Sumitomo Riko expands anti-vibration rubber parts capacity in US

Bluffton, Ohio – Sumitomo Riko has invested $4.5 million (€3.9 million) in the expansion of its automotive anti-vibration rubber parts plant in Bluffton, following a contract award from a leading North American OEM.

The expansion, scheduled to commence operations in August, will enable mass production of engine mounts (anti-vibration rubber) for Ford pickup trucks, the company said 5 Aug.

The company said it secured the contract during the vehicle's model change, with its "product development and supply systems" being “highly evaluated” by the customer.

New manufacturing equipment have been installed and the production line is strengthened to respond flexibly to market changes, increasing the plant’s production capacity by around 15%, it added.

"By strengthening our US production base, which was prompted by this order from Ford, we will further enhance our stable supply system in the North American market,” the Japanese supplier said.

Sumitomo Riko operates three manufacturing plants in North America, including two in the US – in Ohio and Tennessee – and one in Chihuahua, Mexico.

According to its website, SumiRiko Ohio and SumiRiko Tennessee manufacture a  anti-vibration rubber products, including hydraulic and conventional engine mounts, body mounts, engine driveline components, exhaust isolation mountings, and body isolation products.

Meanwhile, SumiRiko Tennessee and S-Riko Automotive Hose de Chihuahua specialise in automotive hose products, including rubber and plastic high-pressure fuel hoses as well as vapour hoses. They also manufacture urethane sound reduction products.