19th October 2006 - Akebono Brake Establishes New Company in Thailand

Akebono Brake Industry Ltd. has announced the establishment of Akebono Brake (Thailand) Co., Ltd. on August 11, 2006 in Chonburi Province.

Akebono acquired a site in Chonburi Province's Amata Nakom, Thailand's largest industrial estate, to initially manufacture disc brakes for Japanese automobile makers with operations in Thailand.  Construction of the facility is scheduled to begin soon and initial production is planned for July 2007.  Akebono will make a total investment of approximately 2.9 billion yen, and is targeting sales of 5.0 million yen in 2010.

The new company adds to the Akebono Group's presence in Southeast Asia.  In Indonesia, PT. Tri Dharma Wisesa (TDW) manufactures disc brakes, drum brakes and friction material for drum brakes, and Akebono Corporation Asia Pte. Ltd., is a sales base in Singapore.  Akebono also supplies from Japan to meet customer needs in the region.

In addition to expanding Akebono's business in the Thai market, Akebono Brake Thailand Co., Ltd. will function as a base to strengthen regional business integration in Southeast Asia.  The company will also drive business development in Asia, where further growth is anticipated.

Source:  Akebono Corporation Press Release