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October 2018

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THK Expands Manufacturing Plants and Automated Processes



THK is taking steps to meet the growing worldwide demand for linear motion products. "THK has recently invested over a half-billion dollars in new brick and mortar facilities that will increase floor space for its global manufacturing operations to just under 10.5 million sq. ft. In the U.S. alone, THK has increased the number of components shipped by 30% over the last two years, with strategic production increases made to date as it focuses worldwide to keep up with a demand for linear motion products that reached a 10-year high in 2017," said a company spokesperson.

Orders for linear motion guides, components that enable machine tools to perform precise positioning operations in industries that include aerospace, machine tool, packaging and medical, increased by 31.6% in 2017. This figure far surpassed the industry forecast of 8% and late in the year supplies began to tighten as demand for these vital manufacturing components exceeded production capacity. "THK, the company that first commercialized linear motion technology in 1972, took a strategic look at how to work expeditiously to fill existing orders and to positively address the long-term need to expand manufacturing to satisfy customer orders," added the spokesperson.

"Committed to investing in the future, THK is expanding production with a capital investment of over a half-billion dollars at manufacturing facilities in Yamagata, Japan, and in Vietnam and adding a 366,000 sq. ft. facility in India. This will increase THK production by an additional 30% once all expansions are fully in place," continued the spokesperson. To enable increased production while maintaining a high standard of precision and accuracy associated with the products, THK is also automating processes at existing facilities, including at its U.S. manufacturing plant in Ohio. To assist in meeting customer demand for linear motion products, THK has further invested in R&D of its LM components as well as in human resources.

For more information contact:

THK America, Inc.

200 E. Commerce Dr.

Schaumburg, IL 60173

847-310-1111

marketing@thk.com

www.thk.com

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