Compressed Air Best Practices - April 2008 - (Page 17)

Focus Industry PLASTICS BLOW-MOLDING | 04/08 | FOCUSED ON 400BAR, , 4 0 BAR 40 BAR, 4 0 BAR 4 0 BAR 4 BAR, 40 AR AR OIL-FREE AIR FOR THE PET INDUSTRY Compressed Air Best Practices™ spoke with Joe Mashburn (Area Sales Manager) and Matt deLesdernier (Vice President of Operations) of AF Compressors USA. Good afternoon! Can you describe the Ateliers Francois Company (AF Compressors) please? Good afternoon. Ateliers Francois Compressors (AF) is a global compressor manufacturer focusing exclusively on the 40 bar, oil-free PET market. Our people understand the PET stretch blow-molding process and we have designed, produced and serviced air compressors to meet the needs of this industry. Our VP of Operations, here in the U.S. for example (Mr. deLesdernier), worked for CONSTAR in operations — before joining AF in 1994. He knows the small and big things that can be done to help our customers — because he was our first customer in the U.S.! AF is headquartered in Liege, Belgium. This is where all of our air compressors are designed and manufactured. We have a second facility in Liege dedicated to aftermarket stock and delivery. All major parts for all models are in stock like cylinders, piston rods, cross heads and connecting rods. AF made this major investment to ensure that our customers experience no downtime. To serve the tremendous growth of PET blow-molding operations in Asia, AF has invested in a new manufacturing facility in China. This operation will officially begin production over the next few months. What is the history of AF Compressors? AF was formed in 1870 in Liege. The company manufactured reciprocating air compressors and pneumatic hammers for tunneling in the coal-mining industry. The block designs were based upon steam engine technology — which is why they are so durable! From 1890 to 1950, AF broadened its market to also supply reciprocating air compressors to the steel industry. Our facility was reduced to rubble in World War II, but the owners rebuilt and rose from the rubble on the same site we are at today. We know of several 100-year old AF air compressors in Europe which are still in operation! From 1950 to 1980, AF began manufacturing oil-free reciprocating air compressors and this broadened the market to include chemical, glass and brewery industries. Then, with the emergence of a global PET industry in the 1980’s, AF committed 100% of its resources to manufacturing and servicing 40 bar, oil-free air compressors for this industry. This focus has allowed AF to grow alongside the PET industry. www.airbestpractices.com 17 http://www.airbestpractices.com

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Compressed Air Best Practices - April 2008 Contents From the Editor Utility-Air News The Compressed Air Audit of the Month: Minimizing Blow-Molding Pressure Fluctuations AF Compressors: Focused on 40 Bar, Oil-Free Air for the PET Industry Real World Best Practices: PET Plants Using Boosters for High-Pressure Air Guaranteeing Audit ROI for Blow-Molders Managing Vacuum Pressure Differential Are You Taking Full Advantage of Pneumatic Valve Technology? Are You Strategic? Resources for Energy Engineers: Training Calendar & Product Picks Wall Street Watch Advertiser Index Job Market

Compressed Air Best Practices - April 2008

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