Indian extrusion machine maker Kabra Extrusiontechnik (KET), a part of the Kolsite Group, together with sister company colour and additive masterbatch producer Plastiblends made their premiere showcase at the Chinaplas show. “We are here to create a brand presence,” said Chairman SV Kabra speaking to PRA during the show. “It is the first time that we have participated in Chinaplas and the response has been encouraging.”

When asked if the firm would set up a plant in China, Kabra replied, “It is a possibility. We could collaborate with a local manufacturer.”

The firm already owns a stake in US-based extrusion machine maker Gloucester Engineering (GEC). Kabra and GEC formed a joint venture, Kabra Gloucester, in 2009, and later in 2011, Kabra bought a 15% ownership stake in GEC, to manufacture lower cost blown film lines in India. But the latter has been through difficult times, especially when it had to restructure its business in 2010. “It was dormant for a few years but it has been doing well since it changed hands (in 2011, GEC was purchased out of receivership by private equity firm Blue Wolf Capital Partners),” said Kabra.

In fact, GEC President Carl Johnson said recently that the firm is coming off two consecutive years where it has doubled its annual sales. “By recapturing customer confidence, the company’s backlog has steadily increased and management is forecasting an additional 35% growth in 2013,” he said in a press release.

Adds Kabra, “We are offering Kabra Gloucester blown film lines all over the world. These hybrid machines (produced at KET’s plant in Daman) have been developed to beat Chinese pricing.”

Last year, Kabra Gloucester showcased a five-layer barrier film line with an output of 525 kg/hour at the facility in Daman, Gujarat. Other features of the line were the 2,100 mm layflat width and 100-micron thick film.