About Billy.
William (Bill/Billy) Claerbout has enjoyed working in the exciting and evolving world of rotational molding for the past 25+ years. He has worked in all aspects of the industry, also helping to start several successful factories ground up. His wealth of knowledge and firsthand experiences in rotational molding push Billy to spread his enthusiasm, continuing to advance the industry for generations to come.
Early Passion
As a young man, Billy started his career in rotomolding in his family’s factory, Dutchland Plastics. In 2013, he and his wife joined his wife’s family business, Fibeco Corporation, in Sheboygan Falls, WI where they brought Billy’s love of rotational molding by developing a proprietary process for creating prototypes for rotomolding. From filling resin buckets, to casting, supervising, machine scheduling, quality control, setting up complex ERP systems, logistics, developing good workflow units, assembly lines, and everything in between, Billy has worked in all aspects of manufacturing. Subsequently, he has built new machines, taken down old machines, and has helped develop factories from the ground up.
Development
After being sought after and approached by individuals, designers, engineers, molders and manufacturers over the years, Billy developed another passion – helping others succeed in rotational molding. Ultimately, his experience in developing his own successful companies has led him to consult with other individuals and companies to help them start their own rotational molding factories, find custom molders to make their product, gain efficiencies, reduce scrap, train employees, save money, set-up assembly lines, dial in their processes, identify goals and succeed in making their goals reality. Billy wants to help you and your company have the same passion and energy for this unique and diverse process as he has for it.
Today
Nowadays, you will still find Billy working on the factory floor getting his hands dirty and casting on machines. Undoubtedly, this is something that sets him apart as a consultant. His involvement in manufacturing allows him to close the potential gap between office work and production goals. Billy strives to maintain and build relationships with the people he has worked with and continues to work with and is always excited to learn and develop new things for the industry. His vast knowledge of all business inner workings diversifies him. His passion and love for rotational molding will continue to drive him in the future. He enjoys testing new materials and processes, challenging part designs, and being able to serve a wide range of industries.
Presently, he is an active member of the Association of Rotational Molders (ARM) and has also served on multiple committees.
Hobbies
Generally, when Billy is not roto molding, you can find him coaching his daughter’s basketball and softball teams or enjoying a beer while watching his favorite baseball team, the Milwaukee Brewers.
Areas of Experience
01
DESIGN and MATERIAL SUPPORT for ROTATIONAL MOLDED PARTS
Whether you are designing a new product for rotational molding, updating an existing design, or experiencing a design problem, Billy will work with you to find the best solution for your product(s). Overall, his diligence, combined with his ability to think 3-Dimensionally, and his knowledge regarding machine tendencies allows him to quickly grasp what proper tooling or part design looks like in order to achieve desired results. Billy has created long-term relationships with top resin suppliers for rotational molding. As a result, he is always sampling new materials as well as trialing latest technologies before they hit the market. With the use of internal temperature loggers, he can help dial in materials in process, ensuring cure temperatures are met and help resin manufacturers ensure the data they provide their customers is accurate.
02
PROTOTYPE AND PRODUCTION ROTATIONAL MOLDING
With 25+ years of experience in rotational molding, and 12 years in prototype molding, Billy offers ample support and knowledge in one or both these processes. Need prototype parts? Billy can help. Need new production tooling? Billy can help. Need to find a production supplier or new home for your existing roto tooling? Billy can help. Trying to decide what type of resin works best for your application? Billy can help.
03
ERP SYSTEMS
Throughout his career, Billy has assisted in the creation and implementation of several complex ERP systems for rotational molding. These systems have helped other companies in managing customer relations, better inventory management and have streamlined company processes. Billy’s experience in the roto molding industry combined with his experience in starting and running factories has equipped him with understanding and mastery in the business intelligence, supply chain management, manufacturing and logistics management, and inventory and warehouse management aspects of ERP.
04
MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT for ROTATIONAL MOLDING
Billy is well-educated regarding the equipment and machinery used in rotational molding. From installation of new roto machines, to dismantling, moving or repairing existing equipment. Furthermore, he has experience with most types of machinery, as well as owning and operating his own machines. This has allowed him to more easily diagnose issues and troubleshoot issues specific to rotational molding machines. Looking to get into rotational molding, but don’t know what machine might work best for your business? Billy can help. Need help laying out a floor plan in your factory for the footprint of your new roto machine? Billy can help.
05
GAINING EFFICIENCIES in ROTATIONAL MOLDING
Having the right materials and tools needed for the job, or automating processes can save valuable time and money. Strategic mold changes, cycle times, how tooling is framed or mounted to your machine, what molds you run on each arm, and scheduling can dramatically affect your output. From setting your oven castors up for success to having your secondary work cells flowing properly, Billy can evaluate and offer guidance on making your factory floor streamlined from top to bottom.
06
SCRAP REDUCTION, QUALITY, and COST SAVINGS for ROTATIONAL MOLDING
Scrap reduction is one of the #1 issues most molders face. Do you struggle with scrap, or quality issues in rotational molding? Billy will evaluate how molds are vented, give suggestions on how you can adjust your oven settings to further ensure parts are not under or over-baked, help balance your arms properly, show you how to adjust wall thicknesses in trouble areas, help properly train your employees, and all in all make a better-quality part every cycle. What’s your problem? Billy can help.
25+
Years of Experience
Billy has been rotomolding since he was old enough to help out in his family’s factory as a young man. This is where his love for the industry began. After 25 years, he is more excited about where the industry is going than ever before and wants to share his knowledge and experiences to help continue the tradition.