Manufacturing Today Issue - 216 September 2023 | Page 158

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molding and toolmaking by 1994 . Today , Sanko UK operates with a diverse array of machines , ranging from 220-to-3200 tons .
Our Skelmersdale facility houses large equipment units , and focuses on serving the automotive sector , with approximately 99 percent of its operations dedicated to this industry . Thus , since 1990 , we have transitioned away from non-automotive manufacturing , such as air conditioning units . The production of air conditioning units has been shifted to the Far East where it is more cost-efficient . Instead , we have shifted our focus to being heavily involved in the automotive industry , particularly in the electric vehicle ( EV ) sector . As a group , Sanko ’ s automotive operations currently account for approximately 60 percent of its turnover . This significant contribution can be attributed to the growth of Sanko UK ’ s automotive manufacturing operations , which have played a pivotal role in driving the group ' s overall performance and success . While most of our toolmaking operations are now conducted in our Far East divisions due to cost considerations , we still manufacture some of our tools in the UK . This allows us to retain some level of toolmaking capabilities locally .
Strategic investments
“ Additionally , in 2021 , we acquired another facility in Birmingham , which serves as a valuable complement to our injection molding operations . This facility specializes in secondary processes , adding value to our overall manufacturing operations . Moreover , it enables us to offer a broader range of
services , including interior products . Basically , the Birmingham facility receives the plastic produced in Skelmersdale and efficiently
TR
Fastenings are proud to have been supplying Sanko Gosei UK with automotive fasteners for around 20 years trfastenings . com
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