As demand for custom aluminum extrusions continued to rise across North America, Vitex Extrusions — now operating as MMG Engineered Extrusions — launched a multi-phase modernization initiative designed to dramatically increase production capacity, improve material flow, and automate downstream processes.
To support this expansion, the company partnered with Belco Industries to engineer and install a fully integrated automated aging and packing system featuring three custom age ovens and a high-efficiency automated material handling line.
The Challenge
Following a major investment in a new fully automated 2,920-ton extrusion press line, MMG Extrusions needed to modernize the next phase of its operation to keep pace with increasing throughput. The company required a system capable of:
- Increasing aging capacity
- Reducing manual material handling
- Improving workflow between extrusion, aging, and packaging
- Enhancing operator safety
- Supporting future growth and automation initiatives
The goal was to create a seamless, automated process from extrusion through shipping while maintaining consistent product quality and operational efficiency.
The Belco Solution
Belco Industries designed and manufactured a fully integrated automated aging and packing system tailored specifically to MMG Extrusions’ production requirements.
The system included:
- Three Belco Flo-Thru age ovens
- Automated in-feed and out-feed conveyor systems
- Rack stacking and transfer automation
- Integrated packing and bundling equipment
- PLC controls with process tracking and trending data
- Automated material flow between staging, aging, and packaging
The result was one of the industry’s most comprehensive automated extrusion material handling systems.
Automated Aging & Material Flow
Belco’s system was engineered to minimize manual handling while maximizing throughput and repeatability.
Once extrusion racks are loaded with profiles, the automated conveyor system transfers them into a staging area where racks are automatically stacked and routed into one of the three age ovens. Each oven operates with PLC-based controls that monitor and track process data to maintain tight control over aging cycles and ensure consistent results.
After the aging cycle is complete, racks automatically transfer out of the ovens and into the packaging area, where Belco’s automated packing system de-stacks and bundles profiles for shipment.
This streamlined approach created a continuous production flow from extrusion through packaging while significantly improving operational efficiency and plant logistics.
Supporting a Major Expansion
The Belco installation played a critical role in MMG Extrusions’ broader $30 million modernization project, which doubled the company’s annual extrusion capacity to 55 million pounds and expanded the facility footprint to approximately 150,000 square feet.
By integrating automation into downstream aging and packaging operations, MMG Extrusions was able to:
- Increase throughput capabilities
- Improve labor efficiency
- Reduce bottlenecks
- Enhance workplace safety
- Support growing customer demand
- Position the facility for long-term scalability
The completed project transformed the Franklin, New Hampshire operation into one of the most advanced aluminum extrusion facilities in North America.
Engineering Partnerships That Drive Results
At Belco Industries, every system is engineered around the customer’s operation, production goals, and future growth plans. For MMG Extrusions, that meant delivering more than ovens — it meant designing a complete automated material handling solution capable of supporting high-volume extrusion manufacturing.
From custom age ovens and conveyor systems to integrated automation and packaging equipment, Belco continues to help extrusion manufacturers improve efficiency, increase capacity, and modernize operations with turnkey engineered solutions.
About Belco Industries
Belco Industries designs and manufactures custom extrusion and finishing systems for manufacturers across North America. With decades of experience in aluminum extrusion automation, Belco provides engineered solutions including age ovens, die ovens, handling systems, conveyors, packing lines, and turnkey automation systems built to improve productivity and performance.
