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Sep 24, 2023

Imflux closing Ohio site as business model switches to royalty

Hamilton, Ohio-based Imflux Inc., a software and engineering firm that is

Hamilton, Ohio-based Imflux Inc., a software and engineering firm that is subsidiary of Procter & Gamble Co., is closing its offices as part of a decision to scale down and streamline operations.

Some 200,000 square feet of business space will close June 30 but P&G will continue to make the Imflux controller technology available to the injection molding industry, according to an April 3 letter to customers and partners from Chief Technology Officer Gene Altonen.

Imflux processing software uses low pressure and low heat to mold while taking advantage of the way polymers flow. The company has been on a decade-long mission to promote the efficient and sustainable molding process and company officials remain dedicated to it, the letter says.

Imflux had been partnering with machine builders, starting with Milacron in 2018, to integrate the processing technology into presses.

The Imflux process is essentially the opposite to conventional high-pressure, fast-fill injection molding. Benefits include lower shear rates and expanded capability to run post-consumer resin.

"While our software retrofit model and mold shop helped enable new possibilities and generate enthusiasm for the technology, it has not proven to be scalable as an investment choice for P&G," Altonen said. "Instead, P&G will transition to make the Imflux technology available through: third party sales, field installation and service capability; a royalty-free license to OEM innovators; and a team within P&G who will support technical transfer across the industry."

While this is a significant change, Altonen said Imflux staff will work closely with employees, customers and partners during the transition to this new business model.

For planned installations, Imflux will continue the retrofit installation process under the following conditions: the required OEM interface will be available by June 1; the installation can be completed by June 15 or supported remotely; education can be completed by June 15 at the Imflux headquarters or virtually; and, the process support for up to one week can be completed by June 15.

After June 15, customer installations will no longer be provided by Imflux. However, Altonen said the installations can be supported through its outsourced supply chain and royalty free licensing options.

Imflux staff will contact customers within the next two weeks to discuss details of the licensing options.

"We are working with our supply chain partners to offer a specific ordering process for new Imflux systems, and to provide a spare parts ordering procedure with each component supplier," Altonen said, adding that more details with customers and partners by June 1.

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