SCHAAN, Liechtenstein, Oct. 19, 2009 -- Hilti is expanding its production network with a new facility in Matamoros, Mexico, that manufacturers fastening products for the North and Latin American markets.
During a grand opening event at the site, Hilti and local community officials toured the plant scheduled to begin production in November. The facility allows Hilti to ship products directly to locations throughout North and Latin America. In addition to putting Hilti products closer to the customer, this saves freight costs as well as reduces delivery times and the environmental impacts of transportation.
Encompassing some 15,000 square meters of production space, the facility cost $14 million Swiss francs to build. It initially will employ 50 people, but this figure is expected to grow to 150 by 2015.
The facility is another important link in Hilti's international production network that now includes nine plants worldwide. Scott Tindle, an experienced, long-time Hilti employee, has been named plant manager.
The generous dimensions of the location, totaling some 65,000 square meters, give Hilti the possibility to expand production according to future market needs.
The most modern technology and equipment is used to ensure Hilti's high standards of quality and efficiency. In addition to providing better service to our customers while cutting transportation costs and impacts, the Mexico-based facility also enables Hilti to limit negative currency influences because both material procurement and production take place in the same economic area.
"The opening of our plant in Mexico represents the next step in the development of our global plant structure," said Hilti Group Chairman Pius Baschera. "The further strengthening of our international production network ensures the improvement of our competitive ability and our presence with the customers."
About Hilti Inc.
Hilti is a world-leading manufacturer and supplier of quality, innovative and specialized tools and fastening systems for the professional user. This includes water and wastewater applications such as water supply, control and collection jobs including sewer networks, pipe installations, rebar connections, form work, electrical and equipment installations, hoses, sealing, barriers and miscellaneous metal work. With more than 1,660 highly trained Hilti account managers and engineers throughout North America and an additional 1,290 Hilti employees nationwide, Hilti expertise covers the areas of powder actuated fastening, drilling and demolition, diamond coring and cutting, measuring, firestopping, screw fastening, adhesive and mechanical anchoring, and strut and hanger systems.
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