Sweden-based fastener manufacturer Bulten Group has decided to consolidate the manufacturing volumes currently produced at its site in Streetsboro, OH, into its European manufacturing operations. The Ohio facility, which primarily supported customer relationships that are part of Bulten’s broader European customer base, will be shuttered.

Bulten will focus its U.S. operations on a pure distribution model, with an emphasis on customer relationships, sourcing, logistics and value-added services. This focus enables Bulten to support a broader range of customer needs and applications.

The change to the operating model also strengthens Bulten’s ability to address increasing activity in advanced robotic applications and other industrial applications, where demand is developing positively and where a distribution-based setup provides greater flexibility in meeting customer requirements, the Group noted.

“The U.S. remains an important market for Bulten, and this change is about aligning our operating model with how we can best support our customers going forward. By consolidating manufacturing where it best fits our current product mix, while at the same time strengthening our customer-focused distribution activities in the U.S., we are creating a more flexible and efficient structure that supports long-term value creation,” stated CEO Axel Berntsson.

Based on current assumptions, the improvement at a steady-state run rate is estimated to be in the range of SEK 10–20 million (US$1.1 million to $2.3 million) on an annual basis.

In early February, Bulten announced plans to set up a micro fasteners manufacturing facility in Oragadam, India.