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Chicago, IL – June 4, 2024 – Davis-Standard, a global leader in the design and manufacturing of extrusion and converting technology, is pleased to announce the appointment of Ching Gettman as President of the Davis-Standard Global Services (DS Global Services) team.
With a proven track record of leadership and innovation, Ching is set to drive the growth and excellence of DS Global Services, bringing increased value to our customer base through focused service and support strategy execution.
With over 20+ years of industry experience, Ching joins Davis-Standard from Caterpillar, where she served as Vice President of Product Development, Aftermarket, and Strategy. There, she led significant advancements in product development and aftermarket services, reinforcing Caterpillar’s position as an industry leader. Prior to that, she spent 12 years at John Deere, holding various key roles across multiple locations, which provided her with extensive experience and a deep understanding of the aftermarket industry. She also worked as a distributor executive at Cummins Western Canada, where she was responsible for Sales, Service, Rebuild, and Parts.
“Ching’s experience and innovative approach make her the perfect fit for leading our DS Global Services team,” said Giovanni Spitale, CEO of Davis-Standard. “Ching’s leadership will enhance our service capabilities and strengthen our commitment to delivering exceptional value to our customers worldwide. Under her leadership, DS Global Services will focus on providing comprehensive solutions that improve our customers' performance at every step of the way.”
"I am excited to lead DS Global Services in our mission to forge enduring partnerships with our customers by delivering a premium customer experience; we aim to be the most trusted and sought-after service and support provider in the industry. Our focus on quality, uptime, speed, cost savings, and flexibility reflects our dedication to enhancing our customers' performance and driving their success. DS Global Services will elevate the standards of service excellence and support that our customers deserve."
Ching holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Johns Hopkins University and a Master of Science in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). In her spare time, she enjoys ice hockey, volunteering for the US Coast Guard Academy, and supporting greyhound dog rescue organizations.
Pawcatuck, CT – May 30, 2024 – Davis-Standard, a global leader in the design and manufacturing of extrusion and converting technology, is proud to announce a significant milestone in its sustainability journey. All of its North American facilities are now powered by 100% carbon-free electricity. This achievement solidifies Davis-Standard's commitment to environmental stewardship and underscores its leadership in sustainable manufacturing practices within the industry.
By transitioning to 100% carbon-free electricity in North America, Davis-Standard has taken a decisive step towards reducing its carbon footprint and mitigating climate change impacts. This milestone aligns with the company's overarching sustainability goals and demonstrates its dedication to operating in an environmentally responsible manner.
Davis-Standard achieved this milestone by purchasing Green-e certified Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) for its Pawcatuk, CT, and Fulton, NY facilities. These RECs guarantee that the electricity used in these locations is generated from renewable sources, such as wind or solar power, further solidifying Davis-Standard's commitment to sustainable energy practices.
Additionally, Davis-Standard's Greater Toronto Area operations utilize electricity sourced from hydroelectric sources, further contributing to the company's carbon-free energy usage.
This accomplishment complements Davis-Standard's existing ISO 14001-certified facilities and its Maillefer brand's EcoVadis Silver Award, highlighting the company's dedication to sustainability and environmental responsibility across its operations.
"We are incredibly proud to announce that all of our North American facilities are now powered by 100% carbon-free electricity," said Giovanni Spitale, CEO at Davis-Standard. "This milestone reflects our unwavering commitment to sustainability and underscores our dedication to reducing our environmental impact. By transitioning to renewable energy sources and leveraging green certifications like Green-e and ISO 14001, we are taking proactive steps towards building a more sustainable future for generations to come."
As a pioneer in the industry, Davis-Standard remains steadfast in its pursuit of sustainability, innovation, and excellence. The company will continue to explore new ways to minimize its environmental footprint while delivering best-in-class solutions to its customers worldwide.
For more information about Davis-Standard and its sustainability initiatives, please visit https://davis-standard.com/sustainability/
Davis-Standard, LLC (“Davis-Standard”), a global leader in the design and manufacturing of extrusion and converting technology, is pleased to announce the appointment of Brian Anderson as Chief Procurement Officer.
In his new role, Brian will assume global responsibility for Davis-Standard’s procurement and supply chain operations. He will oversee all aspects of supplier management, sourcing strategies, and cost optimization initiatives.
Prior to Davis-Standard, Brian amassed 30 years of extensive experience in procurement and supply chain management, holding key procurement leadership roles with Duracell Inc, Robert Bosch, and the Marmon Group, among others. Brian also teaches courses at Elmhurst University in Supply Chain in Greater Chicago. Brian holds a BA in Business and Education from Illinois State University and an MS degree in Supply Chain from Elmhurst University. With a proven track record of optimizing procurement strategies and driving operational efficiency, Brian will play a vital role in Davis-Standard’s ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional value to its customers and stakeholders.
"We are thrilled to welcome Brian to our team," said Giovanni Spitale, CEO of Davis-Standard. "His expertise and vision will be instrumental in enhancing our procurement practices and ensuring that we continue to meet the evolving needs of our customers while driving sustainable growth."
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Davis-Standard, LLC (“Davis-Standard”), a global leader in the design and manufacturing of extrusion and converting technology, is pleased to announce that it has completed the previously announced acquisition of Extrusion Technology Group (“ETG”).
The acquisition includes three esteemed brands: battenfeld-cincinnati, exelliq, and Simplas. These additions officially join the Davis-Standard family, marking a significant milestone in the company's strategic expansion.
The acquisition further strengthens Davis-Standard's position as an industry leader, combining its expertise with the innovative technologies and market presence of battenfeld-cincinnati, exelliq, and Simplas. With a shared commitment to excellence, the unified team is poised to deliver unparalleled solutions and support to customers worldwide.
"We are thrilled to officially welcome battenfeld-cincinnati, exelliq, and Simplas to the Davis-Standard family. This strategic acquisition reinforces our dedication to providing cutting-edge solutions and comprehensive support to our customers across various industries," said Giovanni Spitale, CEO of Davis-Standard. "Together, we are well-positioned to drive innovation, enhance operational efficiency, and meet the evolving needs of the global extrusion and converting market."
Former ETG CEO and now President of ETG and member of Davis Standard Executive Leadership Team Gerold Schley stated, "We are delighted to embark on this new chapter as part of the Davis-Standard family of brands. The synergies between ETG and Davis-Standard present exciting opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and growth." Schley added, “We see numerous synergies that will allow us to integrate seamlessly, ensuring a smooth transition for customers of all brands."
Integrating these renowned brands into the Davis-Standard portfolio brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and advanced technologies. Customers can expect an expanded product offering, increased service capabilities, and a broader geographical presence to serve their unique requirements better.
Davis-Standard remains committed to delivering value to its customers, partners, and stakeholders. The company is enthusiastic about the opportunities that this acquisition creates for collaboration, innovation, and growth.
Davis-Standard expands its service and support capabilities focused on delivering better line efficiency and lower operating costs to its customers. The company’s investments in one global service team, critical spare parts inventory, new service products and advanced digital infrastructure are to address customers’ need for speed, uptime, flexibility, cost savings and quality. These enhanced capabilities are designed to support all equipment manufactured by Davis-Standard and its subsidiaries, including Maillefer.
Giovanni Spitale, CEO of Davis-Standard, was quoted as saying, “Davis-Standard's commitment extends far beyond the initial equipment sale - it's about building enduring partnerships that empower our customers to thrive, and we firmly believe the strategic investments in our people, technologies, and operations will provide an immediate impact to our customers.”
Davis-Standard's investment spans into four core areas. First, an expanded network of expert service technicians to ensure localized support for customers. For US-based customers, the goal is to have a Davis-Standard certified technician within a 3-hour radius of customer sites, ensuring faster resolution of customer issues. Second, the company stocks 1000+ critical spare parts in its VIP program for its customers. This ensures a 24-hour part availability from a trusted source with predictable costs. Third, to minimize unplanned downtime and increase line performance and throughput, Davis-Standard has flexible preventative maintenance programs customers can choose from, including rebuild and repair programs. Lastly, the company has significantly invested in a Service Cloud, advanced data analytics, and remote monitoring/IOT capabilities. Coupled with the digital transformation, the increase in sustaining innovations, such as product upgrades, ensures the complete life cycle of the equipment is optimized.
"Our customer-centric approach drives everything we do. We've restructured internally and expanded our service offerings to ensure unparalleled operational excellence for our customers. Buying equipment from us means a lifelong partnership geared towards enhancing customers’ line efficiency at a competitive total cost of ownership and fostering future innovations." said Zachery Ament, Global Service President.
Zach added, “Our vision is to be your preferred service and support partner providing a premium customer experience, regardless of which Davis-Standard, Maillefer, or sub-brand piece of equipment you purchased from us, dating back 30+ years. If a customer needs more performance, speed, flexibility, or cost savings from their existing equipment, we have a solution. We know our equipment better and can help.”
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Davis-Standard, a global leader in the design and manufacturing of extrusion and converting technology, is proud to announce that its Pawcatuck, CT headquarters and largest manufacturing facility has achieved ISO 14001 certification. This milestone underscores the company's ongoing dedication to environmental responsibility and sustainability in its operations as part of defined 2025 ESG commitments. The company's Pawcatuck facility joins its locations in Fulton, N.Y., Vantaa, Finland, Dusseldorf, Germany, and Ecublens, Switzerland, which are already ISO 14001 certified. All of Davis-Standard’s global manufacturing sites are slated to become ISO 14001 certified by 2025.
ISO 14001 is an internationally recognized standard for environmental management systems, emphasizing a systematic approach to managing environmental impact. The certification acknowledges Davis-Standard's commitment to environmentally friendly practices, compliance with applicable legal requirements, and continual improvement in environmental performance.
"At Davis-Standard, we believe in taking proactive measures to minimize our environmental impact and contribute to the plastics circular economy," said CEO Giovanni Spitale. "The ISO 14001 certification for our Pawcatuck facility is a testament to our ongoing efforts to integrate sustainability into every aspect of our business, be it in new machines or retrofit upgrades to process biopolymers or circular economy structures to energy-efficient and waste-reducing equipment designs."
In addition to achieving ISO 14001 certification, Davis-Standard is actively pursuing initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint as it relates to the use of carbon pollution-free electricity at our facilities. The company recognizes its critical role in the plastics industry and is committed to advancing sustainable practices. This commitment is evident not only in certifications but also in the design and manufacturing of equipment that addresses environmental concerns.
"We understand the importance of innovation in promoting sustainability in our industry," added Spitale. "Our team is dedicated to developing cutting-edge technology that not only meets our customers' needs but also aligns with their and our environmental goals. We are continuously working on designing equipment that enhances efficiency and reduces environmental impact."
Davis-Standard's focus on sustainability goes beyond regulatory compliance, reflecting a corporate culture prioritizing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. Davis-Standard reflects this value in the organization of Davis-Standard Community Days, events where employees help local communities with activities like trash cleanup projects and tree planting.
The company continues to invest in research and development to stay at the forefront of environmentally conscious solutions, ensuring its products contribute positively to the circular economy.
This achievement is a significant milestone for Davis-Standard, highlighting its commitment to environmental stewardship and setting a standard for responsible business practices in the plastics industry.
For more information about Davis-Standard and its sustainability initiatives, visit our sustainability webpage here.
Acquisition Intended to Accelerate Company’s Growth and Global Capabilities
Davis-Standard, LLC (“Davis-Standard”), a global leader in the extrusion equipment and services sector, announced today that it had reached a definitive agreement to acquire the Extrusion Technology Group (“ETG”) from entities controlled by the Dutch Investor Nimbus. The acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions. Davis-Standard has been majority owned by funds affiliated with Gamut Capital Management, L.P. (“Gamut”) since December 2021 and serves the global infrastructure and packaging end-markets with a highly engineered suite of extrusion equipment and converting systems supported by world-class aftermarket spare parts, service, and support for its base of industry critical customers.
ETG is a well-established player in the global extrusion equipment and services sector with a history dating back to 1943. With a reputation for world-class engineering and innovation, ETG is a leader in the supply of extrusion equipment and downstream processing equipment, in addition to extensive tooling, dies, spare parts, and service capabilities, for the global pipe, profile, film and sheet markets. ETG’s operations span Europe, the United States, and Asia and includes long-established and storied brands, such as Battenfeld-Cincinnati, Exelliq (formerly known as Greiner Extrusion), and Simplas.
Giovanni Spitale, CEO of Davis-Standard, stated: “We have long admired ETG’s capabilities and highly engineered products and are thrilled to welcome ETG into the Davis-Standard family of brands. The acquisition of ETG will be highly complementary and diversifying to our fast-growing enterprise, and we believe it will allow Davis-Standard to provide a broader and deeper product portfolio to our customers. We intend to establish the ETG business as a standalone segment that will continue to serve its base of customers with additional support and capabilities from the broader Davis-Standard platform. We believe that the combination of our world-class engineering capabilities, our global scale, and the sharing of best practices will only enhance our ever-expanding value proposition in the extrusion value chain.”
Gerold Schley, CEO of ETG, will join the Davis-Standard senior leadership team and continue to manage the ETG business after closing of the transaction. “I am exceptionally proud of the growth and success that we have achieved across all of ETG’s businesses under the stewardship of Nimbus. This merger is a great outcome that we believe will create a best-in-class, diversified global supplier of highly engineered extrusion equipment.”
Giovanni added: “I am thrilled to partner with Gerold as we invest further to accelerate growth and our global capabilities and look forward to working alongside all members of the ETG team after closing.”
Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. served as lead financial advisor, Current Capital Partners LLC served as a financial advisor and Kirkland & Ellis LLP served as legal counsel to Davis-Standard. Lincoln International served as financial advisor, and Allen & Overy served as legal counsel to Nimbus. Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, BMO Capital Markets Corp., UBS Securities LLC, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., Stifel, Nicolaus and Company, Inc. and Citizens Bank, N.A. are providing financing commitments for the transaction, subject to customary terms and conditions.
Continuing with company-wide sustainability efforts, Davis-Standard’s subsidiary in Germany, ER-WE-PA GmbH, recently attained ISO 14001 certification. This certification illustrates a commitment to customer service and environmental sustainability, essential to Davis-Standard’s pursuit of operational excellence, safety practices, and process improvement. This is the fourth Davis-Standard location to become ISO 14001 certified in recent months, joining facilities in Fulton, N.Y., Vantaa, Finland, and Ecublens, Switzerland. All of Davis-Standard’s global manufacturing sites are slated to become ISO 14001 certified by 2025.
“We congratulate our employees in Germany for achieving ISO 14001 certification. Establishing and applying an environmental management system for manufacturing practices at each facility is part of our ongoing journey toward a more sustainable future,” said Giovanni Spitale, Davis-Standard CEO. “It also ensures consistent practices across the board, with equipment development and manufacturing efforts focused on reducing waste and improving energy efficiency and recyclability.”
At the core of ISO certification is the ability to consistently provide products and services that meet customer and applicable statutory and regulatory requirements. This is achieved by enhancing customer fulfillment through an effective quality management system (www.iso.org). All issues are addressed at the source to support best practices.
To learn more about Davis-Standard's sustainability commitments, visit here.
Medical product manufacturing is a tough job; persistent timelines, exacting quality standards, equipment performance, tighter margins, and staffing shortages are just a few things piled on the plate. So how to make your job easier? The answer lies in reliable technology and the forward-thinking potential of digital transformation. Digitalization and “smart factory” technology may already be integrated into the operation. If you are still researching the possibilities, here are some insights to help take the next step.
To read the full article, click here.
Stongington, CT government website posted the below news brief on behalf of the Beautification Committee of Stongington. Earth Day was a huge success for Davis-Standard as we had several volunteers committed to our sustainability goals for our customers, company, environment, and community. Thank you to all that participated!
"Partnership makes it possible! This Spring the Town has made major strides forward, planting nearly 150 trees, thanks to efforts from the Stonington Beautification Committee, Department of Public Works, our Tree Warden, First Selectman, and many additional donors, volunteers and additional town and school departments who make these special community projects possible.
Trees provide cooling and clean our air, they store carbon, capture stormwater, reduce energy costs and species loss. They not only improve physical health, but mental health as well. Approximately 200 trees have been lost in recent years due to a variety of factors including disease, age or storm damage. It has been with all of this in mind, that Stonington has been focusing efforts on increasing its tree canopy around the community this Spring.
The Beautification Committee aligned with community partners this past Earth Day and Arbor Day, including Davis Standard employees, the First Selectman and Stonington High School students, to plant over 100 trees saplings in Spellman Park and at a Stonington Water Pollution Control Authority property. In addition to planting trees, volunteers also took part in a town-wide clean-up, collecting tons of garbage that could have ended up in on our streams and rivers. The committee has also been working to add more pollinating plants to many of our memorials and parks across Stonington. And they continue to come up with plans for the Fall and following Spring."
To read more and view Beautification Committee photos of volunteers, click here.
As the head of Davis-Standard, Giovanni Spitale has an unusual background.
Unlike many executives who work their way up in the plastics industry, the U.S. Navy Nuclear Power School graduate spent much of his time in the aerospace industry.
“That’s the first of many unorthodox things you're going to discover about me today,” Spitale told Plastics Machinery & Manufacturing Senior Staff Reporter Bruce Geiselman during a recent interview.
He also might be the only industry CEO who once ran a nuclear reactor aboard a U.S. aircraft carrier as a nuclear power plant supervisor, serving aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln.
After the Navy, he worked at companies including Honeywell and GE Aviation. Between 2019 and 2022, Spitale served as VP of commercial parts within Boeing Global Services, where had responsibility for profit-and-loss management and the strategic direction of the company’s $4 billion portfolio of commercial aircraft and engine parts businesses.
His experience in the aviation industry helped prepared him to lead Davis-Standard, said Spitale, who has been president of the extrusion machinery maker since February 2022.
To view the full interview, visit the PMM website: click here.
Davis-Standard’s medical extrusion expertise and customer-centric approach will be promoted during MD&M West 2023 at booth 3911, February 7-9, in Anaheim, Calif. Show visitors will have an opportunity to view a running polycarbonate pipette line equipped with a Davis-Standard HPE (high performance) extruder and new DS-XEL process control. The line will also feature downstream equipment from the Conair Group and an OD/ID/Wall gauge system by Zumbach Electronics, both Davis-Standard technology partners. In addition, a 2.5-inch (50mm) Davis-Standard Super Blue® extruder will be displayed with DS-XEL controls, and customers can learn more about the company’s DS Activ-Check™ cloud-based platform for preventative maintenance and monitoring.
The DS-XEL, introduced last fall, implements high-performance HMI features to better facilitate the data acquisition and process information required for today’s manufacturing. Processors benefit from built-in security to prevent unauthorized changes to system set-up parameters, multi-language support, process alarm logging, and real-time and historical data trending. In addition, visual attention is given to active functions for a better operator experience and improved connectivity. The DS-XEL is the new standard control for Davis-Standard’s Super Blue® and HPE extruders.
Davis-Standard’s HPE extruder will power the line. This extruder is available in an adjustable vertical or horizontal configuration in sizes ranging from ¾-inch (19mm) to 1 ¾ inches (44mm). A direct coupled motor and smaller footprint make this machine ideal for tight manufacturing spaces and clean-room environments. The HPE can be run as the primary extruder, or as a complementary extruder in a coextrusion arrangement.
The Super Blue® is easy-to-maintain, energy-efficient, and provides increased torque capacity for high-viscosity resins. It is available in sizes from 2 inches (50mm) to 4 1/2 inches (114mm) with a range of DSB® barrier screw designs and a three-year warranty.
“We continue to expand upon our medical tubing solutions targeted at energy efficiency, sustainable practices, and process versatility to address evolving resin and end-product requirements,” said Kevin Dipollino, Davis-Standard’s Senior Product Manager of Pipe, Profile and Tubing Systems. “We have had excellent feedback on the DS-XEL, and can engineer this system to accommodate our DS Activ-Check™ digital transformation tool in order to achieve overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).”
DS Activ-Check™ is gaining traction as a smart manufacturing solution due to its many advantages, such as real-time monitoring, predictive and preventative maintenance, process and equipment analytics, and multi-faceted team connectivity. Processors can apply DS Activ-Check™ to amplify production efficiency, easily connect and collaborate using smart devices and remote PCs, manage cloud-based data collection, improve operator productivity and safety, and accelerate service and support.
Davis-Standard provides multiple services aimed at strengthening product line performance. This includes die reconditioning, feedscrew replacement to boost outputs and material homogeneity, control system upgrades to enhance digitalization and product changeover, and more! Feasibility studies are available for existing lines to address outputs, resin changes, product development, and more. An extensive spare parts inventory and regional vendor network help minimize supply chain delays.
“Consistent product quality, sustainable manufacturing, and reduced waste directly impact the bottom line,” added Dipollino. “Whether it’s’ medical tubing, medical packaging, materials for hygienic products, or other markets, we seek to deliver value-added equipment technology and timely aftermarket services to each of our customers.”
Davis-Standard representatives at the show will include Kevin Dipollino, Justin McKenna, and Dr. Jason Baird. For more information about the show, visit www.mdmwest.com.
Click here to schedule an appointment with one of our representatives at the show!
Learn more about Davis-Standard's Pipe and Tube capabilities here.