American Trim’s innovative design awarded at the APP New Product Design Competition in Memphis, Tennessee
Lima, Ohio May 4, 2007 American Trim is known for providing innovation and technology in the fields of metal forming and metal finishing to the home appliance industry. This dedication has most recently been recognized at the 2007 Innovations Conference held in Memphis, Tennessee which hosted the annual Alliance of Plastic Processors (APP) New Product Design Competition. Of the 31 parts competing for top honors in several categories, Whirlpool’s Duet door trim ring, supplied by American Trim, shared top honors. This trim ring is designed and manufactured by American Trim in conjunction with Minco Tool and Die Inc and All Service Molding Inc (both out of Dayton, Ohio). In the past few years laundry products have joined in the innovation and design world by becoming more than just a utilitarian appliance used to clean clothing. The Whirlpool trim ring was previously plastic, but responding to customers’ preference of a metallic look it was decided to use real metal in the design. American Trim together with Minco Tool and Die Mold Inc designed an aluminum trim ring insert that was backfilled with plastic. Once the aluminum ring is formed at American Trim it is sent to All Service Plastic Molding Inc for the plastic insert. The ring is then fit right on the door of the Whirlpool Duet front load washer and dryer. This renovated product was introduced to the market in March of 2007. Representatives at Minco Tool and Die Mold have said that this is the largest decorated mold product in the market based on size and production volume. American Trim plans to keep providing innovative solutions to the appliance industry so metal can continue to be used economically on appliances.