1-B factory inaugurated Toyota global supplier expands Sta. Rosa plant production by 50%
New
Tokai Rika Co. Ltd., Japan's leading manufacturer of automotive switches and Toyota global’s biggest supplier, yesterday inaugurated its 1 billion plant increasing its capacity by 50 percent and expanding its product line for a wide variety of automotive switches.
The new plant located inside the Toyota Industrial Estate in Sta. Rosa, Laguna will support supply requirements for auto parts in light of strong demand in North America and Asean markets.
This will be Tokai Rika Philippines (TRP) fourth expansion on its 2-hectare facility inside the Toyota Industrial Estate in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.
The new expansion is expected to generate $100 million in exports over a period of three years. TRP will also employ 300 workers in addition to its existing 982 workforce.
TRP has set its sights to become the world's number one automotive switch producer.
With the operation of the new plant, TRP's monthly production is expected to hit 2 million pieces from the current 1.4 million. These automotive switches include 10 types of small automotive switches such as back up lamp switches, tire monitor switches, power seat and blower switches. TRP also produces 10 types of lever combination switches and 6 types and 6 power window switches. Production of new level combination switches will start in June. New products include multi-function and steering wheel switches.
Majority of its production is exported to North America for Toyota, GM, Ford and Subaru. Toyota US accounts for 70 to 80 percent of its total US exports.
In ASEAN, majority of its switches go to the bustling car production for Toyota, Suzuki, and Mazda in the huge Indonesian market.
A small portion of its switches are supplied to Toyota Motor Philippines for its local assembly of Innova and Vios.
Some products are supplied to Toyota, Suzuki and Mazda in Japan. Tokai Rika is headquartered in Nagoya, Japan, which is also home of Toyota its single biggest client for automotive switches.
Tokai Rika has 33 subsidiaries in 15 countries. (BCM)