PIRC Director's Message
We are looking forward to hosting the 2013 Plastics Symposium scheduled for May 9. The event will be held at Pennsylvania College of Technology, Professional Development Center. The theme is Sustainable Manufacturing & Recycling Markets. We have lined up some top-quality speakers, so don’t miss this informative day! Our keynote speaker, Howard Rappaport, will address opportunities to capitalize on the significant quantities of shale natural gas to produce plastics materials. Shell Oil Co. is considering construction of a polyethylene plant in Beaver County, PA, which will feed many plastics molding and extrusion production facilities.
The Symposium will address the continuing demand for the development of new environment-friendly materials and processes that help reduce the need for oil-based plastics or the amount of plastic required for specific applications (lightweighting). Significant opportunities exist for plastics processors to improve productivity and competitiveness through material and process improvements.
Our Global Standards for Plastics Certification (GSPC) program has taken on a new look. GSPC remains the only recognized method of apprenticeship certification in the world for the plastics industry. Because the training program provides universal recognition of plastics workers’ knowledge and capabilities, companies that have implemented the program have seen positive results in production efficiencies and employee morale.
Our plastics graduates are in high demand. Often times we can’t meet the demands of industry. Please consider giving a scholarship; even $1,000 a semester may draw in a student to attend our program. See our Spring 2013 newsletter for more information or visit Institutional Advancement online.
I want to welcome four companies to the PIRC member program. West Pharmaceuticals, home offices in Exton, PA and previous long-time member under their plastics division near Williamsport; Diba Industries Inc. of Danbury, CT; Spartech Corporation of Maryland Heights, MO; and Taxicab Products of Bronx, NY. These and other industry members and partners are significant contributors to our progress as we strive to maintain a position of global leadership in the plastics industry today. Contact PIRCor visit our online member page for more information on how you can become a member.
C. Hank White
Director
