Kaiser Precision Tooling Becomes Part of BIG Daishowa
The fully consolidated portfolio of tooling and ancillary products will help balance global manufacturing resources and manage market and currency fluctuations.
Posted: April 22, 2015
Kaiser Precision Tooling Ltd (Rümlang, Switzerland) has determined to strengthen its partnership with its long-term partner, BIG Daishowa Seiki Co. Ltd (Osaka, Japan), by agreeing to become a company of the BIG Daishowa group as of April 15, 2015.
Kaiser Precision Tooling is a leading supplier of high-precision modular boring tools that was founded in 1948 by Heinz Kaiser and is owned by the families of the second generation. BIG Daishowa Seiki is one of the world’s leading producers of precision tool holders and measuring accessories. It operates six manufacturing facilities in Japan.
The two companies have had a close technology and distribution partnership since 1980. BIG Daishowa produces Kaiser boring tools under a license agreement and sells under the brand BIG Kaiser in the Asian market. In June of 2003, BIG Daishowa expanded its strategic alliance to Kaiser’s North American operations near Chicago, and that company was renamed BIG Kaiser Precision Tooling Inc.
“During the past ten years, our partnership has steadily increased through the creation of two joint ventures in the U.S. and Germany and an exclusive distribution arrangement for BIG products in Europe,” says Kaiser chief executive officer Peter Elmer. “Today the distribution channels are practically grown together and the combined products are an excellent portfolio.”
Executive management will remain in place following the transaction, with Elmer as the chief executive officer leading European operations, and chief executive officer Chris Kaiser overseeing North American operations. The original Kaiser facility in Rümlang will continue to have an integral role in the company’s worldwide R & D and manufacturing strategy.
“Our family has been working for some time on a succession plan to ensure the continued growth and success of this company,” says Chris Kaiser. “With 35 years of successful collaboration with BIG Daishowa, we are confident we are in the right hands for the future.”
The strengthened alliance is expected to help the company balance manufacturing resources and market and currency fluctuations around the globe. Customers will benefit from a fully consolidated portfolio of tooling solutions and ancillary products. Following the alliance, BIG Daishowa will have approximately 900 employees.
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