ABA-PGT, Inc., a customer injection molder and mold maker of precision plastic gearing, announces the formation of a Research & Development Department. Tim Vale, former engineering manager at the firm, has been promoted to Director of R&D, and becomes a member of the president’s staff. ABA-PGT, which started out in the 1950s as ABA Tool & Die to service the aircraft industry in and around the Hartford, CT area, developed the plastic tooth profile as well as plastic gearing books and software. ABA-PGT has over 50 molding machines, the vast majority of which are electric, in two facilities, the headquarters operation in Manchester, CT, and a "lights out" plant in nearby Vernon, CT. Additionally, ABA-PGT continues to be an industry leader in building the injection molds, for plastic gearing as well as many other non-gear applications. ABA-PGT has Wire EDM and Ram EDM capabilities, as well as metrology equipment designed for gear applications, including a new sound lab. In his new role, Vale will coordinate efforts to advance the company’s technical leadership position, and promote plastics gearing applications as it relates to quality, load carrying capabilities (i.e. metal replacement) and noise reduction. In addition, Mr. Vale will continue automation efforts to reduce labor costs and compete effectively with offshore operations, with an emphasis on the medical market, the fastest growing segment of the business. Most importantly, the R&D group will provide a technical resource for customers with the mission of finding new ways to help them succeed.