March 24, 2008

TACO Metals Adds Davis-Standard Extruders to New Tennessee Facility

Leading marine industry supplier TACO Metals recently purchased three extruders from Davis-Standard, LLC for the company’s new 170,000 square-foot (15,800 square-meter) facility in Sparta, Tennessee. The extruders include two 3 ˝-inch (90mm) Mark and one 1 ˝-inch (38mm) HPE extruder models that will be used for manufacturing rub rail products for recreational boat builders as well as expanded product line designs. TACO opened the new manufacturing and distribution facility in January to address expansion needs. It also positions TACO, with its other distribution facilities, within two days delivery time to many of their boat building, accessory manufacturing and aftermarket customers throughout the U.S. TACO is a return Davis-Standard customer, utilizing several Davis-Standard extruders at the company’s facilities in Florida to manufacture rub rail, rub rail inserts, general marine and industrial extrusions.

“Davis-Standard is our preferred extruder vendor because of the reliable and durable design of their extruders and availability of their sales, parts and service personnel,” said Joe Limansky, director of Product Development and Engineering at TACO. “Davis-Standard has done customized work to meet specific design requirements, adding efficiency to our processing. We appreciate their knowledgeable and service-oriented approach.”

The new extruders are engineered to run flexible PVC, rigid PVC and a variety of thermoplastic polymers. Due to the specialized nature of TACO’s business, the extruders were engineered to provide versatility and optimal processing rates. Davis-Standard’s Mark extruder is built for processors with multiple application requirements and value-engineered to meet demanding daily operational needs. Advantages include high outputs, a two-bolt pivot designed motor mounting, inverted L-style panel, and a three phase blower system.

Founded in 1959, TACO designs, engineers and manufactures over 1,000 quality marine products, including rub-rail, sport fishing equipment, leaning posts, T-tops, pipe and tubing, canvas top and tower hardware, hinges, latches, seats and pedestals. The company also manufactures architectural components including railing systems, specialty glass clamps, fittings and canopies, and a wide variety of plastic extrusions. In addition to the headquarters facility in Miami, TACO has two other sales and distribution facilities located in Florida, one in Massachusetts and their new manufacturing and distribution hub in Tennessee. TACO has established nearly a 50-year reputation of innovation, quality and service leadership in the marine and architectural industries, offering customers single-source supply chain management and value-added products. For more information, visit www.tacometals.com.

For more information about Davis-Standard’s Mark extruders, contact Wendell Whipple at wwhipple@davis-standard.com.