One of these is the car manufacturer Toyota, for whom the plant has been producing forged components for nearly a decade. The modernisation of the forge is also creating opportunities for new partnerships.
Today, HKS Forge produces five types of forgings for Toyota, primarily used as gears in transmissions. Toyota is a demanding client that continues to push HKS Forge to constantly raise its quality standards, even after ten years of collaboration. “Toyota recertifies us every year. It’s a rigorous process, but it also confirms that our forgings meet the strict Japanese standards,” says HKS Forge technician Lukáš Andrášik.
A New Robot on the Production Floor
To keep pace with growing demands for precision and speed, the plant has recently invested in a new collaborative robot and CNC equipment. Working closely with human operators, the robot is safe, flexible, and easy to use. Thanks to this technology, the forge can streamline production for Toyota, increase the reliability of the entire manufacturing process, and significantly reduce costs. “The key point is that this technology also allows us to work efficiently on orders from new automotive clients. The total investment in this equipment was €125,000, with an expected payback period of just under four years,” explains Andrášik.
Extensive Overhauls for Other Presses
Alongside the introduction of robotics, extensive repairs are underway across the production hall. The presses, which are essential to manufacturing, are gradually undergoing major overhauls. Currently, a medium mechanical overhaul has begun on the LZK 2500/2 press. The work is being carried out by Fosttec, with the press expected to be fully operational by the end of March. Next year, two more presses are scheduled for overhaul—one for a full overhaul and the other for a medium mechanical one.
“If we want to grow and maintain our position at the forefront of forging, we must modernise. It’s an investment not only in performance but also in reliability,” explains Lukáš Andrášik.
This series of investments confirms HKS Forge’s long-term commitment: to be technologically ready for new projects, strengthen collaboration with existing clients, and open doors to new customers through modern production solutions.
By Darina Kvetanová
