Nissei, a Nagano, Japan-based maker of injection molding machines (IMMs), has expanded its North American factory in San Antonio, with operations beginning in February.
The company’s strategic plan has called for establishment of a global system with five production bases, in Japan, China, Thailand, the U.S. and Italy. The Nissei America subsidiary was established in November 2016, and the factory opened in March 2018, providing large-tonnage IMMs ranging from 560 tons to 1,300 tons of clamping force.
As a result of tariffs imposed on China during the first Trump administration and the subsequent reshoring trend, the company said in a news release that it has been increasing production, delivering more than 200 IMMs to the North, Central and South American markets.
The expansion at the U.S. facility is in response to inquiries about super large-size IMMs for markets such as automotive, housing and construction, the company said. More than 30,500 square feet of new floor space will allow assembly of IMMs with clamping forces up to 3,000 tons.
The Nissei America facility also houses a technical center for trials, demonstration and testing, hands-on training classes, and a parts center.
