29 January 2007 – UK machinery manufacturer and supplier UPM Machinery Sales is hoping to replicate demand growth for its infrared drying (IRD) system with a licensing deal in the North American market.
Baltimore-based ancillaries group Novatec has licensed UPM’s patented IRD technology. In the deal, Novatec will build and supply the dryers under its own name for sale in the North American market.
The IRD system was developed for crystallising and drying PET, initially for processors of thin sheet and film. UPM director Roy Fowler said the potential for IRD in the North America market was “very significant”.
Following its launch in Europe and other regions 2005, IRD sales have started to take off, with UPM taking orders worth £1m in December alone. “We have had about £10m of total orders to date, but that is just the tip of the iceberg,” Fowler told PRW.com.
In 2007, UPM expects investments from Huhtamaki UK, adding to an order book that includes major PET processors worldwide.
Novatec has created a demonstration facility for the IRD, similar to one UPM has at its Langley plant in the UK.
“Novatec is a very good match, there is a lot of synergy with UPM,” said Fowler.
