Brampton Economic Development staff recently visited Armacell Canada to learn more about the unique products being manufactured right here in Brampton. Armacell products can be found in your pool, your local hardware store, and high up in the air in wind turbines around the world.
In 2015, Armacell Canada acquired Brampton-based Industrial Thermo Polyers Ltd. (the inventors of the pool noodle) and immediately invested $6 million USD in new production capability. A new line was installed to convert a recycled polymer resin called PET resin into PET foam. With an annual production capacity of over one million cubic feet, this line was the first of its kind in Canada.
PET is the common abbreviation for polyethylene terephthalate, and is the most common thermoplastic polymer resin of the polyester family. It is used in fibres for clothing, containers for liquids and foods, thermoforming for manufacturing, and in combination with glass fibre for engineering resins.
Armacell is the only manufacturer offering PET foam made entirely from recycled materials. The foam produced can be moulded into various forms, and offer maximum strength and rigidity in a very lightweight structure. A key market for Armacell’s proprietary product is the wind energy sector.
During the facility tour, staff learned that approximately 50,000 beverage bottles are recycled and converted into PET foam used in various wind turbine components. Armacell estimates their products are in more than 30,000 rotor blades globally.
Armacell is a leader in flexible foam for the equipment insulation market and a leading provider of engineered foams. It employs around 3,000 people in 25 production plants in 16 countries. There are more than 100 employees at its Brampton Van Kirk Drive location.
For more information about Armacell Canada visit:http://local.armacell.com/en/armaform-pet-foam-cores/
The Economic Development & Culture team would love the opportunity to learn more about your business, its opportunities and challenges, and how we can support your growth and development. We’re interested in your success, because we know you contribute directly to the vitality of our economy.
Please reach out toedo@brampton.ca to setup a meeting with one of our sector managers in Health and Life Sciences, Advanced Manufacturing, Food and Beverage and Innovation and Technology.