DV Automation, the specialist manufacturer of hemming closure systems and solutions for vehicle bodies, has expanded its operations with the opening of a new production facility.

The 2,000 sq ft premises, situated near its UK headquarters in Halesowen, are almost double the size of its previous factory and the expansion has been prompted by a healthy order book. The company became a wholly-owned subsidiary of friction welding machine manufacturer, Thompson, last year.

DV Automation is set to recruit more new staff in the coming months in order to meet the growing demand for its range of electro-mechanical and robotic hemming machines. It has recently supplied equipment to Renault factories in France and Spain as well as Magnetto plants in Germany and Brazil.

Plans to increase its business in China and the United States are among the company’s top priorities, according to Mark Schlanker, DVA’s business manager, who has just appointed an agent in China to strengthen links with automotive vehicle makers in the Far East.

“This new manufacturing facility is more evidence of DVA’s ambitious plans to further establish its reputation as one of the leading manufacturers of hemming machines and complete turnkey closure assembly lines,” said Mark Schlanker.

“DV Automation’s close working relationship with Thompson is paying dividends in terms of sharing engineering expertise and forging relationships in new markets around the world.”

The company predicts substantial growth in flexible hemming closure systems as more manufacturers choose flexible manufacturing techniques with the requirement for quick tooling changes between a number of model variants. DVA offers the latest developments in flexible hemming, either based on a robot hemming system or its latest Flex Hemmer electro-mechanical flexible table top hemming machine, he added.

“These systems are extremely flexible and highly cost-effective. They can undertake all common hem types and can hem a number of different components in a single cell,” said Mark.

More details on DV Automation hemming systems and solutions can be viewed online at www.dvautomation.co.uk. Alternatively, contact DVA on +44 (0) 121 585 3333 or email sales@dvautomation.co.uk.