£15.5m investment marks launch of Takao Wales Division

The cash injection has seen the Japanese automotive component manufacturer create 120 new jobs. The expansion, supported by the Welsh Assembly Government, has seen the facility double in and create a state of the art press hall.

The new facility transforms Takao’s Welsh investment into a key player in its global operations and shows the company’s long term commitment in the region.

Takao […] boasts a high reputation for quality and excellence, choosing Wales as a place to do business

Leighton Andrews

Deputy Minister for Regeneration

National Assembly for Wales

A large part of the £15.5m investment went on the construction of the press hall, a robotic welding system, seven transfer/progression presses and a sophisticated automated stock picking station.

The facility was opened by Mr Hiroyuki Takao, f Takao’s President. He was joined by Leighton Andrews, Deputy Minister for Regeneration and representatives of Honda and Toyota, who Takao supplies vehicle body parts to.

Mr Andrews said: “Takao is the latest example of a company that boasts a high reputation for quality and excellence choosing Wales as a place to do business.”

“Its investment here in Ebbw Vale is a tremendous boost to the local economy and it is especially pleasing that the Assembly Government was able to play its part” he continued.

Mr Takao stated: “The car industry is now competing for global survival and is continually required to reform its corporate culture. Takao shall continue its efforts to maintain the mutually complementary relations of the Group and, through our reciprocal studies, to build up a company that is trusted and has the confidence of its customers throughout the world.”

The company chose Wales because of its high skill base and the success of its original investment in the facility’s new machinery means components it produces can now compete on cost with eastern Europe, with some production being brought back from those locations.

Takao has a policy of sourcing locally and its investment in Ebbw Vale has benefited a number of local suppliers including fabrication, logistics, maintenance and steel service centres.