Chennai-based auto ancillary Expansion Tools is gunning for OEMs and aftermarket exports. The company, which makes precision sheet metal components, plans to begin manufacture of sheet metal sub-assemblies (for doors and suspension) for exports. With this in mind, it is in talks with a couple of companies in the US, said PK Kumar, chief executive officer.

Expansion Tools directly exports sheet metal valve components to Oliver Valves and submarine valve components to Olivertek of the UK. It also supplies parts to Metexim, which in turn re-exports them to different countries. Expansion Tools began as a small ancillary unit in 1976. It had been supplying precision pressed sheet metal components to the likes of TAFE and Rane Brake Linings.

It supplies 12 products including brake lever supports, throttle lever controls and quadrant levers to TAFE. It is now developing four new sheet metal components and regular supplies will begin soon, Kumar says. The company also supplies disc brake back plates to Rane Brake Linings.

Expansion Tools' existing set-up involves two units in Chennai with 10-100-tonne presses. With current orders using only 50 percent of this capacity, the focus on exports is only logical. According to Kumar, the idea is to increase the percentage of global business to 20 percent from five percent.