Japan-Based Foundry Builds First U.S. Manufacturing Facility
Global manufacturer of alloy castings for the automotive and industrial sectors, Kimura Foundry America, has announced plans to locate its first U.S.-based manufacturing facility in Shelbyville, Indiana. The 35,200-square-foot plant, built on 10 acres of property, will house 3D-printing equipment which will facilitate the production of complex castings and molds for its U.S. clients. Planning to break ground in October 2017, the subsidiary of Japan’s Kimura Group targets a December 2018 opening and plans to create 20 new jobs by 2020.
The company uses a proprietary process for casting molds using 3D printing technology, allowing it to manufacture products including stamping die castings and machine and industrial tool castings. These products are used in automotive engine parts, pumps, compressors and energy components. “Kimura has established a Development Department and is engaged in thoroughly researching improvements in quality and in developments of new products. This approach has enabled us to introduce positive techniques in the casting industry, which used to depend only on workers’ experience and good sense. The results of these research outcomes are fed back to our foundries,” reads the company’s website.
“When we were searching for our first U.S. manufacturing partner, Indiana offered exactly what we were seeking,” said Yoya Fukuda, Ph.D., president of Kimura Foundry America. “That is because Indiana is strategically located in the epicenter of the industries we serve. The state’s highly-developed transportation networks and its highly-skilled manufacturing workforce were an excellent match. Indiana has a long history of welcoming Japanese companies to the state, and we are looking forward to joining the many other Japanese companies in Shelby County.” Kimura Group employs more than 830 associates at its 10 facilities across three locations in Japan and at its North American sales office in Schaumburg, Illinois.
“Shelbyville is a great community in a prime location for industry growth with capable Hoosiers ready to get to work,” stated State Representative Sean Eberhart (R-Shelbyville). “Kimura Foundry America is a perfect fit as they join other global manufacturing companies that already call Shelbyville home.”
Kimura Group employs more than 830 associates at 10 facilities across three sites in Japan and at its North American sales office near Chicago. The company uses a proprietary process for casting molds using 3D-printing technology, allowing it to manufacture products including stamping die castings and machine and industrial tool castings used in automotive engine parts, pumps, compressors, and energy components.
Sources: Business Facilities, Foundry Magazine, Industrial Heating, Indiana House Republicans
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