Marca Technologies
Thank you for joining us again for another edition of Spartek’s monthly newsletter. This month, we are excited to introduce Marca Technologies, LLC – A Spartek Company, a recent acquisition that is transforming the way we approach custom manufacturing and metallization. From their rich history to their cutting-edge technology, Marca Technologies brings a wealth of innovation that’s enhancing our capabilities in exciting ways. We’ll review their unique offerings, advanced machinery, and what this means for the future of Spartek.
Introducing Marca Technologies: Over 150 Years of Innovation, Precision, and Industry Disruption
In February 2023, Spartek, Inc. proudly expanded its capabilities by acquiring Marca Coating Technologies in Gorham, ME. This purchase not only added a new layer of technological expertise but also brought on board a rich legacy of industrial innovation. Marca Technologies, formerly known as Knowlton Machine, has been a significant player in the manufacturing world since its founding in 1864. With over 150 years of experience in creating custom manufacturing equipment and solutions, Marca has continually disrupted industries with cutting-edge innovations, particularly in the field of physical vapor deposition (PVD).
A Legacy Built on Expertise and Precision
Marca’s history is rooted in mechanical ingenuity, and this spirit of innovation continues today. Originally established as Knowlton Machine, the company built its reputation by providing highly specialized machinery and equipment to sectors as diverse as textiles, paper, automotive, and plastics. The company’s technological advances, such as the Knowlton Turbine Water Wheel and adjustable boring mills, laid the foundation for a century and a half of growth. Now, under the banner of Marca Technologies, the company leverages its deep mechanical expertise to serve modern industries, offering comprehensive solutions in vacuum metallizing and automated production systems.
Marca’s 2009 acquisition of D2 Inline Solutions LLC, followed by the integration of Knowlton Machine in 2010, further solidified our place as industry leaders. Now, as part of Spartek, Marca continues to drive innovation, specializing in developing advanced inline PVD sputtering equipment and coating processes.
Cutting-Edge Technology for Modern Needs
Developed in 2003, the CM40 Cutlery Metallizing System employs advanced PVD technology to apply durable coatings on plastic cutlery, delivering a high-quality metal-like finish that enhances both appearance and functionality, making it ideal for premium disposable and reusable products. With an output potential of 92,000,000+ per year, the CM40 is a prime example of efficiency and ingenuity.
The Revolution 3D Vacuum Metallizer (R3D), represents a breakthrough in the industry. Designed to handle the full spectrum of three-dimensional plastic and glass parts, the R3D offers a fully integrated solution that eliminates manual handling and contamination, with seven-second cycle times and variable speed part rotation to ensure precision and consistency across all parts.
The R3D system, with its adjustable cathodes and patented technology, allows for greater adhesion between the metallized layer and the substrate, producing high-quality decorative finishes on a range of products. Whether metallizing parts for cosmetics, beauty packaging, or spirits closures, Marca Technologies’ PVD systems offer a seamless and scalable solution.
Unmatched Tooling and Customization Capabilities
What truly sets Marca apart is our vertical integration. Unlike many manufacturers, we design and fabricate all our own tooling and part-handling systems in-house. Allowing us to meet the specific needs of our clients quickly and efficiently, reducing lead times and production costs. Our tooling systems can be customized to ensure high throughput, durability, and decorative precision, whether you’re producing plastic caps, closures, jars, or bottles.
In industries such as spirits and cosmetics, where presentation and quality are paramount, ineffective tooling can result in significant production losses. We mitigate these risks at Marca by offering real-time, practical solutions for high-quality tooling and production. With our digital printing capabilities, we can rapidly test new tooling fixtures prior to cutting steel too inserts for molding. Our comprehensive machine shop includes some of the most advanced equipment available, such as the Haas VF-7 CNC Vertical Milling Machine, Haas Lathe, Miltronics VM-30 CNC Vertical Milling Machine, and WMW BMT CNC Horizontal Milling Machine, ensuring that no project is too complex for us to handle.
From design to assembly, our in-house fabrication capabilities allow us to offer a complete manufacturing solution under one roof, drastically reducing the time, cost, and logistical challenges of working with multiple suppliers. Our fabrication shop is equipped to handle everything from precision CNC milling to sandblasting, finishing, weld shop, and painting.
Versatility in Manufacturing
Marca Technologies has made a name for itself by offering custom solutions across industries. We have a long history of collaborating with automotive, cosmetic, paper, and beverage companies, providing custom-built equipment and automated systems tailored to their needs. Our ability to retrofit existing machines, design integrated systems for lean manufacturing, and comply with Six Sigma standards allows us to provide comprehensive solutions that enhance both efficiency and output.
Whether we’re developing systems for pick-and-place automation, designing complete manufacturing cells, or offering custom-built metalizing systems, Marca ensures that every piece of equipment is designed to fit seamlessly into your production process, helping you scale and grow.
A History of Industry Leadership
The roots of Marca Technologies extend back to 1864 when Knowlton Machine was founded. Over the years, the company’s innovations in turbine water wheels, vacuum metallizing technology, and machining tools have made it a staple in manufacturing industries throughout the United States. The company’s ability to adapt and evolve has been key to its longevity. In the early 20th century, Knowlton Machine began pioneering PVD technology, which laid the groundwork for the advanced vacuum metallizing systems we utilize today.
What Does the Future Hold?
As part of the Spartek family, Marca Technologies is positioned for growth and innovation. With our full spectrum of metallizing, coating, and fabrication services, we are committed to continuing our legacy of excellence in manufacturing.
Sneak Peek into Next Month’s Post: In next month’s newsletter, we’ll dive into a case study of our decade-long relationship with TricorBraun and Tito’s Vodka. Learn how Spartek, with the help of Marca Technologies, solved durability issues with Tito’s copper bottle caps and scaled up production to meet growing demand. Stay tuned!
As always, we truly value your feedback and appreciate your continued support as part of the Spartek, Inc. community. To stay connected with the latest news and innovations from Marca Technologies, be sure to follow us on LinkedIn! Don’t forget to like, comment, and share this post with your network. You can reach out directly via email at info@spartekinc.com. We look forward to hearing from you!
