As we approach the end of the year, we at Key Plastics want to share our annual review. This past year has been transformative, highlighting our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and excellence in manufacturing. We’ve overcome challenges, achieved significant milestones, and continued to advance our technological capabilities in the plastics industry.
New Investments for Growth, Efficiency and Superior Quality
Kraus Maffei 201PX Electric Press
This year we expanded our capabilities to better serve our medical customers. Our new Krauss Maffei 201PX electric press reflects our investment and commitment to growth and innovation in medical device manufacturing.
850-Ton Negri Bossi Injection Moulding Machine
In November, we announced the latest addition to our manufacturing capabilities: a state-of-the-art Negri Bossi injection moulding system with 850-ton capacity and 3.8kg shot weight.
This significant investment features an advanced Sepro robotics integration and energy-efficient servo drive technology, reinforcing our commitment to superior production quality and efficiency.
Measuring Our Impact: Community Giving Highlights
Sometimes it can feel near impossible to make lasting change or impact as just one person. It is when we come together with a common goal, that we can start to see real results. Supporting our local community is not just something that is important to us at Key Plastics, we believe it be our responsibility as members of our community in Bray. Here are the various initiatives that we’ve participated in to support those in need.
January Bake Sale
Our team participated in baking delicious cakes for our January bake sale in aid of 5 Loaves, a brilliant Bray charity helping the homeless. We raised €1000 for the cause, which is outstanding, considering it was January!
April- December Re-Turn Bottle Initiative
Throughout the year, our team donated their empty bottles and cans which were turned into needed good for a women’s charity in Bray. We collected 1,747 bottles and donated €320 worth of essential toiletries and clothes.
October Bake Sale
What says Halloween more than sweet treats! We had a lunchtime cake sale on Halloween to raise some extra funds for 5 Loaves. Thanks to the team, we donated another €200+.
Together, we’re proving that small actions can make a big difference!
Staff Professional Development
By investing in continuous learning, skill enhancement, and personal growth opportunities, companies not only empower their employees to reach their full potential but also create a dynamic, adaptable workforce that can navigate the complex challenges of an ever-evolving business landscape. Here are two notable achievements that our Toolroom Manager, Declan McNally and our Metrology Engineer Shannon Kearney participated in.
GT&T Level 2 & HyperMILL 5-Axis delivered by Irish Manufacturing Research on behalf of AMTCE- Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre of Excellence.
HyperMILL Part 2– delivered by Irish Manufacturing Research on behalf of AMTCE- Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre of Excellence.
Other courses taken by our team throughout the year:
- Operation Clean Sweep (an international initiative from the plastics industry to reduce plastic pellet loss, flake or powder into the environment)
- ISQ 13485 Internal Auditing
- Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerances
- Wire EDM Machining
- HR Management
- LEAN and Six Sigma Yellow Belt
- Medical Device Regulation
- First Polymer Injection Moulding level 4
- Electrical Maintenance
Strengthening Global Partnerships: Key Plastics Tech Team Visits Chinese Toolmaking Partner
Our Tech Team recently travelled to China to meet with one of our international toolmaking partners. This strategic visit underscores our commitment to ensuring the highest quality and best possible outcomes for our customers through direct collaboration and oversight.
Building Bridges: Strategic Industry Connections
Our team travelled countrywide (and internationally!) to meet not only potential customers, but our industry counterparts all looking to build connections, share experiences and offer expertise. Let’s look at the conferences and tradeshows we attended in 2024:
April: National Construction Summit, Co. Dublin
June: GTMA Manufacturing Solutions, Co. Limerick
September: Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference, Co. Antrim
September: Medical Technology Ireland, Co. Galway
October: Toys 4 Engineers, Co. Waterford
November: Precision Fair, Netherlands
Project Highlights: A Closer Look at Some Standout Product Development
Irish Pride & Pat the Baker: Rising to the Occasion: A Slice of Sustainability
Irish bakeries traditionally used wooden bread trays that were problematic: short-lived, weather-sensitive, and environmentally wasteful. Key Plastics responded by collaborating closely with bakery teams to develop a superior plastic delivery tray. Through an integrated design process—from initial concept to final manufacture—they created a more durable, sustainable solution that addressed the bakeries’ key challenges, demonstrating a successful partnership between Key Plastics and their clients.
Mirai Medical: Cutting Edge Technology in Cancer Treatment
Our customer sought a new plastics manufacturing partner with three primary objectives: exceptional product quality, cost efficiency, and reliable production scheduling. Through a comprehensive evaluation process, they aimed to find a supplier that could support their growth and innovation goals. Key Plastics responded proactively, positioning themselves as a strategic partner ready to address the customer’s manufacturing challenges by leveraging their operational expertise and supply chain management capabilities.
Our Transition Year Initiative: Encouraging Our Future Engineers
Key Plastics addresses the engineering skills shortage by offering a comprehensive five-day work experience program for transition year students. The hands-on training module introduces students to various aspects of plastics manufacturing, including health and safety, injection moulding, precision engineering, quality control, and 3D printing. Each module is led by industry professionals who share their career experiences, giving students practical insights into potential career paths in manufacturing.
Read here for more information
On the Horizon in 2025…
As we close 2024, the team at Key Plastics are already looking ahead to 2025 and what opportunities are waiting for us there. Here are a couple of things to keep an eye out for next year.
Key Precision Expansion
Key Plastics is set to grow its precision engineering division with a brand-new factory currently under construction. Stay tuned for exciting updates about this expansion throughout 2025.
Energy Monitoring a Key Focus in 2025
Having recently installed state of the art energy monitoring, Key Plastics are taking the next steps towards reducing Co2 emissions across its entire plant.
In 2024, Key partnered with Canadian company Rentnikgroup to install numerous monitoring devices across selected equipment in their injection moulding plant.
These devices are linked to a cloud-based dashboard enabling the team to view real-time data of power usage, energy consumption and Co2 emissions.
Having the live dashboard will allow the team to measure the success of any future energy saving initiatives and support the continual program for Co2 reduction across the plant.
Final Words
What a great year it has been, we are looking forward to a well-deserved rest for our team and wish the same for you. Happy Christmas and here is to a prosperous New Year.
