Photo by Rico Group Executives from Rico Elastomere Projecting GmbH and Silcoplast AG, two of the three partners in the new Rico Group network.

Three companies — silicone parts makers Rico Elastomere Projecting of Thalheim; injection moulder and toolmaker Silcoplast of Wolfhalden, Switzerland; and US company Simtec Silicone Parts — have formed an international elastomers and plastics processing network called Rico Group.

The group was formed in April, when Miramar, Florida-based Simtec founder and president Enrique Camacho “transferred his shares” to the venture, based at REP’s Thalheim headquarters.

This followed a deal between the two European companies late last year, according to an announcement from REP.

Rico Group’s goal is to supply customers with a uniform high standard in mold technology, parts production and clean room production throughout the world.

Among other capabilities, the company said it will leverage REP’s LSR and elastomer mould technology, including for two-shot applications.

In a statement, Alfred Griesbaum, Johannes Grabner and Gerhard Kornfelder, founders and owners of Rico and the Rico Group, said the group could “solve technically challenging tasks together with our customers while supporting them from the development of their first designs to the finished products. We offer this service to our customers worldwide through the Rico Group.”

According to the REP statement, the merger will not change the identity and culture of the individual sites or customers’ contact partners.

“Under the umbrella of Rico Group, all customers will profit from an extended service offer and an increased service level at the same time,” the statement said. “Pending tasks will be solved with strong dynamics and coordinated within the group.”