The funding will enable an upgrade to turn a pilot production line into a full production line capable of manufacturing commercially ready polymer coatings on a global scale.
It will focus on upgrading the current line to Six Sigma manufacturing capabilities to better serve targeted markets and applications.
Six Sigma aims to improve process outputs by removing defects and minimizing variability.
BPA and VOC free
The firm will licence their polymer coating technology, which is free of BPA and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), to coaters of metal substrates to use as a lining in food and beverage cans.
Sumitomo operates seven service centers in North America under the Steel Summit name and offers steel and aluminum distribution, including slitting, blanking and stamping processes.
The relationship will take the technology global, company commercial vice president, Jeff Sawka said.
“The investment allows us to be more competitive in the marketplace.
“The testing has gone well, hence the need to move from pilot facility stage to make product commercially.
“[Our] packing and final testing manufacturing facilities have been upgraded and we estimate commercial roll out in Q4 this year.
“We are going global to attract more can makers and Sumitomo has years of experience in the substrate sourcing business, so having them stand with us is important in moving forward.
“If global companies want to bring to production locally, having Sumitomo on board will make that much easier,” he said.
When asked about future plans Sawka said: “There is the current line upgrade, then if there is enough business for a second line and then a third line, the arrangement will be made. We already have it designed and will build when it is appropriate.”
Design Analysis introduced PolyKoat products in 2009, targeting decorative and barrier applications for pre-coated sheet metal.
The company said the thermoplastic polyester coating is produced using 60% less energy than traditional epoxy materials and is a greener alternative to competitive linings.
BPA alternative
Sawka added: “BPA is a hot issue, the consumer wants an alternative to current coatings and we are offering that alternative.
“It provides an alternative to the current coating in the market but ultimately the consumer decides, we are not medical people, we are just providing potential options for can manufacturers to choose.
“There is a push for environmentally friendly products, BPA free is a good option, we utilise 60% less energy and are competitive on price versus current market offerings.”
The company was founded after funding from Sumitomo Corporation to promote its PolyKoat line of polymer coated steel products.
