BYD takes over Japanese metal die maker plant on April 1

• Source: Global Times
• [15:20 March 29 2010]
• Comments

Chinese car and battery maker BYD Co will acquire a plant on April 1 from Japan's major metal die maker Ogihara Corp to learn the technology of making high-precision metal dies and use it at BYD's assembly plants in China.

The purchase amount is unknown.

To enhance its competitive edge in auto production, BYD will take over Ogihara’s facilities and about 80 employees. The Chinese company expects the deal will help BYD improve the quality of its auto bodies and other products.

The plant in Tatebayashi, Gunma Prefecture, about 70 km (43 miles) north of Tokyo, is one of Ogihara's four domestic die production bases. It makes dies for hoods and other auto body parts.

BYD is working on an expansion plan by raising its investment by 58 percent this year.

Ogihara supplies dies to Japanese and foreign automakers, including General Motors.