Ichikoh Industries Ltd., a major Tokyo-based supplier of vehicle lighting components and mirrors, have announced plans to establish a manufacturing facility in China. The supplier, who primarily provide components to Toyota, plan to spend around US$40m to set up the facility which will largely manufacture metal moulds for auto parts. Japan’s other two primary car lighting suppliers, Koito and Stanley, already have manufacturing operations in China.
The new Ichikoh facility in China, slated to be operational by 2010, will supply major automakers and Tier 1s including Valeo SA of France. Valeo are the largest shareholder in Ichikoh, with their 32% stake.