by Andrew Henderson

Despite the staggering economy, the Converting Systems Group of Davis-Standard, LLC (which includes Black Clawson Converting Machinery) maintains a strong outlook for 2009.

As with most manufacturers, the slowing economy will most likely result in a decline in sales for 2009. However, Davis-Standard’s balance sheet is strong and its business model is designed to adapt to swings in demand, company officials report.

Davis-Standard, LLC is a global company involved in the design, development, and manufacturing of extrusion systems, feed-screws, barrels, and process controls for the flexible web converting, plastics processing, and rubber industries.

The company is also focused on the future with plans to pursue equipment aimed at “green” opportunities.

These include the development of lithium-ion battery separating technology, which will improve battery power and safety performance in hybrid-electric vehicle applications, as well as solar opportunities and developments in the composite-materials industry.

With locations in the United States, Europe, and Asia, the Converting Systems Group supplies a full range of plastics-processing machinery to the paper, film, and foil industries for making products consumers use every day.

These include flexible packaging for food and beverage products, decorative boxes and packaging, tapes, labels, protective films for construction and agricultural applications, and films used for diapers and other hygienic products.

Customers range from large multi-national companies to family-run businesses.

Davis-Standard also provides customer service, including equipment upgrades, engineering services, and state-of-the-art research and development facilities such as the company’s new blown-film laboratory in Somerville, N.J.

In 2008, Davis-Standard achieved a third consecutive year of sales growth. The company also reported a growing presence in Asia, South America, and Eastern Europe, as well as an exceptional safety record.

According to company officials, Davis-Standard is a customer-driven operation. For example, Davis-Standard’s Synergy product line provides customers with a complete equipment package that can be modified to address simple to complex requirements.

The Davis-Standard Secure Service Support System helps customers avoid downtime by providing service personnel and engineers with immediate remote access to customer equipment via a safe and secure Internet connection.

Both developments have been received very well by the industry, company officials report.

Davis-Standard was acquired by a management and investor group led by Hamilton Robinson LLC, a Stamford, Conn.-based private-equity firm, in 2006—18 months after Davis-Standard and Black Clawson Converting Machinery, Inc. merged.

In addition to its Fulton plant, Davis-Standard, LLC has facilities in Pawcatuck, Conn. and Somerville, N.J. as well as in Germany and the United Kingdom.