Manufacturing Magazine July 2015 | Page 56

KOBAY ENSTEL LIMITED
Team Kobay
and will start production in 2016 to support the Honda Odyssey , Honda Ridgeline platforms and later in the year the launch of the new VW SUV in Chattanooga , TN .
“ The primary reason we ’ re expanding is to support our customers ,” said Galansky . “ There is a lot of automotive activity in the southeast U . S . and our goal is to grow the plant in Alabama with our Japanese and North American customers .”
Further expansion efforts Upon the initial entrance into the U . S . with a plant in Alabama , Kobay Enstel wishes to grow its North American footprint by opening a plant in Mexico and Indiana as well . In five to 10 years , the company ’ s plans are to enter Mexico and establish a plant there , as well .
“ Honda has a big plant in Celaya , Mexico and for the next model of Honda Civic we ’ d like to be able to support that ,” said Galansky .
“[ In the next five years ] we ’ d like to grow our footprint , secure more business and grow with our Japanese customers , particularly on vehicles like , the Honda Ridgeline and the Honda Odyssey — which are all made in Alabama ,” added Galansky .
Kobay Enstel would also like to develop its process technology specifically with laser welding and tube bending .
“ Kobay Enstel , in the last few years , has shifted away from just being a stamping company as stamping is becoming more and more of a commodity ,” Galansky
56 July 2015