Battenfeld-Cincinnati

As seen in the Tried & True Winter 2025 issue

Out in the rolling fields of McPherson, Kansas, Battenfeld-Cincinnati has humbly been shaping the future of manufacturing since 1977, steadily building a reputation as a powerhouse in extrusion technology. Originally founded as American Maplan Corporation, the company has become a leader in extrusion technology, building state-of-the-art equipment that serves industries from fencing and siding to pipe manufacturing. At the heart of their success is their dedication to developing cutting-edge technology while maintaining a down-to-earth, people-first approach–a combination that has made them invaluable to Fratco’s pipe production process.

We had the pleasure of sitting down with Paul Godwin, President and CEO of Battenfeld-Cincinnati, to talk about the company’s journey and its strong partnership with Fratco. Paul, who has been with the company for 25 years and took over as CEO in December 2016, has made it a priority to keep things simple and close-knit. “Companies can get very deep, very fast, and one of the things I felt was an opportunity to improve our organization was to flatten it,” Paul explains. “The greatest distance between me and any employee is one level. It makes it not only so that I’m reachable, but also that I’m aware of what is going on in every facet.” 

This philosophy of transparency and accessibility has also extended to the way Battenfeld-Cincinnati approaches its customers. For Paul, being in touch with the grounded realities of both his team and his customers is crucial to the company’s success. “I find that level of intimacy necessary to stay engaged with what is real for our customers, and not just what is real for us,” he says. It’s this customer-centric approach that has cemented the partnership between Battenfeld-Cincinnati and Fratco, a relationship built on honesty, trust and a shared dedication to innovation.

Battenfeld-Cincinnati specializes in the development of extrusion equipment, and for Fratco, this means extruders that manage both output rates and temperature control. When it comes to producing larger-diameter pipe, temperature control is critical. As Paul puts it, “The larger the pipe, the more critical the temperature control is. You get higher output rates because the melt temp is cooler, [and that] improves the finished products overall.” Thanks to Battenfeld-Cincinnati’s technology, Fratco can maintain high output rates without sacrificing the quality of the finished pipe–a win-win for both companies and their customers.

One of the standout features of Battenfeld-Cincinnati’s extruders is their ability to process reground material–scrap, excess or unused plastic that can be reintroduced into the production line. This capability not only helps Fratco reduce waste but also speaks to Battenfeld-Cincinnati’s commitment to optimizing the manufacturing process in every way possible. Paul and his team are always working to push the boundaries of what their machines can do, capitalizing on technology coming out of Europe, which Paul notes is often ahead of the curve in extrusion innovation.

But Battenfeld-Cincinnati’s success isn’t just about high-tech machinery. It’s about the people behind the technology–the 57 employees who work tirelessly to design, assemble and maintain the equipment. “I can walk out on the floor and ask my OD grinder operator how his family is doing, and know his family,” Paul says with pride. That connection with his team translates into a seamless, supportive relationship with customers like Fratco. “We can’t just be about ourselves,” he continues, “We have to be about something greater. So what’s greater than us? Our customers.”

Working closely with Chris Overmyer and others at Fratco, Paul’s team has built a relationship of mutual respect and transparency. “You don’t have to worry about what’s real or not,” Paul says of the partnership. “If it’s part of the conversations [with Fratco], it’s real.” From day one, there has been a sense of trust that underpins their collaboration. There’s no gamesmanship–just a shared goal of delivering the best products possible. 

Fratco is one of those companies that is pleasurable to work with. They don’t have to do business with us. So, the fact that they’ve chosen to do business with us is held in high regard throughout our organization.

At the end of the day, Battenfeld-Cincinnati’s partnership with Fratco is more than just a business arrangement–it’s a partnership based on shared values and a commitment to excellence. Together, they are driving innovation in the drainage industry, playing a significant role in much of Fratco’s pipe production. And with Paul Godwin at the helm, Battenfeld-Cincinnati is sure to be at the top of their game for years to come.