Dayton manufacturer to incorporate 3D printing into operations

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Olivia Barrow

Karin Gaiser is president of The Eco-Groupe in Vandalia.

Olivia Barrow

Senior Reporter- Dayton Business Journal

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The Eco-Groupe, one of the fastest growing companies in the Dayton region, has its eye on new technology to lead its growth in the next few years.

The Vandalia-based manufacturer of preforms used in making plastic bottles hosted local government officials, media and other local business partners for a tour of its facility and a forecast on growth expectations for 2015 and beyond on Thursday.

Lt. Gov. Mary Taylor also toured the facility and commended the business on its vision for the future, led by President Karin Gaiser.

The company plans to incorporate 3D printing into its manufacturing processes next year to eliminate waste and cut lead times for setting up new custom orders.

"We'll be one of the first to apply additive manufacturing to our industry," Gaiser said during a presentation to the 30 or so guests.

Having 3D printers on hand also creates the possibility of repairing machines on the spot, or potentially making molds in a matter of days instead of the six months it sometimes takes.

Encon Co., one of the Eco-Groupe companies, has led the industry-wide effort to make plastic bottles that use the least raw materials possible. Gaiser said that effort will continue in the next few years, but with an emphasis on making sure the bottles still perform well.

And starting some time in 2015, the company plans to begin manufacturing its own bottle caps to take advantage of the efficiency of making both parts in the same facility for the same customers. And in true Encon style, Gaiser thinks her company can find a better way of doing it.

"We feel we have some new technology we want to apply for that industry," Gaiser said.