Tokai Rika Co. Ltd., Japan’s leading manufacturer of automotive switches, on Tuesday inaugurated a P1-billion plant at the Toyota Industrial Estate in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.
Tokai Rika, Toyota Global’s biggest supplier, opened the fourth expansion within the two-hectare facility.
The expansion, which hinges on strong demand for cars from North America and Asean markets, is expected to generate $100 million in exports in about three years. The facility employs 300 workers in addition to the current workforce of 982.
The new facility will improve production capacity by 50 percent and expand product line-up to include a variety of new automotive switches in line with company plans to become the world’s number one automotive switch producer.
Tokai’s automotive switches include 10 types used in back-up lamps, tire monitors, power seats and blowers.
Tokai Rika produces 10 types of lever combination and six power window switches, while new products include those used in multi-functions and steering wheels.
A bigger percentage of its production goes to North America for Toyota, GM, Ford and Subaru.
Toyota accounts for 70 percent to 80 percent of total Tokai Rika exports to the US.
Majority of switches in Southeast Asia go to the car production hubs of Toyota, Suzuki and Mazda in the huge Indonesian market.