Automotive tools: Innovative designs spur growth

Taiwan suppliers of automotive hand tools are focusing R&D efforts on specialized models. This comes as companies strive to gain an edge over established manufacturers in the US, Europe and Japan, and new entrants in India and mainland China.

Even with the industry just emerging in Taiwan, makers are banking on design capability to secure their market position. Most suppliers are veering from general applications, launching products that target specific tasks.

Models for engine and transmission repair, for instance, are offered in durable materials such as CrV and CrMo to support the job's high torque requirement. They are also equipped with user-friendly features for added value.

Locking pliers for such purposes from Gong Maw Enterprise Co. Ltd are made of CrV as the material costs less but provides about the same level of strength as CrMo. These are fitted with an ergonomic anti-skid TPR grip.

Hwang Cherng Bin Specialty Tools Inc. offers the HCBA1117 model, an engine and transmission crane featuring a magnetic holder that can turn 360 degrees. This function makes it easier for the user to view and work on the parts. Additionally, the design incorporates foldable legs to save storage space.

Borderex Corp. has released a mechanical screwdriver for controlled tightening of bolted connections. The model has a 6 percent margin of error and 2 to 34in-lb torque, specifications that allow for greater precision and application flexibility. Its reliability surpasses digital units, which are so sensitive they tend to lose accuracy in low torque applications.

The latest Taiwan-made products include tools for windshield maintenance. The five-piece stainless steel kit from Three-In-One Enterprises Co. Ltd is an example. The set consists of a molding remover, cutting knife, blade, and pinchweld and gasket scrapers.

Besides application specialization, suppliers are emphasizing adherence to environment-protection directives. To ensure compliance with the RoHS, trivalent chromium is being used predominantly as coating, replacing the hazardous hexavalent chromium.

At Borderex, both trivalent and hexavalent chrome-plated models are offered, giving buyers more pricing options. The former is generally 15 to 30 percent higher in price.

These innovative, environment-friendly designs are paving the way for the rapid expansion of the industry.

Buyers who usually source from Europe, Japan and North America now count Taiwan as a key hub for automotive hand tools.

The low minimum order requirement at most companies is another advantage. As such, manufacturers are optimistic, estimating 20 to 30 percent export growth in coming months.

The supplier base in the island is composed of about 20 makers. More hand tool providers are expected to join the line, attracted by strong overseas demand.

This article "Automotive tools: Innovative designs spur growth" is originally posted in Global Sources.

Gong Maw Enterprise Co Ltd
Hwang Cherng Bin Specialty Tools Inc.
Three-In-One Enterprises Co Ltd

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