Wolfcraft GmbH (D-56745 Kempenich; www.wolfcraft.de), which produces tools and accessories for DIY enthusiasts, is to build its own manufacturing plant – initially with five injection moulding machines – at the Wolfcraft SK / Dunajska Streda/Slovakia site. Some EUR 400,000 has been invested in the machinery. The plant will use hydraulic multi- colour machines from Battenfeld Spritzgießtechnik (D-58540 Meinerzhagen; www.battenfeld.de). Two of them have a clamping force of 160 t, while the other three have 130 t, 80 t and 60 t. There are plans to procure two more machines in 2004, but altogether, said the company, there will not be more than ten.

The reasons given for the decision to set up its own production facility include faster availability of parts, better quality, and lower manufacturing costs compared with the present outsourcing of production. With the mounting demand for the one-hand clamp, the idea was born of having its own injection moulding facility, said Michael Bauseler, Managing Director, Technology and Logistics, at Wolfcraft. The handles of the product are made primarily of glass fibre-reinforced polyamide.

Wolfcraft currently employs 750 people worldwide, 350 of whom are in the Slovakian production plant. There are also four production facilities in China as partner companies. The central distribution department is based in Kempenich. The company buys in 40% of its products and develops 60% itself.