The Japanese linear motion specialist THK has opened a manufacturing plant in Alsace, France, which could employ 500 people by 2005, making it THK`s largest production centre. The £68m first phase includes 16,500m2 of production space where 100 people are making linear guides in the 15-45mm range for the European market.

Later, THK plans to manufacture products using its caged-ball technology, and to create a technical centre with r&d facilities on the 210,000m2 site. One of the centre`s role will be to develop products to customer requirements.

THK now employs 4,000 people worldwide and has annual sales worth £308m.