Wilson Tool Expands European Headquarters
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Wilson Tool International adds 22,000 sq. ft. of manufacturing and training capacity in Swindon, England.
WHITE BEAR LAKE, MINN. (Aug. 27, 2009) - Wilson Tool International, the world's largest independent manufacturer of tooling systems for punch presses, press brakes and punch and die components for the stamping industry, has expanded its European headquarters in Swindon, England.
The 22,000 sq. ft. expansion includes new space for manufacturing as well as a dedicated customer and employee training center. The additional manufacturing space enabled the addition of new machines to be used to manufacture press brake tooling, the company's fastest growing product line.
The expansion will also allow Wilson Tool to make continuous improvements to toward its lean manufacturing goals by creating new flow lines for the production of punch press and press brake tooling.
"Changing our layout to flow will improve efficiencies and eliminate waste in our manufacturing processes," said Ray John, Manufacturing Manager. "Reducing our lead times, particularly for special tools, is a key objective of Wilson Tool in 2009. Our commitment to lean manufacturing has already enabled us to manufacture cluster tools and lance and form tools in three days. The new facility will give us the capacity to reduce the lead times of our other special tools."
The new customer training center is designed to be a educational destination for sheet metal fabricators throughout Europe. The facility was opened on May 13 with a Productivity Seminar attended by 69 customers who were interested in learning more about lean manufacturing for sheet metal fabrication. Customers attended workshops on lean manufacturing as well as practical punch press and press brake demonstrations in Wilson Tool's Technology Centre. Additional seminar dates and training for specific product lines will be added in the future.
Wilson Tool is committed to serving the European market through expanded manufacturing capabilities and enhanced customer training opportunities. The recent expansion brings the total footprint of the company's European headquarters to 82,000 sq. ft. and demonstrates their commitment to this valuable market.
About Wilson Tool
Since 1966, Wilson Tool International® (www.wilsontool.com) has been a leading provider of tooling solutions that enhance the performance of sheet metal fabricating machinery worldwide. Wilson Tool is the world's largest independent manufacturer of tooling systems for punch presses, press brakes and punch and die components for the stamping industry. Products are manufactured at the company's world headquarters in White Bear Lake, Minn., USA, at their European facility in Swindon, England, and their site in Shanghai, China, which serves a growing customer base in that region. Wilson Tool's network of sales engineers and international distributors operate in virtually every industrialized nation around the globe.
