German builder of CNC punch press, laser cutting and profiling and sheet metal working equipment, Trumpf, has invested US$14 million in a 4500m2 production plant in Japan.
Europe's largest machine tool manufacturer is to develop and produce sheet metal working automation concepts in Fukushima, Japan Trumpf, based in Ditzingen, Germany believed it is the first German machine tool manufacturer to launch production on Japanese soil
Head of the Trumpf Machine Tool and Power Tool Division, Dr Mathias Kammueller, said: "We are crowning 30 successful years with our Japanese sales and service company by setting a further milestone.
Our new subsidiary Trumpf Manufacturing Japan produces and also develops automation and warehousing concepts".
The new production site is located in Fukushima, 250km north of Tokyo.
Before the opening on April 22, 2008, six months of extensive reconstruction and renovation work had to be accomplished on the former site of an automotive industry supplier.
The excellent infrastructure with access to train and highways played an important role in the location selection.
In the first investment phase, 35 employees will work in a 4,500m2 production plant.
It is located on a 31.000m2 area that allows a further extension.
So far Trumpf has invested more than US$14 million.
The products manufactured in Fukushima are primarily aimed at application in Japan.
In combination with the compact and automated Trumpf sheet metal processing machines these comply especially well with the requirements of the Japanese market due to their comparatively small foot print.
The new production site will work closely with local suppliers to increase competitive advantage.
Trumpf told manufacturingtalk that Japan is among the top five markets worldwide.
The company's involvement in the 'land of the rising sun' has a long tradition.
In 1977, Trumpf started off with sales and services of machine tools for the local market.
Today, the company offers its complete range of products and reached sales of EUR 100 million (1.55 billion Yen) in fiscal year 2006/07.
Around 180 employees work for Trumpf in Japan including those of the new production site in Fukushima.
Dr Kammueller said: "The country represents a vital building block in our growth strategy for Asia.
Localizing production is another well thought-out step within this long-term expansion strategy".
At this week's MACH 2008 machine tool exhibition in the UK, the new managing director for Trumpf in the UK, Hartmut Pannen, told manufacturingtalk that the Japanese plant will also serve Asia and the Americas.
Trumpf had, in 2007, also set up an automation systems plant in the Czech Republic not far from Plsen.
Pannen added that Trumpf has a full order book and has exhibited an annual growth rate of 15%/year over the last 20 years.
Turnover in 2007 had reached EUR 1.98bn and the company forecasted more growth during 2008.
