Japan's Arrk Corp. is delving deeper into North American mold making.
The Osaka, Japan-based firm has purchased a 51 percent share in the parent company of toolmaker Omega Tool Corp. of Oldcastle, Ontario, for an undisclosed amount.
Euclide Cecchin launched Cecchin Management Ltd., Omega Tool's parent company, in 1981 to produce injection molds. The operations now include custom injection molding and lamination under five subsidiaries headed by Omega. The holding company now is named Arrk Cecchin Management Ltd.
Arrk has made a series of mold-making and molding acquisitions globally since the late 1990s. Its more than 40 operations include facilities throughout Europe, Asia and North America.
Its Arrk Product Development Group in San Diego oversees rapid prototyping as well as silicone rubber mold making, model production, painting, finishing and silk screening.
Its tooling customer list includes products for the consumer electronics, medical and auto industries.
In 2004, Arrk purchased injection molder and mold maker Aar-Kel Enterprises Inc. of Wallaceburg, Ontario.
Arrk executives said in an April 18 news release that the addition will strengthen its North American holdings by allowing it to ``introduce high-value-added, new product development services.'' Omega, meanwhile, will be able to tap into Arrk's global network.
