Press Release | Heron & AKH to establish joint R&D center in the U.S.

Indianapolis, United States, Feb. 20, 2024: Heron Intelligent Equipment Co. Ltd announced it is establishing a center dedicated to the research & development of advanced metal joining technologies in Indiana. With its long-term base in Indiana, Heron’s U.S. subsidiary “AKH-Heron Technologies” will start receiving samples from customers in North America to conduct sample tests as early as April 2024. 

A team of engineers from Heron travelled to Indianapolis in February to meet their AKH counterparts. The party included Head of Research & Development, Andy Ai and Head of Clinching & Riveting, Jim He, among others. During the visit, the AKH-Heron team presented on their R&D focus on resistance welding, clinching and riveting metal joining technologies, as well as an opportunity to launch new training programs with local integrators and distributors.

The Heron team was received by Adam Blaikie, President of Heron Technologies USA (dba AKH-Heron Technologies.  They announced plans to introduce new state-of-the-art Capacitor Discharge (CD) Welding, Medium Frequency Direct Current (MFDC) Welding, Flush Self-Piercing Riveting (FSPR) and Tog-L-Loc Clinching machines for testing and training at the new R&D facility.

Learn more about our testing & training services, by clicking here

For further information please contact: 

• Rene Zou, Head of International Business Development & ESG, Heron Intelligent Equipment, +1 463-266-7123 (USA), renez@heronwelder.com
• Adam Blaikie, President, Heron Technologies USA (dba AKH-Heron Technologies), +1 317 809 6550 (USA), ablaikie@akhfas-ner.com

Heron Intelligent Equipment Co. Ltd. is a high-tech metal connection equipment manufacturer that specialises in the R&D and manufacturing of resistance welding, clinching and riveting technology. Established in 1991, Heron has developed advanced welders and automated production lines for customers in the automotive parts & components, compressor, low-voltage electronics, home appliances, industrial manufacturing, among other industries. In 2023, Heron had more than 400 skilled employees and a factory of 54,000 square meters.

AKH-Heron Technologies is the Heron Group’s provider of market-leading self-piercing riveting solutions. The company serves customers in industries including automotive, appliances, trucking and industrial manufacturing. The company was founded in 1981, is currently based in Danville, Indiana, and has sold to over 500 customers spanning North America. Principal product development and customers are located in the U.S.