CKMN July Meeting Recap: Plastics Extrusion Machinery (PEM)

CKMN Members Tour PEM’s State of the Art Facility

On July 9, around 30 CKMN members and partners gathered at Plastics Extrusion Machinery (PEM) in McPherson, Kansas for an inside look at one of the region’s most impressive manufacturing operations. The event began with lunch and networking, followed by brief remarks from CKMN Executive Director Danica Rome.

After lunch, attendees heard an engaging discussion about PEM’s journey including its origins, challenges, and future opportunities. In today’s unpredictable business climate, PEM stands out not only for staying resilient but for continuing to evolve and thrive.

Manufacturers face a range of complex challenges, including workforce recruitment and retention, supply chain constraints, tariffs, and cultural shifts. One of PEM’s biggest turning points came when it became clear they had outgrown their previous space. That realization led to the design and construction of a brand-new, custom-built facility in 2021.

This new facility was designed with intention from the ground up. PEM worked closely with local partners to bring their vision to life, including building around an existing oil well and engineering a one-way air flow system that keeps the shop cool in the summer and warm in the winter. The layout supports not only current operations but future growth, with expansion being thought of in the building process.

PEM also faces unique logistical challenges, including the need to move machines weighing up to 40,000 pounds across the facility and onto trucks for delivery. To address this, they integrated multiple overhead cranes throughout the building and designed their equipment with crane hookups to ensure safe and efficient movement.

The tour gave members a firsthand look at PEM’s innovative approach to manufacturing and facility design, offering valuable insight into how manufacturers can adapt, improve, and stay competitive in an ever-changing environment.

Thank you to PEM for hosting, and to all who attended.