Bekum News 2022/2023

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Obituary for Gottfried Mehnert

Gottfried Mehnert passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on August 01, 2022 at the age of 87. The Bekum Group mourns the loss of its company founder and the plastics industry loses an outstanding personality who, with his inventiveness, decisively changed extrusion blow moulding over decades and left a lasting mark on it. Gottfried Mehnert was a pioneer in …

Mucio Vieyra Selected as an Independent Bekum Sales Representative for Mexico

(Williamston, MI) – Bekum America Corporation is pleased to announce that Mr. Mucio Vieyra, Principal of Ingenieria Especial y de Servicios, S.A. de C.V. has joined our North American Sales team as an Independent Manufacturers Representative and will support blow molding equipment sales, service and spare parts needs of Bekum customers and prospects in Mexico. “We are excited to welcome …

Celebration of Regional Growth Awards – Bekum America

2021 Celebration of Regional Growth Awards – Bekum America Corporation

2021 Celebration of Regional Growth Awards

BEKUM AMERICA CELEBRATES EXPANSION OF ITS STATE-OF-THE-ART MANUFACTURING FACILITY

(Williamston, MI) –Bekum America Corporation celebrated the expansion of its new production facility with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, tours of the facility and machine demonstrations. The Bekum leadership team, local dignitaries and business leaders were on hand to celebrate this momentous occasion. Bekum America also celebrated the retirement of its Chairman of the Board, Martin Stark, who over 40 years developed …

BEKUM AMERICA CHAIRMAN MARTIN STARK RETIRES

(Williamston-MI) – Martin Stark, Chairman of Bekum America retired after devoting over 50 years of his professional career to the development and growth of the plastics industry. Stark has been an exemplary and honorable leader, with numerous industry recognitions including induction into the Plastics Hall of Fame in 2018. “It has been an honor to work for Bekum America, a …

Plastics News: Manufacturers tell students ‘creators wanted’

Written by: Catherine Kavanaugh More than 2.4 million American jobs may be unfilled by 2028 due to outdated misconceptions surrounding the industry and the lack of highly skilled workers, according to the Manufacturing Institute. Ashley Cox wanted to be a makeup artist and hair stylist after graduating high school until she looked at manufacturing and saw it could be a …

VIRTUAL MANUFACTURING DAY 2020 AT BEKUM AMERICA WAS A SUCCESS

Williamston, MI – Bekum America, a leading manufacturer of blow molding machinery, celebrated Manufacturing Day 2020 by virtually welcoming local high school students to its facility in Williamston. Last year in excess of 200 students joined the celebration with tours of Bekum America Facility. This year, Bekum America extended that reach by conducting a virtual tour that included machine demonstrations, …

Radio Interview

Bekum’s President and COO Steven London kicked-off the week long celebration of Manufacturing Day 2020. Learn more about our award-winning apprenticeship program and available career opportunities.

An Update Regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Dear Customers: The health and well being of our employees, customers and partners have always been one of our core values. In these uncertain times, we are even more focused on their safety. As such, we would like to inform you about the current preventative measures at Bekum America Corporation. General information We are closely monitoring the guidance of the …

Bekum America Breaks Ground on a New Facility, Celebrates 40th Anniversary

(Williamston, MI) – Bekum America Corporation broke ground on a new facility at its Williamston headquarters to kick off the 40th anniversary celebration with its employees and company and community leaders. “This is a historic week for Bekum America,” said Steve London, COO and President of Bekum America Corporation. “The groundbreaking on our new facility was a great kick off …

Bekum assembles its workforce through apprenticeships

Williamston, Mich. — The average age of workers on the floor at Bekum America Corp.’s manufacturing facility has gone down. The German maker of extrusion blow molding machinery credits the workforce age drop — from 55 in 2014 to 42 today — to its apprenticeship program, a four-year, 8,000-hour structured training strategy launched in 1994. The program is registered with …

WOLFGANG MEYER NAMED NEW PRESIDENT OF THE PLASTICS PIONEERS ASSOCIATION

(Williamston, MI) Wolfgang Meyer, Bekum’s Independent Sales Representative for the Northeastern United States has been selected as the new president of the Plastics Pioneers Association (PPA). Meyer has previously served as a general member, secretary, and vice president of PPA. “We would like to congratulate Wolfgang Meyer on his appointment as the new president of the Plastics Pioneers Association,” said …

Boost Your Networking Game in 2019

Running a business can feel like a constant battle between addressing the challenges of today and planning for the challenges of tomorrow. For manufacturers, this becomes a balancing act of time and resources. Future issues are just that; issues to worry about in the future. It’s about preparing for a problem that may not exist yet, developing strategies to attract …

Chuck Flammer Joins Bekum America As Business Development Manager

Chuck Flammer has joined Bekum America Corporation, the world’s leading designer and manufacturer of blow molding machinery, as its Business Development Manager. Prior to joining Bekum, Flammer served as Vice President of Sales for Kautex North America. “We are thrilled to welcome Chuck Flammer to our team,” said Steve London, COO and president for Bekum America Corporation. “Flammer has unique …

MMA Letter for 25 Year Membership

MMA Letter for 25 Years of Membership

Why Blow Molders Are Switching to EPETPlastics Technology – January 2019

Article – Why Blow Molders Are Switching to EPETPlastics Technology January 2019

Blow Molding Machinery Market Adjusts to Changing Packaging Sector

Article – Blow Molding Machinery Market Adjusts

Kerstin Seiler is the new Commercial Director

Kerstin Seiler took on the position of Commercial Director for BEKUM Maschinenfabriken GmbH and Group Controller for the BEKUM group at the beginning of November 2018. After completing her graduate studies in Business Administration, specializing in accounting, taxation and auditing as well as banking and finance, Ms Seiler spent over 20 years in a managerial capacity in the commercial sector, …

Manufacturing Day at Bekum! Approximately 200 High school students tour Bekum October 4th and 5 including Eaton RESA Career Preparation Center

50 years of BEKUM Traismauer in Austria – From pioneer to technology leader in blow moulding technology

Traismauer, 12th October 2018, BEKUM Maschinenfabrik Traismauer GesmbH celebrated its 50th anniversary with a colourful and happy ceremony. The family owners, the Mehnerts, celebrated this special day together with the workforce, their families and many guests of honour from the world of politics and business. The ceremonial program focussed on presentations of the latest blow-moulding series of machines – xBLOW …

Local students check out facility and learn more about manufacturing

WILLIAMSTON, Mi. (WILX) – Local high school students got an up close look on Thursday at a live machine demonstration in Williamston. Students from the Eaton Regional Educational Service Agency, along with Perry, Fowlerville, and Howell districts toured Bekum America facilities.

Plastics Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

Bekum America to sign four new apprentices to its award-winning apprenticeship program

WILLIAMSTON, Mich. (WSYM) – Bekum America Corporation will sign four new apprentices to its award-winning Apprenticeship Program at a special signing ceremony scheduled from 3 p.m. until 4:30 p.m., TODAY, June 27th at the Bekum Learning Center located at 1140 W. Grand River Avenue in Williamston. “We are very proud to have four new apprentices join Bekum!” said Steve London, …

BEKUM News May 2018

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BEKUM America Chairman Martin Stark Selected for Induction into the Plastics Hall of Fame

Bekum Chairman Martin Stark has been selected for induction into the Plastics Hall of fame. Martin Stark, Chairman of BEKUM America Corporation has been selected for induction into the Plastics Hall of Fame by the Plastics Industry Association. Mr. Stark’s selection to the prestigious Hall of Fame is a crowning achievement in a 48-year professional career. Stark is being honored …

Plastics Hall Of Fame Honors Martin Stark

Martin Stark, Chairman, Bekum America, Williamston, Michigan joins the Michigan Business Beat to talk about Martin’s induction into the Plastics Hall of Fame. A very prestigious honor was recently announced for Martin Stark, Chairman of Williamston, Michigan-based Bekum America. Mr. Stark will join a select group of individuals when he is inducted into the Plastics Hall of fame on May …

Compact Bekum unit is energy-efficient

407DL This blow molding machine has been designed for the production of bottles. It features multi-layer, spiral mandrelextrusion-head technology and a special quick mold-change upgrade. What’s new? Availability of the size in an all-electric version as part of Bekum’s Eblow series. It was previously only available as part of the company’s hydraulic Hyblow series. At NPE2018, the machine will produce …

Blow molding machine makers strive for quality, speed

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BEKUM AMERICA INTRODUCES THE EBLOW 407DL MACHINE AT NPE 2018 IN ORLANDO

(Williamston, MI) The Bekum America Corporation will introduce its EBLOW 407DL machine at the NPE 2018 in Orlando. The Plastics Show will take place beginning May 7th through May 11th at the Orange County Convention Center. The EBLOW 407DL will be demonstrated at booth W 2127 in the West Hall, running an 8 x 100mm CLD production of a 1-liter …

BEKUM AMERICA PET HANDLEWARE PRODUCTION SHIFTS INTO HIGH GEAR – MACHINERY AND PRODUCTS TO BE SHOWCASED AT NPE 2018 IN ORLANDO

10 Machines Delivered in 2017 – “Profit from our Experience in PET Handleware.” (Williamston, MI) The Bekum America Corporation will showcase many of its PET handleware products produced on Bekum machines at the NPE 2018 in Orlando. The Plastics Show will take place beginning May 7th through May 11th at the Orange County Convention Center. At NPE 2018, the PET …

WOLFGANG MEYER OF PLASTICS BUSINESS CONSULTANTS SELECTED AS AN INDEPENDENT SALES REPRESENTATIVE FOR BEKUM AMERICA CORPORATION

(Williamston, MI)- Wolfgang Meyer, President and Owner of Plastics Business Consultants (PBC) has been selected as Bekum’s Independent Sales Representative for the Northeastern United States, including New England, the Mid-Atlantic States and Virginia. PBC will focus exclusively on application engineering, equipment selection and sale of extrusion blow molding machines manufactured by Bekum, a leading supplier of such equipment in North …

MILLHOLLAND CONRAD SELECTED AS AN EXCLUSIVE SALES AGENCY FOR BEKUM AMERICA CORPORATION

(Williamston, MI)- Mark Padgett, president and owner of Millholland Conrad, Inc. and the entire Millholland Sales Team have been selected as Bekum’s Exclusive Sales Agency. Since 1960, Millholland Conrad, Inc. has represented the finest plastic processing equipment companies within the territories of Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, and West Virginia. “We are thrilled to be working with an expert in the plastics …

Blow Molding at NPE2018: Blow Molding System Run the Full Spectrum at NPE

Machines for every process—shuttle, wheel, reciprocating-screw, accumulator-head, suction-blow, injection-blow, compression blow, and one- or two-stage stretch-blow molding—will be running in Orlando. There will be a host of new models, including electric and servo-hydraulic types. Read more at: https://www.ptonline.com/articles/blow-molding-at-npe2018-blow-molding-systems-run-the-full-spectrum-at-npe

U.S.-Built All-Electric Shuttle from Bekum

Bekum’s EBlow 407DL targets high-speed production of small bottles. Read more here: https://www.ptonline.com/products/us-built-all-electric-shuttle-from-bekum

Williamston man to become Plastics Hall of Fame inductee

WILLIAMSTON — Martin Stark keeps plastic bottles next to family photos in his office. His company, Bekum America, builds plastic blow molding machines. Some of them can churn out thousands of shampoo bottles in a single day. Stark’s office collection is a just a small sample of products Bekum machines can make. Read more here: https://www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/news/2018/02/09/williamston-man-inducted-into-plastics-hall-fame/317195002/

Martin Stark Selected for Induction into Plastics Hall of Fame

Induction Ceremonies to be Held on May 6, 2018 in Orlando, Florida (Williamston-MI) – Martin Stark, Chairman of BEKUM America Corporation has been selected for induction into the Plastics Hall of Fame by the Plastics Industry Association. Mr. Stark’s selection to the prestigious Hall of Fame is a crowning achievement in a 48-year professional career. Stark is being honored as …

NPE 2018

Join Us at NPE 2018 Our booth will be in the West Hall, #W2127. We will also have a second booth in the South Hall #S14053

U.S. Congressman Mike Bishop visits Bekum

A global machinery manufacturer rooted in Williamston, Bekum America hosted Congressman Bishop for a tour of their facility followed by a discussion on several economic issues in Congress. Bekum is known for their quality plastic blow-molding machinery, selling equipment and parts to companies across a variety of industries, including autos, food and beverage, and sporting goods. A major highlight of …

From Bakery to Bekum

MARTIN STARK was miserable. New to America, and with limited English, he started working the overnight shift in a Chicago-area bakery when a newspaper advice columnist recommended he contact Battenfeld Corp. of America because it might be hiring. PDF file: Read More…

Martin Stark – Plastics Hall of Fame

Martin Stark is a dynamic and tireless advocate for the plastics industry. He has devoted more than 48 years of his professional career to the growth and internationalization of “all things plastic”. As a new immigrant to the United States in 1969, Martin began his career as a manager at the Battenfeld Plastics Machinery Corporation. In 1981 he joined the …

Michael Mehnert Interview

Quo vadis? So, where is BEKUM heading now, Mr. Mehnert? Interview with Michael Mehnert, Managing Partner of BEKUM Berlin (Germany), 11/16/2016: A generational change has taken place at the blow-moulding machine manufacturer BEKUM. Michael Mehnert (34), the youngest son of company founder Gottfried Mehnert, is assuming responsibility for the Group as the second-generation owner. Dipl.-Ing. Michael Mehnert carried out various …

Plastics News: Bekum builds its future on knowledge gained from past

Bekum builds its future on knowledge gained from its past A small blow molding machine built in 1958 by Gottfried Mehnert put Bekum Maschinenfabriken GmbH on the path to success in its founding year. Numerous patents and developments followed, changing the industry and solidifying the Berlin-based company’s position as a pioneer in extrusion blow molding technology. Now the distinguished inventor’s …

Plastics News Executive Forum

Martin Saur, Director of Manufacturing at Bekum America Corporation scheduled to speak at the Plastics News Executive Forum 2013 The Industry Leadership & Skills Summit, Saddlebrook Resort, Tampa, Florida March 3-6, 2013. Martin Saur earned the title of Industrial Meister from Friedberg College, Germany and spent three years earning his apprenticeship working at Walter Buesch, Germany. Mr. Saur also holds …

Newsletter

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New West Coast Independent Manufacturer’s Representative

BEKUM America Corporation is pleased to announce the appointment of: Kim Shipway K&S Plastics, LLC Scottsdale, AZ. as BEKUM’s exclusive Independent Manufacturer’s Representative for its West Coast territory, to include the States of Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Nevada and Utah. This appointment is effective immediately. Mr. Shipway holds an Electrical Engineering degree from the Milwaukee School of Engineering and has …

New President

Bekum America Corporation proudly announces the appointment of Steven D. London to the position of President and Chief Operating Officer, effective January 1, 2016. Previously, Mr. London held the position of Executive Vice President and C.O.O. Mr. London earned a B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering Technology from Ferris State University and an MBA from the University of Michigan. In addition, …

New Vice President of Sales

Bekum America Corporation is proud to announce the election of Gary Carr to the position of Vice President of Sales, effective January 1, 2016. Mr. Carr previously held the position of Director of Sales. Gary earned a B.S. degree in Plastics Engineering Technology from Ferris State University. Gary also serves as a director for the Blow Mold Division of Society …

New After Sales Manager

Bekum America Corporation proudly announces the promotion of Sebastian Rainer to the position of “After Sales Manager”, with the responsibility for Service, Spare Parts, Machine Rebuilds / Remanufacturing Projects and Customer Training. Mr. Rainer graduated from the University of Cooperative Education-Leipzig having earned the equivalent of a BA in service engineering with a focus on maintenance and service management. He …

Chamber of Commerce Honors Bekum America

Bekum America at a glance Bekum America Corp. is based in Williamston, though the corporate headquarters are in Germany.The Williamston location, which opened in 1979, manufactures blow-molding machinery, which create plastic containers for a variety of items and companies. About 100 employees work at Bekum, with about 25 percent of the workforce Bekum veterans of 20 years or more. WILLIAMSTON: …

Bekum cited for Apprentice Program

By Don Loepp (Plastics News) on October 31, 2012 1:02 PM ET The Plastics Blog Talent acquisition is a hot topic in North America, as manufacturers recover from the Great Recession. One old-fashioned model — for companies to train their own workers — is starting to get attention. Blow molding machinery company Bekum America Corp. is one company that’s been …

Bekum America STEPS up through State Export Program

MMA Insight Article

Bekum America delivers the first BM-907D Long Stroke Machine

Bekum America has recently delivered the 1st BM-907D machine for the high output production of medical components. The selection criteria for the BM-907D was its ability to yield fully automated production of extrusion blow molded proprietary medical articles, inclusive of neck calibration and deflashing, while maintaining high cavitation. Ideal for high output container production, the new BM-907D Long Stroke machine …

Bekum America debuts the BM-606D Machine at NPE 2012

Highlights: Bekums NPE 2012 demonstration of the double-station BM-606D showcases fully automated production of a large 10-liter F-style handleware bottle at impressive rates. Bekum continues its focus on sustainability through source reduction. With specialized container design and mold construction, a 15% bottle weight reduction from the current industry standard is achieved. As a bonus, this light weighting is accomplished utilizing …

Bekum America expands its EBLOW range of All Electric Machines

At NPE 2012, Bekum announced the expansion of its EBLOW series of Twin Station all electric blow molding machines, as well as the hydraulic (HYBLOW) versions. The EBLOW 307D, the first Bekum all electric blow molding machine of the 07 series was introduced in a running demonstration at the K 2010 show. Since that time the new clamping system, electric …

Bekum America ships H-121S to Ferris State University

Bekum America Corporation recently shipped a state-of-the-art, fully automatic H-121S Extrusion Blow Molding Machine to Ferris State University. This machine, which is the fourth blow molding machine placed by Bekum at Ferris in recent years, provides Plastics Engineering Technology students with hands-on learning experiences, operating the same equipment used in the plastics industry. The Ferris State Plastics program is the …

OEM of the Year Award

Bekum Receives Eurotherm North American OEM of the Year Award Steve Schroeder, Business Development Manager-Plastics for Invensys Eurotherm presents Steve London, Executive Vice President COO of Bekum North American with the prestigious OEM of the Year Award. The award was presented during a meeting in July at the Bekum North American facility in Williamston, MI. Also in attendance from Bekum …