Ningbo FCS and Koito, the world’s largest automotive lighting manufacturer, held a delivery ceremony in July 2026 for the HB-2500R large horizontal rotary table multi-component injection molding machine at FCS’s Qianwan facility. The electric opposed-injection machine was customized to meet Koito’s specific requirements and represents a new stage in cooperation between the companies on advanced equipment for automotive lighting production. Executives from both companies attended the ceremony. The machine is intended for applications in which molding precision, appearance quality and process reliability are critical, including integrated multi-color and multi-material lighting components used in the automotive sector.
Since its establishment in 1974, FCS Group has developed its activities in multi-component injection molding technology. The company began developing two-component machines in 1984 and later became a drafting organization for industry group standards covering multi-component plastic injection molding machines. According to the company, its position in this segment is based on high reliability, stable yield rates and customization capabilities. By the end of 2025, cumulative sales of FCS two-component machines had reached USD 805 million, with 6,610 units delivered. This figure included more than 1,381 medium- and large-tonnage machines for automotive applications.
Technical configuration of the HB-2500R
The HB-2500R delivered to Koito is presented by FCS as another significant project in large-scale multi-component injection molding equipment. The customized model is equipped with three electric injection units. Two of these units are movable and located on the fixed-platen side, supporting multiple injection center distances. This arrangement is designed to increase production flexibility and to accommodate different mold structures and material combinations. In automotive lighting, such a configuration can support integrated multi-color and multi-material components.
The machine controller and servo drives for the electric injection units use a unified platform from the same supplier. FCS states that this improves data transmission speed, communication stability, motion accuracy and operational smoothness. These parameters are relevant for the production of high-precision automotive lighting components, where repeatability and synchronization of movements are important process requirements.
The HB-2500R also combines the injection molding machine control system with a centralized auxiliary equipment control system. Edge computing is used to improve the processing of large volumes of synchronized data, while reducing response delays, signal interference and control instability. This control architecture is intended to support high-speed, high-precision and continuous production in large-scale injection molding systems.
Application in automotive lighting
Koito Group is described as the world’s largest automotive lighting manufacturer, with annual revenue approaching JPY 1 trillion and more than a century of industry experience. Its product portfolio includes headlamps, rear combination lamps and advanced lighting systems supplied to major global automakers. The company applies strict requirements for molding precision, appearance quality and reliability. The selection of the FCS HB-2500R reflects Koito’s recognition of FCS’s experience in multi-component molding and customized machine development.
As the automotive industry moves toward electrification, smart mobility and lightweight design, lighting systems are developing toward full-width integrated structures as well as multi-color and multi-material molding. The delivery of the HB-2500R is expected to support Koito in the development and mass production of advanced lighting products. FCS and Koito intend to continue cooperation in manufacturing equipment and molding technologies for the automotive lighting sector.
FCS Group states that it will continue to pursue innovation and provide customers with smart injection molding solutions. The company also declares that it aims to deliver efficient products, support human-centered values, create a green environment and contribute to shaping a better world.
