INX International Ink expands US operations

The Charlotte plant produces 2-piece metal decorating inks for customers in North and South America, Asia and to support the UK manufacturing facility in Europe. The 23,000 sq ft addition brings the total amount to 65,000 sq ft, creating warehouse and dock space in addition to more room for manufacturing engineering, maintenance and offices.

‘We spent several months having our Charlotte team make a smooth transition,’ said Rick Clendenning, president and CEO of INX International Ink Co. ‘The expansion allowed us to free up additional space in the original building for current and future manufacturing projects to support our metal customers, and be in a position to support other product lines.’

Customer demand in recent years increased production levels and pushed the facility beyond its intended capacity, said John Hrdlick, chief operating officer for INX.

INX has indicated that the Charlotte site set a new production record in 2016, and are hopeful 2017 will be another record-breaker now that staff have acclimated to the new space.

‘When the original building was constructed in 2004, it was designed to handle annual production of 9.5 million pounds,’ said Hrdlick, who began his long run with the company in Charlotte with Acme Printing Company, which was later acquired by INX. ‘Our production levels have risen steadily since 2009, when annual production was at 11.9 million pounds. Last year it exceeded 16 million pounds.’

Hrdlick said ongoing adjustments were made through the years to continue achieving production levels. He said the expansion now allows everything to be done under one roof.

‘We added equipment over the years and have been running 24/7 for some time with four crew shifts, so job growth has been significant,' he said. 'To compensate for the prior lack of space, we rented an off site warehouse since 2010. The expansion eliminates this need and cost, and having adequate space on site for safety stocks improves service to our customers.

‘The additional dock space allows us to stage shipments in a more efficient and timely manner. Going forward, maintaining our equipment and working on new projects are critical. We now have adequate room dedicated to those activities.’