With its headquarters and its largest manufacturing site based in Brampton, Ontario, StackTeck has become the largest plastics mould-maker in the world. In order to capitalize on global opportunities, the company has expanded its operations to include facilities in Hong Kong and Mexico.

To remain on the cutting edge, StackTeck is always seeking to challenge itself and its 250 employees with a process of constant improvement. Achieving both Six Sigma and ISO certification is testament to this fact.
Lou Dimaulo, VP of operations, suggests that one of their key strengths is in product development, design, and execution. Through extensive collaboration with internal and external stakeholders (including customers), solutions to complex product needs are created. This approach has garnered StackTeck a reputation for innovation, quality, and creativity.

In 1991, StackTeck pioneered the first four-level stack mould, a patented technology that has been proven in numerous applications. Stack moulds are opening new opportunities in flexible manufacturing as moulders turn to larger tonnage machines, more multi-material applications, and faster system automation. StackTeck has developed 70% of the four-level moulds that are in production today.

By virtually doubling, tripling, or quadrupling the output of a conventional single face moulding system, stack mould technology increases plant productivity while reducing manufacturing and capital investment costs.
Flexible manufacturing using larger tonnage injection machines has spurred development of four-level stack mould applications beyond traditional packaging. Delivering four times the output from a single machine has a tremendous impact on part production costs, machine productivity, and factory planning. Highvolume moulders are developing new stack mould systems for multi-material applications and running multiple tools in the same stack mould to minimize inventories and product handling costs.
Stack moulds are only one area where StackTeck excels and has distinguished itself as a world leader. It is also a leader in flexible manufacturing, in mould labelling (IML), quick product change (QPC) moulds, and alternative mould cooling technology. In each case, the product design was developed in consultation with customers and end-users. StackTeck ensures that everyone wins when it ensures its customers’ needs are met, such as improving productivity, better product design, reduced cycle time, etc. But the company won’t stop here as the improvement process is never ending.
1. Name three Canadian companies in different industries that mirror StackTeck’s approach to continuous improvement and innovation in product design.
2. Discuss why it is important for StackTeck never to stop designing and developing new products.