Aisin World Corp. of America Extends North American Presence Company has established "Aisin Canada Inc." in Woodstock, Ontario (November 1, 2002)

Woodstock, Ontario, Nov. 1, 2002 - Aisin World Corp. of America today announced that it has established its first automotive components manufacturing presence in Canada, initially to serve Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada Inc. (TMMC). Junichi Nishimura, president, Aisin World Corp. of America, made the announcement.

Located in Woodstock, Ontario, Aisin Canada Inc. will begin production next August at a 55,000 square foot plant, and will manufacture auto body parts including, belt moldings and windshield trim for Toyota and LEXUS models. The company will initially employ 40 people, with an anticipated workforce of 80 by 2005. Though TMMC will be its primary customer, Nishimura says the company will eventually serve other major automakers based in North America.

"The close proximity of TMMC and this good community were very important factors in locating in Woodstock," said Nishimura. "We are confident that this new facility will enhance our relationship with Toyota, as well as the products and services we provide."

The plant will provide final assembly and inspection of automotive body parts, including belt and windshield moldings. It will also provide a logistics base in Canada for importation and distribution of other AISIN automotive components.

John Finlay, a member of Canada's Federal Parliament, says he looks forward to Aisin becoming a good, corporate citizen in Woodstock.
"I believe Aisin will contribute very much to the future prosperity in this county," said Finlay. "Aisin and other Toyota Group companies are growing successfully in the United States and are enthusiastically welcome by the communities they serve. We are very pleased that Aisin has established its first Canadian subsidiary here in Woodstock."

Aisin World Corp. of America is a subsidiary of Aisin Group headed by Aisin Seiki Co., Ltd. with corporate offices in Kariya City, Aichi, Japan. Aisin Seiki Co., Ltd. was established in 1949 with consolidated group sales of C$15.6 billion in 2001. Aisin Seiki is an international supplier of automotive components, body parts, drivetrain components, engine-related parts and electronic components. In North America, the Aisin Group has 12 manufacturing facilities, 2 R & D centers and 3 sales centers. Aisin Group North American sales totaled sales of C$1,630 million in 2001, supplying parts to Toyota, as well as other major automobile manufacturers in United States and Canada.