Outlook 2021: Focus on key strategic sectors

For 2021, the major trends will continue to evolve in terms of technology, sustainability solutions, waste and production efficiencies, according to Sekaran Murugaiah, Vice President Business Development – Asia Pacific at Davis-Standard LLC. 

The pandemic not only impacted the plastics industry, but every aspect of how business is done. Davis-Standard’s response for managing to overcome this challenge can be categorised as internal and external responses. “Internally, we have increased the level and frequency of communication on several fronts. This includes the state of the business, clear guidelines on safe operations of the business by site, safe practices for travel, social distancing, mask use and hand-washing or sanitizer application,” according to Mr. Murugaiah.

Davis-Standard has also established remote working video calls and remote service and commissioning of machinery. “We have enhanced our online marketing efforts and presence significantly with market-specific webinars, training, and continuing of educational blog posts. We have multiple and established supply chains for key sectors with high demands like the medical and flexible packaging sectors. A major focus has also been in the aftermarket business,” Mr. Murugaiah explains.

Mr. Sekaran Murugaiah, Vice President Business Development 

– Asia Pacific at Davis-Standard LLC. 

For a significant part of 2021, Davis-Standard’s operations will continue to be impacted by the pandemic and economic uncertainties. According to Mr. Murugaiah: “The good news is, Davis-Standard is well-placed to support key market segments during this uncertain time. New products launched by Davis-Standard in the recent past will provide significant value to customer operations including the dsX flex-pack™ extrusion coating and lamination line for the growing flexible packaging market.”

One of these lines currently is being assembled at Davis-Standard’s subsidiary in Suzhou, China, which according to Mr. Murugaiah, will continue to play a significant role in providing an efficient supply chain solution to customers in Asia. Davis-Standard also has an established aftermarket supply chain and upgrade offering to support cost-effective production improvements. “We are also taking advantage of smart technology. The DS Activ-Check™ provides continuous extruder monitoring for real-time preventative maintenance with early notification of potential extruder failures. This promotes highly efficient operations and minimal downtime,” Mr. Murugaiah adds.  

The company will continue to focus on key strategic areas, specifically medical, flexible packaging and automotive applications. As explained by Mr. Murugaiah: “For example, the electric automotive market sector is expected to provide new growth potential. We will also continue to elevate support to customers on the front lines of providing protective solutions to address the pandemic.”