Gestamp is to construct its first plant in Japan to start production in the first of next year, employing 80 staff initially with up to 180 envisaged if growth expectations are met.
Gestamp Hot Stamping Japan, the name of the new plant, will involve an initial investment of EUR37m (US$39.2m) for the Spanish multinational company, a figure which could reach up to EUR65m in a second expansion.
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The parts manufactured in Matsusaka will be intended for Japan’s domestic car market.
The built-up area of Gestamp’s plant in Japan will eventually occupy, in the two phases of its development, 15,000 square metres, on a plot of land measuring 59,000 m2.
In the facilities, Gestamp will manufacture metal Body in White parts using hot stamping technology, the key to reducing the vehicle’s weight.
With Japan, Gestamp will add a new country to its industrial scope, although the company already had an active presence in the Japanese market through technical and commercial offices, which provided support to its clients during recent years.
“Gestamp will offer [an] industrial alternative that will complement what is currently on offer on the Japanese market, something that our clients are already aware of due to our relationship with them in many countries,” said Gestamp chairman and CEO, Francisco Riberas.
The important role Japan plays in Gestamp’s international strategy can also be seen in its relationship with Mitsui, which purchased 12.525% of Gestamp at the end of 2016 and has been a partner holding a 30% stake in the Group’s American operations since 2013.
