Dickten Masch to Invest in Mexico

Via JSOnline: Nashotah-based manufacturer Dickten Masch Plastics LLC said Monday it has acquired a plastics plant in Monterrey, Mexico. Dickten Masch bought the 105,000-square-foot factory from United Plastics Group Inc., of Oak Brook, Ill., for an undisclosed price. Dickten Masch will retain the plant's 112 employees and continue producing parts for its customers, which include automotive, electrical and power-tool manufacturers. The acquisition places the Nashotah company closer to its customers who operate in Mexico, said Doreen Lettau, vice president for market and business development. There will be no cutbacks at Dickten Masch's factories in Nashotah and Ankeny, Iowa, Lettau said. Those plants currently employ about 400 people, including 270 in Nashotah. Dickten Masch uses processes such as injection molding to produce plastic parts for medical devices, agricultural equipment and autos. The firm also stamps out most of the dipsticks used by carmakers in the U.S.