RAFO AB We have been a Nolato supplier of Arburg machines since the 70’s. Freeformer is a new product from Arburg/RAFO AB. Our unique freeformer produces fully functional plastic parts using the new additive manufacturing technique – ARBURG Plastic Freeforming (AKF) – from 3D CAD files, from standard granulates and without a mould. It therefore offers boundless freedom for the efficient production of individual parts and small-volume batches. From additive manufacturing to injection moulding Thanks to the expansion of the product portfolio to include the freeformer, ARBURG is now the only manufacturer to cover the entire spectrum from additive manufacturing to injection moulding – from one-off parts to mass produced items.
ers. Since the company works exclusively with medical technology and pharmaceuticals customers, it has a real understanding of the unique requirements and circumstances which this type of production entails. It can offer various types of hygiene room and clean room, and the entire process is custom-designed, with production being carried out in the most suitable location in terms of technology, logistics and operational phase. Delegating wherever possible and using dedicated teams for customers’ production provide a fast flow of information. The close links between the development process and the production phase ensure excellent conditions for efficient production which is profitable for all those involved. “We work in close partnership together with our clients to deliver new technologies and systems and therefore are able to provide optimal solutions,” said Nolato Medical President Christer Wahlquist. “We do all the development and manufacturing in-house, which means that we can be not only innovative, but can guarantee consistent quality in all that we accomplish. “We plan to continue to grow both organically and through acquisition. In 2012 we acquired a leading UK company: Cope Allman Jaycare, which specialises in pharmaceutical packaging and has sales of more
than SEK270 million. This acquisition gave us a local presence in the UK, which is an important part of the global pharmaceutical industry and in addition, opened the door to a large number of leading international pharmaceutical companies”
Expanding global reach Nolato Medical continues to invest in its manufacturing capabilities worldwide and is constantly looking for new plant and production sites that are located close to its growing portfolio of international clients. In Hungary for example, the plant has been extended to meet the growing demand for medical devices; this followed a major investment in Romania which is designed to support its customers with products in that region. In 2013 Nolato Medical expanded its Chinese production facility with an additional 2,200 square metres, of which around 800 square metres was clean room of the highest standard in accordance with ISO 146441:1999, class 8. “China is the fastest growing market for pharmaceuticals and medical devices, which means that more and more of our customers are discussing expanded production in China for the Asian market,” said Christer Wahlquist at the time. “The expansion, which will accommodate around 30 injection moulding
