Pacific Manufacturing Ohio Inc. and Takumi Stamping Inc. formally marked the opening of their joint manufacturing operation in Fairfield this week.

        The companies recently tripled the size of their plant on Seward Road. The companies, which produce stamped metal parts such as brackets and hose clamps for Toyota Motor Corp., now employ 160 but expect to add up to 100 in the next year.

        Takumi Stamping is a joint venture of Pacific Industrial Co. Ltd., parent of Pacific Manufacturing and Takagi Manufacturing Co. Ltd. Pacific Manufacturing has operated in Fairfield for almost three years.

        Ryuichi Takagi, president of Takagi Manufacturing, called establishing U.S. manufacturing fulfillment “of a lifelong dream.”
       

Indy exhibit part of traveling show

        It wasn't Al Unser Jr., but a life-size, three-dimensional likeness of the Indy Racing League driver that greeted visitors to Corteco traveling road show that made a stop at Vege Manufacturing Co. in Falmouth, Ky., Thursday.

        Corteco, an automotive aftermarket business of Freudenberg-NOK, developed the 48-foot semi-trailer full of interactive multimedia displays on the company's latest automotive gasket and sealing products.

        The traveling show is criss-crossing the United States through November, visiting engine rebuilders, automotive retailers and warehouse distributors to give them an up-close look at the latest in automotive sealing technology, the company said. The exhibit also includes a custom-built, six-lane Indy-style slot car track.
       

Elano completes Canadian deal

        Elano Corp., a Dayton, Ohio, supplier of aerospace tubing and an affiliate of GE Aircraft Engines, has acquired almost all the assets of Aerotech Tubetronics, a Mirabel, Quebec, supplier of aluminum tube and duct products.

        Financial terms weren't disclosed, but the company will be renamed GE Elano Canada. The addition of Aerotech, which employs 35, will broaden GE Elano Canada's product line to include specialty aluminum components.

        The acquisition will also expand Elano's customer base to include companies such as Bombardier and Bell Helicopter.
       

Makino adds model to machining line

        Makino, the Mason machine tool company, has added another machine to its 1-series line of horizontal machining centers.

        The a71 joins the a51 in Makino's line of economical machines for metal-cutting applications that require less precision but the same productivity of its higher-price A-series machines.

        “The 1-series is being developed to provide our customers with value-oriented horizontal machining centers equipped with advanced technology,” Don Lane, Makino president, said.

        Makino said the a71 offers fast axis movement and faster spindle acceleration and deceleration than other machines.

        Besides the 1-series and a-series, Makino also offers its j-series machines for high-volume automotive part production.
       

Wiseway Supply opens in Monroe

        Wiseway Supply, plumbing and electrical supply house, recently opened a new location at 341 Breaden Drive, Monroe, off the Monroe exit of Interstate 75.

        The Florence-based company also has stores in Cincinnati, Loveland, Dry Ridge, Aurora and Harrison.

        Contact Mike Boyer at 768-8494; fax 564-6991; or e-mail mboyer@enquirer.com.
       

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