Expanding the European footprint...Commissioned in 2002 on the outskirts of Hradec Kralove in the Czech Republic, BAK has become a recognised quality supplier to major vehicle manufacturers seeking a strategic footprint in Eastern Europe. Mirroring the plant and processes operated at its sister foundry, PDC, molten iron is prepared in four coreless induction furnaces. The metal is transferred into two heated, pressurised autopour units that feed two DISAmatic moulding lines. We annually produce 45,000 tonnes of castings across a product range of over 500 references, in 20 different material grades. The installation of a cold-box core-making facility in January 2007 satisfied the demand from high-end aftermarket customers for the supply of ventilated castings. A state-of-the-art machine shop was added to existing facilities in 2005. BAK was first awarded the automotive quality standard ISO TS 16949 in May 2007. The foundry operates a rigorous programme of continuous improvement, lean manufacturing and six sigma activities. |
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