News & events


THK invests in new facilities

Fourth Quarter 2004 News & events

THK, a leading international manufacturer of linear motion systems has expanded its UK operation by moving to new purpose-built headquarters in Milton Keynes. The new facility is part of an ongoing global expansion programme and is intended both to support the continued growth of the organisation in the UK and to improve still further the range and quality of the technical and engineering services offered to customers throughout industry.

The new facility measures approximately 1700 m² and has been custom-built to THK's specification to provide extensive office, warehousing, engineering and training areas. The building has also been given a high BREEAM rating - this registers the energy and environmental efficiency of the building and considers a variety of factors including pollution, land use, management, ecology, transport and location.

Branch manager, Andy Sim, explains that, "The new headquarters form a key part in our long term global and European expansion programmes. These consider four key areas of our business: customer processes, operation, work processes, training and learning. Our objective over time is review and enhance all areas of our business to ensure we continue to provide ever higher levels of technical innovation, product choice, quality and customer support.

"For example, the latest £1,3 million investment in the new UK facilities will enable us to control our stockholding, expand our training resources and improve factors such as response to enquiry times, order pro-cessing and application engineering."

The latest investment in the UK follows the recent expansion of manufacturing facilities in Alsace, France, and the announcement of plans to develop the plant into one of the largest centres of linear motion production and expertise in the world.

Andy Sim explains that, "Our plant locations are key to the business' reputation and performance. We have eight manufacturing plants in Japan, further factories in the USA, Europe and China, and additionally a sales network with over 40 branches around the globe; with these kinds of facilities we can provide the best level of local service to our customers wherever they may be."

SKF, one of the world's largest and most experienced manufacturers of quality bearings and associated products and sealing systems, and supplier of power transmission products and couplings, recently acquired the sole distribution rights for the THK product range in sub-Sahara Africa.

About THK

THK was founded by a joint investment between Toho Seiko and Miyairi Valve Seisakusho in March 1973 in Tokyo, Japan. THK America was founded in March 1981 in Chicago, then followed the founding of THK Europe in October 1982 in Dusseldorf, Germany. THK went on to acquire a list of premises in Italy, Sweden, France, Canada, Los Angeles and China. In July 1989, THK established its first UK office in Milton Keynes.

For more information contact Grant Baxter, SKF South Africa, +27 (0) 11 821 5300, [email protected], www.skf.com



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Next-generation motor management solution
Schneider Electric South Africa News & events Other technologies
Schneider Electric has launched its TeSys Tera motor management solution in the West African market, combining advanced motor protection, digital connectivity and real-time diagnostics for manufacturing, mining and water applications.

Read more...
Integrated Air Solutions places energy efficiency at centre stage
News & events
Integrated Air Solutions will showcase Tier 1 compressor brands, advanced technologies and compressed air solutions at Electra Mining Africa 2026, with energy efficiency and total cost of ownership at the core of its exhibition theme.

Read more...
SI programme strengthens partner ecosystem
Schneider Electric South Africa News & events
Schneider Electric will soon officially launch its new System Integrator (SI) Programme, which will mark a major change in how the company partners with industrial automation specialists across Southern, East and West Africa.

Read more...
OMRON Robotics demos next-generation autonomous mobile robots
Editor's Choice News & events Robotics & Mechatronics
Advancing smarter material flow with the all-new LD-150 and LD-300 AMRs, OMRON Robotics demonstrated the next generation of its flagship LD series autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) at Automate 2026 in June.

Read more...
Pump spares and parts for Africa
News & events
KSB Pumps and Valves explains how its decentralised stockholding and local manufacturing keep spares and parts available across its installed base in Africa.

Read more...
The hidden heroes who shape Africa’s industrial future
Bosch Rexroth Africa Editor's Choice News & events
Behind every industrial success story, there’s a human one. Their names may never appear on a project signboard or in a headline. Yet their expertise and determination keep industries moving every day.

Read more...
Bühler Southern Africa leads industry dialogue on apprenticeships
Editor's Choice News & events
Bühler Southern Africa brought together representatives from industry, government and international organisations on 30 June 2026 to explore how quality apprenticeships can help bridge the gap between high youth unemployment and industry demand for skilled technical workers.

Read more...
Drive technology for the agricultural sector
SEW-EURODRIVE News & events
SEW-EURODRIVE’s advanced drive, automation and condition monitoring technologies are helping agricultural businesses.

Read more...
New digital tool reconditioning portal puts customers fully in control
News & events
Sandvik Coromant has upgraded its tool reconditioning service for solid round tools. The upgraded service replaces a previously manual, multi-stage workflow with a streamlined, fully online experience that dramatically reduces quotation and turnaround times.

Read more...
New automation innovations on show at Electra Mining Africa 2026
News & events
South African engineers are leaders in innovation and technology development. Many of these innovations and newly automated systems will be on display at the largest trade show of its kind in southern Africa, Electra Mining Africa 2026, taking place in Johannesburg later this year.

Read more...









While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved