For the first time, Trelleborg A.B. will have a manufacturing presence in Russia, Vietnam, Japan and Morocco, representing a total investment in all four countries of about $34.38 million, allocated over the next five years.
The facilities are set to be fully operational by 2026 and together will employ more than 300 people.
"Trelleborg's success is based on our ability to combine a strongly de-centralized and local organization with the competence and financial strength of a global company," said Peter Nilsson, president and CEO of Trelleborg Group. "To do this we must be close to our customers and be able to grow alongside them, and over time also develop other local customer relationships that may become global."
Trelleborg Sealing Solutions will stake its claim in Yesipovo, Russia, beginning in third quarter of 2022. Production will begin in this location on transportation equipment and aerospace products, among others.
To this point, Trelleborg has had sales offices for this segment in Russia.
Trelleborg Sealing Solutions also will establish a production presence in Vietnam, in engineered seals for various market segments.
Trelleborg will begin making automotive boots from TPE in Odawara, just southwest of Tokyo, also in the first quarter of 2022. Using TPE seals prevents contaminants in vehicle drive shafts.
Like Russia, Trelleborg has had a sales presence there, in this case in sealing and marine solutions.
In the first quarter of this year, production on automotive boots kicked off in Kenitra, Morocco, Trelleborg's first foray into the African continent. The presence in Africa brings a fourth continent for Trelleborg into its geographic portfolio.
"These investments to increase the group's geographic presence will allow more business decisions to be made close to customers, which creates competitive flexibility and an even greater market and customer awareness," Nilsson said.