In direct response to the major growth in demand for RotaBolt technology throughout Southeast Asia, and in particular from Taiwan, RotaBolt is to open a new production facility in Taipei as a joint venture with Coretech, who have been distributing RotaBolt® fasteners throughout Taiwan for the last three years.
Rod Corbett, managing director of RotaBolt, commented: “The take up of our measurement technology has been dramatic. In the petrochemical sector, word has started to spread about our successes in achieving leak free operations – the potential for us is substantial. In time, this new facility will enable us to realise that potential.”
The new plant is planned to begin production in the late summer. Initially its output will be servicing the rapidly increasing local demand, but the company already has established successes in other countries including Mainland China and Malaysia, and sees the beginning of production in Taiwan as a major step forward in helping to extend the application of its technology across a variety of sectors in Southeast Asia.
In Taiwan, the success of RotaBolt’s technology driven approach took a significant step when one of the largest petrochemical companies contacted the company as part of its continuous improvement processes during 2010. It had read about the use of RotaBolts in the tightening handbook of another global operator.
A combined feed exchanger at an aroma production plant had leaked during hydro testing, on start up and then again during production. It was fitted with 56 RotaBolt fasteners and it has not leaked since. The operators described it as a ‘miracle’ and immediately initiated plans to use the technology on a variety of reactors and heat exchangers.
In addition, the company decided to incorporate the science of RotaBolt’s tension control technology into its own training regimes and was successful in securing support for the training from the Taiwanese government. News of the success quickly spread to 60 other plants operating in the area and the foundations were laid for RotaBolt’s expansion.
The new joint venture is 70% RotaBolt owned and 30% Coretech.
Having spent a decade in the fastener industry experiencing every facet – from steel mills, fastener manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, as well as machinery builders and plating + coating companies, Claire has developed an in-depth knowledge of all things fasteners.
Alongside visiting numerous companies, exhibitions and conferences around the world, Claire has also interviewed high profile figures – focusing on key topics impacting the sector and making sure readers stay up to date with the latest developments within the industry.
