American Trim opened in Lima in 1948 as a tool and die shop. Over the years, the company has expanded its product lines. Now, the manufacturing process in 2012 can't be considered dated.
"There's always portions of the world that pay their employees less or do not follow the same environmental rules. So American Trim decided about five years ago that we would be a technology company. We would invest our research and development dollars to create new ways of making things, and we would use that as a leverage point to get to new customers," said Steve Hatkevitch, Research and Development Director at American Trim.
The company is unveiling one of those new advances in technology which will allow it to better compete in the global marketplace. The newly developed, ultraviolet tape line, enables the company to coat the decorative metal made at American Trim with a thin piece of protective plastic.
The process is 95 percent more energy efficient than the previous process which involved using ovens. The state awarded American Trim about a million dollars to develop the new technology.
"They're investing in research and development dollars, the equipment dollars, and the intellectual expertise to be ready for the future. So, that's what we would like to see happening at all of our manufacturing entities in the state," said Chris Schmenk, Ohio Development Director.
American Trim makes decorative metal pieces for items like computer cases, refrigerators, and even car interiors. The coating ensures the items won't be scratched. So how does the new ultraviolet technology work?
"It's very similar to if you've been to the dentist where they shine that little blue light on your tooth, and it instantly cures. It's a similar technology," said Hatkevitch.
Company officials say the process will reduce carbon emissions, lower their electric bill, and create jobs.
