Kobelco Welding of Europe BV, the Dutch subsidiary of the Japan-based KOBE steel concern, has decided to expand its production facility in Heerlen, The Netherlands.
The company will invest 10 million euro in the production of flux-cored welding wire for mild steel. Production will begin in the first half of 2007. Kobelco expects to employ an additional 40 workers, doubling its current work force.
Presently, Kobelco in Heerlen makes this welding material for stainless steel and it produces 1,000 tons annually. The expansion means that Kobelco is responding to the expected growth in demand for this product for regular steel, according to the company. The company is looking to produce 6,000 tons of welding spools for this sector in 2008.
With a total capacity of 7,000 tons, Kobelco is one of the biggest producers of this product in Europe.
Kobelco selected Heerlen after comparing it with many other European locations because of its strategic geographical location in the European market and because of the support from the municipality of Heerlen and the development company LIOF.
For MORE NEWS BRIEFS, click here.
For a FREE SUBSCRIPTION to Expansion Management, click here.
Go to INTERNATIONAL SPOTLIGHTS to read more about other news and articles about international expansions.
Go to INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHTS to read more about other news and articles about this industry sector.
