INX International Opens New World-Class Metal Deco Ink Plant

Pick up a 2-piece aluminum can manufactured in North America and there’s an 85 percent chance the inks that bring its graphics to life originated from INX International Ink Co.’s new metal decorating ink plant in Charlotte, NC.
    
The world’s largest 2-piece metal deco ink plant celebrated its opening recently via accolades from INX customers, international partners and affiliates who attended a two-day open house and plant tour. With the capacity to produce more than 1 million pounds of ink per month, the 46,000 square-foot facility sets new standards in output, manufacturing efficiency and quality control.
    
“This 21st century ink plant demonstrates the ongoing commitment of INX to the metal deco business,” said Rick Clendenning, INX International CEO. “INX provides 60 percent of all 2-piece metal deco ink worldwide – and, through the support of our customers, partners, affiliates and employees, our dedication continues.”
    
“By incorporating ISO, lean manufacturing, TPM (Total Productive Maintenance) and Six Sigma principles, we identified how to increase value for our customers while upgrading our production processes,” said Al Baird, general manager of the Charlotte facility.
    
INX installed a high-density warehouse system with more than 1,000 storage bins, ensuring that inventory is available as needed. It uses multi-directional turret trucks – capable of working both sides of the aisles to achieve higher productivity during the 24-hour shifts, Monday through Friday.
    
“From raw material handling to milling, mixing, packaging and shipping, each function flows to the next,” Mr. Baird says. “And, each production area is readily accessible to our R&D lab, making it more efficient as we conduct ongoing quality control.”
    
Measuring and monitoring batch consistency, checking tack and testing abrasion are among the ongoing quality measures in place. In addition, the team of lab and field service technicians works closely with customers on specific needs.
    
“Our state-of-the-art R&D lab conducts extensive customer tests on color-matching, handling nearly 90 percent of the 2-piece can color matching needs in the U.S.,” Mr. Baird said. “Brand-color management and consistency are critical to major marketers, especially in the competitive beverage industry.”
    
By rebuilding its milling equipment, adding bulk storage tanks and installing more automated processes, INX has increased productivity.
    
“Our operators are able to multi-task. We’ve eliminated many of the actions that were manually difficult or time-consuming,” Mr. Baird said. “Our operators are freed up to become more involved in quality control and we’re already seeing increased job satisfaction.”