KAISER Precision Tooling strengthens alliance with BIG Daishowa
KAISER Precision Tooling has determined to strengthen its partnership with its long-term partner, BIG Daishowa Seiki Co Ltd of Japan, and agreed to become a company of the BIG Daishowa group as of April 15, 2015.
KAISER Precision Tooling is the leading supplier of high-precision modular boring tools. The company 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 10 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 CEO 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 Peter Elmer as CEO leading European operations, and CEO Chris Kaiser overseeing North American operations. The original KAISER facility in Ruemlang, Switzerland, 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 KAISER is 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.
Image caption: Chris Kaiser, Chairman of Kaiser Precision Tooling Ltd, with R. Kitaguchi, Chairman of BIG DAISHOWA SEIKI CO LTD, in the KAISER facility in Ruemlang, Switzerland, on April 15, 2015
