Stainless steelmaker Alleima and its Kanthal division have decided to expand their operations in Switzerland, with manufacturing moving from Saint-Imier to a larger facility in Sonceboz, both in the canton of Bern.
The project includes a capacity investment in a new automated production line.
The unit in Saint-Imier focuses on electroplating, a surface treatment producing a metal coating. A large share of the electroplated components are the contacts used in the charging of electric and hybrid vehicles. The unit also has a long history as a supplier to the luxury fashion industry, as well as the medical sector.
''Through this expansion we will be able to meet an immediate market need and provide a base for future growth in other profitable market segments.''
Gary Davies, president business unit medical at Kanthal
"This is an exciting opportunity for us. Through this expansion we will be able to meet an immediate market need and provide a base for future growth in other profitable market segments. The production will be used to support sustainability and durability in a highly efficient manner," said Gary Davies, president business unit medical at Kanthal.
“It is a large open space which will allow for the large automatic barrel plating line and an optimal setup of the remaining equipment, and not the least our future growth.''
Gustav Henriksson, operations manager EMEA, business unit medical at Kanthal
“It is a large open space which will allow for the large automatic barrel plating line and an optimal setup of the remaining equipment, and not the least our future growth,” commented Gustav Henriksson, operations manager EMEA, business unit medical at Kanthal division.
The project includes an investment in a new, fully automated plating line that will provide surface treatment for electric vehicles and charging station connectors.
The transfer of the operations from Saint-Imier will be done in several phases in 2024 with the target completion date of the end of the year.