What Plastic Manufacturing Equipment Should I Buy First?
- Nate Jones, CPCU, ARM, CLCS, AU
- Nov 14
- 2 min read
Starting a plastic manufacturing business requires significant investment in machinery and technology. At Wexford Insurance, we know that choosing the right equipment is one of the most critical decisions for new manufacturers. The right machines will determine your production capacity, product quality, and overall profitability.
This guide will help you prioritize the essential equipment for your plastic manufacturing business and explain why insurance should be part of your equipment investment strategy.
Why Equipment Selection Matters
Plastic manufacturing involves complex processes like injection molding, extrusion, and blow molding. Each requires specialized machinery, and buying the wrong equipment can lead to inefficiencies and wasted capital.
Essential Plastic Manufacturing Equipment to Start With
Injection molding is the most common process for producing plastic parts. These machines melt plastic pellets and inject them into molds to create products like containers, automotive parts, and consumer goods.
Extrusion machines are used to create continuous shapes like pipes, sheets, and films. If your business focuses on packaging or construction materials, this equipment is essential.
3. Blow Molding Machine
Blow molding machines produce hollow plastic products such as bottles and containers. This is crucial for businesses targeting packaging industries.
4. Auxiliary Equipment
You’ll also need:
Material dryers to remove moisture from plastic pellets
Granulators for recycling scrap material
Cooling systems for temperature control
Invest in testing equipment to ensure product consistency and compliance with industry standards.
Don’t Forget Insurance for Your Equipment
Plastic manufacturing machines are expensive and critical to your operations. Equipment breakdowns can halt production and cause financial losses. Insurance coverage helps protect your investment. Common policies include:
Final Thoughts
Start with core machines like injection molding, extrusion, and blow molding equipment, then add auxiliary tools as your business grows. Pair your equipment investment with specialized insurance to safeguard your operations. At Wexford Insurance, we help manufacturers secure tailored coverage for peace of mind.
Contact us today to protect your business.
