European plant to double production capacity

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Jun 27, 2003

THK is making a further major investment in its European manufacturing facilities, with the start of development on the second stage of its production centre in Alsace, France.

THK is making a further major investment in its European manufacturing facilities, with the start of development on the second stage of its production centre in Alsace, France.

Due for completion by the middle of 2003 the new expanded facilities will more than double production capacity to 33,000m2 and will be used for the manufacture of the latest range of high-performance linear guides specifically for the European market.

The production centre in Alsace is already manufacturing a range of link balls, for automotive applications, and Type SHS, SSR and KR compact linear actuators, which are used throughout industry in applications including product handling, machine tool placement and robotics.

From July 2003, production will also commence on both the unique Super Roller Guide (SRG) linear motion system, which combines both Caged Ball and linear-roller technology, as well as the latest SNR-H linear guide in all sizes.

The ground breaking ceremony was carried out late in 2002 by Akihiro Teramachi, THK's President and CEO and he explained: "The second stage of development represents part of a long term programme of investment in our network of European manufacturing, technical, sales and customer support centres.

We have already invested over 30 million Euros in the Alsace centre and this will enable us to produce a much wider range of products for the European market, helping to increase areas of application while reducing factors such as delivery time and unit cost; additionally, as part of doubling the production capacity, employee numbers will significantly increase by the end of 2003".

"By the time the third and final stage of development is completed in 2005, the Alsace facility will be one of the world's largest dedicated production plants for LM guides.

Of the 210,000m2 available, 80,000m2 will ultimately be used for production, creating over 600 jobs in total.

Our primary objective is to continue to provide the highest levels of customer service through ongoing investment in our manufacturing capabilities, as well as continuing to the develop innovative and unique linear motion solutions".