Tencate Chooses ENTEK
Global Leader in Synthetic Grass Fibers Compounds Materials and Color Feedstock with ENTEK Extruders
TenCate Grass is the world’s leading producer of synthetic grass fibers and components. Based in The Netherlands with manufacturing facilities in North America, Asia and the Middle East, the company produces innovative synthetic grass fiber, primary backing, and infill materials that enhance the overall performance of artificial turf fields. The company’s products are used in major college and professional sports stadiums worldwide.
Quality Compounded Product Using ENTEK Extruders
The TenCate manufacturing facility in Dayton, TN USA uses ENTEK E-MAX™ twin-screw extruders for compounding color feedstock and producing pre-colored plastic pellets. The ENTEK extruders used by TenCate provide excellent mixing capabilities at low process temperatures.
The pellets produced on the ENTEK extruders are a mixture of polyethylene with color concentrates and ultraviolet (UV) stabilizers mixed in. After production they are fed into single-screw extruders for monofilament and slit tape fiber lines. This unique ‘plastic to textile’ production results in TenCate’s finished product, the Thiolon® brand of synthetic fibers.
Turnkey Service a Plus
When originally sourcing new twin-screw extruders for the Dayton plant, TenCate considered numerous brands but chose ENTEK because of the company’s turnkey expertise and reputation for excellent customer service. “It was important to us that our supplier be able to provide readily-available parts and service,” said Bill Jones, TenCate’s Dayton Plant Engineer. “ENTEK was our choice for these reasons and also because they were able to provide us with complete turnkey services to help us get our first line up and running. This included designing their line to fit into our existing space, providing custom feeder and material handling equipment to go along with their twin-screw extruder, and handling installation and start-up.”
TenCate’s decision to work with ENTEK has paid off in numerous ways. The need for fast service was tested when one of the extruders had a problem with its gearbox. “I was away for the weekend and got a call early on Saturday that the extruder gearbox was malfunctioning,” said Jones. “I immediately called ENTEK; even though it was Saturday and it was 5:30 a.m. in Oregon, I got a live person on the phone. The bottom line is that within four days, and that includes the weekend, we had a new gearbox at our plant in Dayton and ENTEK technicians were there for us to help install it. This is just one example of how responsive ENTEK has been. They are there for us to help solve any and all problems we have.”
Bright Future for Synthetic Turf
TenCate in Dayton has doubled its output of turf fibers in the past seven years since the company was purchased from Polyloom Corporation in 2001. This increase in production has been necessary to keep up with the market for synthetic turf, which is growing worldwide at rates of at least 10-15%/year. “We will be installing several new monofilament lines to keep up with the demand,” said Jones. “And the next time we need a new compounding line, we will be talking with ENTEK. Working with them is a pleasure, whether we’re dealing with sales, engineering, or service.”
