New Tensioner Plant Completed on Saitama Plant Premises

This mother plant will lead auto parts production at 12 plants in eight countries

On July 8, Tsubakimoto Chain Co. (President: Yasushi Ohara, Headquarters: Kita-ku, Osaka) held a completion ceremony for its new auto parts plant on its Saitama Plant premises in the city of Hanno, Saitama Prefecture.

As the world's No.1 supplier of timing chain systems for auto engines (with 37% of global market share), Tsubakimoto Chain maintains production hubs in eight countries: Japan, U.S.A., U.K., Thailand, China, South Korea, Mexico, and Czech Republic. The Saitama Plant serves as the mother plant for these locations.

The new plant will manufacture tensioners*, an essential component of auto engine timing chain systems. The tensioner plant features automated equipment and automated transfer for on-site distribution that could not be accommodated in the confined space of the old plant. The new facility also features new production lines for high-mix/low-volume manufacturing as well as IoT and AI technologies allowing for visualization of production management systems and operating conditions. The plant was envisioned as an innovative manufacturing facility offering both high efficiency and outstanding quality.

This eco-friendly plant incorporates solar power generation systems, energy-efficient lighting and air conditioning equipment, rooftop greening, and other environmental features. The plant has been provided with rainwater storage cisterns under the buildings to better withstand earthquakes, floods, and other natural disasters.

The plant is scheduled to be fully operational by December 2019.

*A part used to suppress vibration in auto engine timing chains

Overview of the New Tensioner Plant

Location:

20, Shinko, Hanno, Saitama (inside Tsubakimoto Chain’s Saitama Plant)

Building footprint:

10,400 ㎡;

Total floor area:

11,300 ㎡ (on two floors)

Construction period:

August 2018 – July 2019

Operations start:

December 2019