine

The new WEFCO 2 foundry expands and diversifies the production capacity of Watts’ WEFCO 1 foundry, which opened in April 1977, has undergone 16 updates, and produces products for many Watts brands. Based on its decades-long history of working with the WEFCO 1 foundry Hunter Foundry Machinery Corporation has kept pace with these expansions and updates.

“This is a great day for our company and its employees, our industry, and the Franklin community,” said Watts Water Technologies CEO and President David Coghlan at the June 21st ribbon-cutting ceremony of WEFCO 2 30,000-square foot state-of-the-art foundry. Coghlan stated the Watts WEFCO 2 foundry “will enable us to be the ‘safe choice’ for Lead Free products, since we can eliminate the possibility of cross contamination of materials. It will also enable us to provide efficient and timely availability of products.”

Former President and CEO, and Watts Water Director Emeritus, Tim Horne observed, “This significantly advanced foundry is the latest example of our commitment to the State of New Hampshire, and the city of Franklin.” Part of Watts’ strategy in this industry-leading facility are two XL2024 molding machines that feed onto a common HV-20 24 + 24 x 3 turntable mold handling systems, all produced by Hunter Foundry Machinery Corporation in Schaumburg, IL.

HUNTER’S ROLE

Since its inception in 1977, the WEFCO 1 foundry used a full range of Hunter mold making and mold handling machinery. Originally, Hunter’s HMP-10 molding machines were installed on a Hunter HMH-210 mold handler alongside two Hunter HMP-20 machines that were installed on a Hunter HMH-220 mold handler. Hunter later addressed challenges in the older section of the foundry, including the need to increase pouring speeds, by replacing its older machines with Hunter’s C-series products. In 1999 these Hunter HMP-10C machines were replaced with Hunter’s HMP-10H mold making machines.

For the new WEFCO 2 foundry, Hunter integrated an Inductotherm Auto-Pour unit fed by two Hunter XL2024 molding machines into common Hunter HV-20 24 + 24 x 3 turntable mold handling systems through use of a proprietary mold-tracking program. Hunter’s direct interface controller communicates computer-based pattern data with the correct pouring profile to an Inductotherm Auto-Pour furnace.

Looking over Accumulating Conveyor at Hunter HV-20 Mold Handler mold elevator

Looking over Accumulating Conveyor at Hunter HV-20 Mold Handler mold elevator

In addition to this 35-year working history, according to New Hampshire Operations Engineering Manager Mike Geldermann there were several reasons why Hunter Foundry Machinery Corporation was the molding machine and mold handling system provider of choice for the new foundry. “Hunter was the only single-source mold handling and mold making interface,” he states. “Their equipment was directly interchangeable with our current pattern plate setup and tooling, and provides us with improved cope-and-drag alignment to eliminate mold shift,” Geldermann says. Additionally, notes Geldermann, “Hunter’s systems were highly cost competitive when compared with other options,” he says, adding that Hunter’s familiarity with maintenance and upkeep of WEFCO 1 foundry machines was a key factor in their selection for the new WEFCO 2 production line.

For a video on this installation, please visit http://youtu.be/1d8475iM9Fo

For more information on the products in this story, please contact:

HUNTER AUTOMATED MACHINERY CORPORATION
2222 Hammond Drive Schaumburg, IL 60196
Phone: (847) 397-5110
Fax: (847) 397-8254
Email: info@hunterfoundry.com
Web: www.hunterfoundry.com
Connect with Hunter Foundry online:  yt gplus thomasnet

ABOUT WATTS WATER TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

Watts Water Technologies, Inc., through its subsidiaries, is a world leader in the manufacture of innovative products to control the efficiency, safety, and quality of water within residential, commercial, and institutional applications. Its expertise in a wide variety of water technologies enables it to be a comprehensive supplier to the water industry. For more information, visit www.wattswater.com.

ABOUT HUNTER

Hunter Foundry Machinery Corporation was established in 1964 as Hunter Automated Machinery Corporation with the invention of the world’s first gravity-filled automated matchplate molding machine. This began the company’s history of innovation and launched the foundry industry into a new industrial revolution. Pioneered by William “Al” Hunter in his home garage, the original HMP-10 machine streamlined the laborious metal casting process by offering foundries unimagined new capabilities by producing as many molds in one hour as most had previously been produced in an entire day. As industry demands grew, Hunter responded with advanced solutions such as automated mold handling equipment and coresetters.

Now in its 50th year, Hunter Foundry Machinery Corporation’s inventions have earned nearly 150 U.S. and international patents. Hunter has produced more than 1,800 molding machines and mold handling systems for customers around the world. The company’s global reach extends from offices in the U.S., Brazil, China, India and Italy through North American, South American and Asia-Pacific manufacturing sites. Hunter’s sales and technical support is underscored by its $12 million parts inventory, established to maintain each machine’s original production capability across the worldwide foundry market.

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Hunter Announces Sale Made to Swedish Foundry

Skeppshult Gjuteri AB buys XL 2430 automatic matchplate molding machine from Hunter for cast iron cookware production  

HunterXLMachine_rev2_300dpi copySCHAUMBURG, IL — Hunter, the first name in automated matchplate molding machines, sand and mold handling equipment, announced today the sale of an XL 2430 molding machine to Skeppshult Gjuteri AB, a cast iron foundry in Skeppshult, Sweden, world-famous for its cast iron, no-stick cookware.  By adding organic rapeseed oil to the raw materials used here, this cast iron foundry pioneered non-stick cookware from its beginnings in 1906, under the direction of founder Carl Andersson.  Today, the company’s cookware is found in high-end restaurants and homes worldwide.

The foundry, located on the Nissan River in southern Sweden, is the last remaining cast iron cookware production facility in Scandinavia. Skeppshult cookware and other household items carry a 25-year guarantee, owing to the quality of materials, production and craftsmanship provided by this manufacturer.Unknown-1

The Hunter XL 2430 is used at Skeppshult Gjuteri AB for the production of sand molds, the technology employed at this cast iron foundry.

This sale was made through the European office of Hunter in Milan, Italy and overseen by the director of European Operations for the company, Dr. Paolo Nazari. The local Hunter representative for this success was HYBE Maskin AB of Halmstad, Sweden.

ABOUT THE COMPANY
Hunter Foundry Machinery Corporation was founded in 1964 as Hunter Automated Machinery Corporation with the invention of the first gravity-filled automated matchplate molding machine. This development established the company’s history of innovation and launched the foundry industry into a new industrial revolution. Pioneered by William “Al” Hunter in his garage, the original HMP-10 machine streamlined the laborious metal casting process by offering foundries unimagined new production capabilities, producing as many molds in one hour as most had been able to produce in an entire day. As industry demands grew, Hunter responded with advanced solutions such as automated mold handling equipment and coresetters.

Now in its 50th year, Hunter Foundry Machinery Corporation’s inventions have earned nearly 150 patents around the world. With more than 1,800 molding machines and mold handling systems installed around the world, the Hunter sales and service reach extends from its manufacturing sites in North America, South America and China through its offices in the U.S., Europe, Brazil, India and Shanghai to every corner of the globe. Sales and technical support, as well as the company’s $12 million parts inventory, serve to maintain each machine’s original production capability, as well as Hunter’s preeminence in the world market.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

HUNTER AUTOMATED MACHINERY CORPORATION
2222 Hammond Drive Schaumburg, IL 60196
Phone: (847) 397-5110
Fax: (847) 397-8254
Email: info@hunterfoundry.com
Attention:  Bill Hunter, CEO
Web: www.hunterfoundry.com
Connect with Hunter Foundry online:  yt gplus thomasnet

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Hunter Introduces CESAR™ at Cast Expo 2013

New technology provides safer, cleaner work environment, as well as cost savings, for foundries by capturing and recycling unused pattern spray.

SCHAUMBURG, IL  — Hunter, the first name in automated matchplate molding machines and mold handling equipment, announced today the introduction of its new CESAR™ vacuum pattern spray recovery system. The CESAR system will be made available to the world market at the company’s Cast Expo 2013 Booth #473, where it will be mounted on Hunter’s new HLM-10 linear motion molding machine. CESAR will run throughout Cast Expo 2013, one of the foundry industry’s leading events, being held April 6-9th at America’s Center in St. Louis, MO.

According to Hunter Foundry Machinery Corporation president and CEO Bill Hunter, who invented the system, “CESAR” stands for Contain, Evacuate, Separate And Recover. “This relates to the proper disposition of pattern spray typically used in sand molding operations, to act as a release agent between the mold and the pattern plate,” Hunter said. “We invented it in response to our customer’s needs, in recognition both of modern foundry and global environmental standards and to help improve their return-on-investment (ROI).

In operation, the closed-loop CESAR System from Hunter executes the following:

  • Containment and collection of the unused sprayed materials
  • Air-powered, vacuum-Evacuation removal of the spray fumes
  • Cyclonic Separation of the usable liquid from the fumes, And
  • Recovery, recycling and reuse of the fluid.

Most typical molding machines include a spray head positioned in the sand filling station and a spray evacuation device positioned near the rotary cradle or the spray head.  The spray is then dispersed onto the pattern plate as it enters the rotary cradle. But uncontained, excess spray can go onto other parts, as well as into the foundry atmosphere. This is why Hunter created its new CESAR System.

“In our new CESAR System the evacuation device – a slotted tube on the circumference of the rotary cradle – connects to an inline vacuum pump. Then, a cyclonic separator and water separator capture release agent vapor from the air collected in the tube,” Hunter stated, adding that CESAR provides a cleaner, safer working environment in the sand foundry while providing not only substantial savings to a foundry’s operation but also a positive environmental benefit to that foundry’s “green” initiative.

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Hunter Foundry Machinery Corporation was founded in 1964 as Hunter Automated Machinery Corporation with the invention of the first gravity-filled automated matchplate molding machine. This established the company’s history of innovation and launched the foundry industry into a new industrial revolution. Pioneered by William “Al” Hunter in his garage, the original HMP-10 machine streamlined the laborious metal casting process by offering foundries unimagined new production capabilities, producing as many molds in one hour as most had been able to produce in an entire day. As industry demands grew Hunter responded with advanced solutions such as automated mold handling equipment and coresetters.

Now in its 50th year, Hunter Foundry Machine Corporation’s inventions have earned nearly 150 patents around the world. With more than 1,800 molding machines and mold handling systems installed around the world, Hunter’s sales and service reach extends from its manufacturing sites in North America, South America and China through its offices in the U.S., Europe, Brazil, India and Shanghai to every corner of the globe. Sales and technical support, as well as the company’s $12 million parts inventory, serve to maintain each machine’s original production capability, as well as Hunter’s preeminence in the world market.

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

HUNTER AUTOMATED MACHINERY CORPORATION
2222 Hammond Drive Schaumburg, IL 60196
Phone: (847) 397-5110
Fax: (847) 397-8254
Email: info@hunterfoundry.com
Attention:  Bill Hunter, CEO
Web: www.hunterfoundry.com
Connect with Hunter Foundry online:  yt gplus thomasnet

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Hunter Celebrates 50th Year Serving the Foundry Industry with New Name: ‘Hunter Foundry Machinery Corporation’

Expanding its pioneering position as the industry’s preeminent innovator, this new corporate name reflects the company’s single focus and dedication.

IMG_20140410_134016619SCHAUMBURG, IL — Hunter, the first name in automated matchplate molding machines and mold handling equipment for the foundry industry, is celebrating its 50th year in a very special way. President and CEO Bill Hunter is announcing the company’s new name: Hunter Foundry Machinery Corporation. The company will be at Booth #473 throughout Cast Expo 2013, April 6-9th at America’s Center in St. Louis, MO. The company is also introducing its new HLM Series automated matchplate molding machines, which are based on Bill Hunter’s newly patented linear motion technology.

Founded in 1964 as Hunter Automated Machinery Corporation, the company’s reputation as a global foundry equipment leader has built steadily, beginning with its creation of the first truly automated matchplate molding machine developed by the company founder, the late William Allan “Al” Hunter.  Since that time it has expanded into linear and rotary mold handling lines, sand handling, preparation and testing equipment, and more.

“Ever since my father founded our company nearly 50 years ago, our reputation has been built on the successful development of new products and technologies for the global foundry industry. It has been our privilege to serve this industry with the latest innovations, as was my father’s vision, ever since,” said Hunter.

“As an inventor, his primary focus was pioneering the automation of matchplate molding and mold handling processes to facilitate our industry’s most backbreaking tasks,” Hunter observed, adding, “As an entrepreneur, he named our company Hunter Automated Machinery Corporation to reflect a potential for creating forward-thinking solutions for other industries, as well.”

“Today we’re looking both at our history and ahead, to our legacy of innovation within the foundry industry,” Hunter stated.  “Accordingly, we are announcing at Cast Expo 2013 the renaming of our company to Hunter Foundry Machinery Corporation, as a reflection of our single-focus past, present, and future exclusively within this industry,” he noted.

According to Hunter, the company has always been 100% dedicated to the foundry market.  “It’s not only our business focus, it’s our inspiration,” he said. “The great people in this industry motivate our company to constantly and tirelessly pursue better ideas, technologies and production solutions for foundries worldwide. Our new name is a clear reflection of our business now, more than ever.”

The company’s introduction of the first gravity-filled automated matchplate molding machine established its history of innovation, and launched the foundry industry into a new industrial revolution. Its original HMP-10 machine streamlined the laborious metal casting process by offering foundries unimagined new production capabilities, producing as many molds in one hour as most had been able to produce in an entire day. As industry demands grew Hunter responded with advanced solutions such as automated mold handling equipment and coresetters.

Hunter’s inventions have earned the company nearly 150 patents around the world. With more than 1,800 molding machines and mold handling systems installed around the world, Hunter’s sales and service reach extends from its manufacturing sites in North America, South America and China through its offices in the U.S., Europe, Brazil, India and Shanghai to every corner of the globe. Sales and technical support, as well as the company’s $12 million parts inventory, serve to maintain each machine’s original production capability, as well as Hunter’s preeminence in the world market.

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

HUNTER AUTOMATED MACHINERY CORPORATION
2222 Hammond Drive Schaumburg, IL 60196
Phone: (847) 397-5110
Fax: (847) 397-8254
Email: info@hunterfoundry.com
Attention:  Bill Hunter, CEO
Web: www.hunterfoundry.com
Connect with Hunter Foundry online:  yt gplus thomasnet

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CastExpo 2013: Hunter Foundry Machinery Corporation

New HLM-10 Linear Motion Machine, First of Hunter’s New Product Line, Unveiled at Cast Expo 2013

Minimizing maintenance while promoting stability, HLM Series combines and integrates magnetically coupled rodless cylinders and linear bearings for movements of squeeze platen, cope flask, sand measuring hopper, and other components on machine. Separation of hydraulic power system facilitates maintenance, while linear motion-operated, programmable access doors maximize operator protection. Linear motion machine also features CESAR™ vacuum pattern spray recovery system.

See the HLM in action HERE!

Hunter Demos JetSlinger™ Air-Amplification Product At Cast Expo 2013

JetSlinger™, the newest add-on to industry innovator Hunter Foundry Machinery Corporation’s latest products, helps ensure improved pattern definition, as well as uniformity of mold hardness and surface integrity.

JetSlinger™ is an available option for the new Hunter HLM linear-motion machine, as well as a retrofit option for the company’s XL automated matchplate molding machines. It is an air amplification apparatus based on the Venturi principle that accelerates sand into the cope and drag flasks on these Hunter machines.

See the JetSlinger™ in action HERE!

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

HUNTER AUTOMATED MACHINERY CORPORATION
2222 Hammond Drive Schaumburg, IL 60196
Phone: (847) 397-5110
Fax: (847) 397-8254
Email: info@hunterfoundry.com
Attention:  Bill Hunter, CEO
Web: www.hunterfoundry.com
Connect with Hunter Foundry online:  yt gplus thomasnet

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Jim Fitzgerald Named COO at Hunter Automated

An announcement from Bill Hunter, CEO of Hunter Automated Machinery Corporation, the world leader in automated matchplate molding machines, mold and sand handling equipment for the foundry market, Jim Fitzgerald will assume the newly created position of Chief Operating Officer, effective Friday – February 1, 2013.

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Jim Fitzgerald will assume the position of Chief Operating Officer

Jim began his career as a machine assembler for Hunter in 1977, shortly after his graduation from Central College in Pella, Iowa. For the past 35 years, he has been dedicated to shop operations and manufacturing management at Hunter. He was promoted to his current position as Vice President at the company, following Art Hisel’s retirement in 1992.

Jim’s responsibilities as COO will include all Schaumburg, IL-based activities, with the exception of Sales and Marketing. His goals will include maintaining and building upon the company’s reputation for producing the world’s highest-quality foundry machinery and for providing superior after-sale support.

“Jim brings the education, proven ability and determination to help Hunter achieve these goals. His leadership and commitment to our company is unquestionable and exemplary,” said Bill Hunter in making this announcement.

For more information on this news, please contact:

HUNTER AUTOMATED MACHINERY CORPORATION
2222 Hammond Drive
Schaumburg, Illinois 60196-1094
USA
Phone:  847-397-5136
Email:  sales@hunterauto.com

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Buck Benefits from Hunter Mold Handling Lines

Custom configured solution from Hunter allows major Pennsylvania foundry to integrate mold handling line with other brands of automatic molding machines 

See the video HERE.

 Schaumburg, Illinois (USA) – The Buck Company is an ISO 9001: 2008 Certified foundry in Quarryville, Pennsylvania, near Lancaster and nestled in the Susquehanna Valley near the Maryland border.  Here, ferrous and non-ferrous castings of ductile, gray and malleable iron, as well as aluminum and brass are poured in medium and long runs to produce a wide variety of end products for the agricultural, metalworking, materials handling, marine, military and other market segments.

A challenge was presented to Buck’s longtime molding machine supplier, Hunter Automated.  Another brand of molding machine had been acquired at Buck for a particular use in the non-ferrous foundry.  Hunter was asked to provide a mold handling line for the particular conditions and footprint available at Buck and to devise a “handshake” mechanism to interface with this new machine.

It was determined that the best solution for the floor space and pouring equipment logistics was a Hunter HLH linear mold handling line.  However, the pouring height of the Hunter line did not match the mold discharge height of the other machine brand, so an elevation change mechanism was needed to accommodate the difference between the mold’s exit height from the machine and its placement onto the pouring line section of the Hunter line.

The solution was found in a walking beam (boardless) conveyor line devised and patented by Hunter, combined with an articulating arm and elevator mechanism that could raise the mold onto the pouring line for loading of the weight and jacket, all without risking mold shift.

As the mold exits the machine, in this case at Buck, a series of walking beams gently sequence the molds forward to the elevator station.  The “traffic cop” on this conveyor is a plurality of proximity sensors, used to monitor each location along the conveyor section and coordinate with the pouring operation, so mold collision and back-up are avoided.  As pattern changes are made, work breaks occur or melts are prepped, these sensors remain in operation to protect the integrity of the process.

Once the mold reaches the end of this standard boardless walking beam conveyor section, an articulating arm and elevator mechanism gently raise the mold to the standard height of the Hunter handling system.  Achieving this result saved Buck considerable manpower in materials handling, plus floorspace and capital investment, while allowing this Hunter customer to maintain high productivity in this section of its non-ferrous foundry operation.

As Dean Martin, sales manager for Hunter, explains, “We had a meeting of the minds with the automatic molding machine builder and we worked out a feasible plan to solve the handshaking issues presented by this production scenario.  There were really no serious setbacks or conflicts, as we had the common goal of satisfying Buck’s requirements with the optimum production results plus an on-target budget.”  He further described how the machine builder and Hunter’s seamless working relationship helped develop this transitional walking beam (boardless) conveyor system.

Buck used the expertise of its projects manager Art Tout and non-ferrous foundry superintendent Steve Ward to work with the molding machine builder and Hunter to achieve the best solution.  As Steve noted, “The Hunter linear line was more practical than the rotary turntable design, which we also have in another section of the foundry.  With a smaller footprint and relatively low maintenance, it was a good solution.”  He joked, in describing the way Hunter worked with the machine builder, “They played well in the sandbox together.”

The typical mold being handled on this line weighs 400-500 lbs. (181-227 kg), having been produced on the molding machine with a 20” x 24” plate dimension.

Matt Sullivan, president at Buck, discusses the unique solution devised for the mold handling with Dean Martin, sales manager for Hunter

Matt Sullivan, president at Buck, discusses the unique solution devised for the mold handling with Dean Martin, sales manager for Hunter. View the video from this sit-down HERE

Buck President Matt Sullivan observed, “We were very impressed by the way everyone responded.  The machine builder and Hunter actually needed very little input from us.  We’d presented Hunter with some very tight floorspace restrictions and they worked hard to overcome the challenges for us.  We had good experiences with the HLH lines in other parts of the foundry in the past and we were confident it would do the job here, even being modified.  We knew the HLH would work from morning to night with few, if any, problems.   The option of going vertical with the mold cooling was vital, given the floorspace.” He also noted the installation and the modification of the overall system was seamless.

Martin concluded by noting, “…the boardless conveyor system used here at Buck, while a special modification to our standard board conveyor design, was completely designed, engineered and built by Hunter personnel.  We’ve used this solution and others at several companies since the Buck install, with very satisfactory results.”

Hunter holds several patents on the unique features of its mold handling systems, which can be utilized with any boardless molding machine.

For further information on this announcement, interested parties may contact:

HUNTER AUTOMATED MACHINERY CORPORATION
2222 Hammond Drive
Schaumburg, Illinois 60196-1094
USA
Phone: +1 847 397 5136
Email: sales@hunterfoundry.com
Web: www.hunterfoundry.com
Attention: Bill Hunter or Dean Martin

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New Managing Director for Hunter Asia/Pacific Operations

peter_liMr. Peter Li will assume the new position of Managing Director for all Hunter Asia Pacific Operations, effective February 1, 2013.  Hunter is the world leader in automated matchplate molding machinery and mold handling lines for the foundry industry.

Peter Li’s 16-year career with Hunter has been dedicated to sales and manufacturing management in the Asia Pacific (A/P) territory. He was instrumental in the successful development of the company’s China operation, “Hunter Automated Machinery (Shanghai) Ltd.”  Today, Hunter builds machinery and other equipment in China to serve the A/P market.

Peter will be responsible for A/P marketing and manufacturing programs, including the Shanghai plant, the expansion of our agent network and the integration with new partners where necessary for Hunter to compete effectively in the local markets.

For further information on this announcement, interested parties may contact:

HUNTER AUTOMATED MACHINERY CORPORATION
2222 Hammond Drive Schaumburg, IL 60196
Phone: (847) 397-5110
Fax: (847) 397-8254
Email: info@hunterfoundry.com
Attention:  Bill Hunter, CEO
Web: www.hunterfoundry.com
Connect with Hunter Foundry online:  yt gplus thomasnet

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