Under a cooperation agreement signed on 18 February 2008, KraussMaffei Technologies (Munich / Germany; www.kraussmaffei.com) and Toshiba Machine (Numazu / Japan; www.toshiba-machine.co.jp/english) are joining forces to develop "innovative machinery" which will meet “the requirements of customers in the 21st century,” according to a joint statement.

KraussMaffei told Plasteurope.com that the first project – for injection moulding technology – is so far advanced that it can be unveiled this year. Other projects are currently under discussion. Although these are mainly for injection moulding machinery, the agreement provides a general basis for extending the cooperation to other areas. Details will apparently be released later this year.

The two companies’ know-how is an ideal fit because they have so far operated in complementary markets and technology segments. In addition to machine tools, robotics and control systems for industrial customers, Toshiba Machine manufactures electrical and hydraulic injection moulding machines and extruders at three main facilities in Japan (Numazu, Gotemba, Sagami) and one plant in China (Shanghai). The companies are combining their technological strengths to position themselves as integrated process partners offering optimum solutions for customers worldwide.

Toshiba is Japan’s fourth largest producer of injection moulding machines, with total production of an estimated 2,200 units. According to the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI; www.meti.go.jp/english), the country set a new output record of just over 17,000 injection moulding machines in 2006, divided fairly equally between electric and hydraulic technology. The undisputed market leader is Nissei Plastics Industries with output of more than 4,000 machines, followed by Sumitomo (just over 3,000) and Japan Steel Works (2,600).