Kato To Lead Aisin Technical Center of America
New president returns to Michigan; brings extensive engineering, R & D experience
PLYMOUTH, Mich., April 7, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Aisin Seiki, one of the world's leading Tier One automotive components manufacturers, today announced that Yoshiaki "Yoshi" Kato has been named president of Plymouth-based Aisin Technical Center of America (ATC-A) effective April 1, 2014.
Kato, 59, joined Aisin in 2006 and most recently was senior managing officer of the company's Research & Development Sector in Japan. Previously, he spent more than 25 years in a variety of engineering and product development positions with Toyota Motors Company including several years in senior management at the Toyota Technical Center in Ann Arbor, Mich. Kato, who earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electronics Engineering from Nagoya Kogyo University, replaces Takashi "Jay" Aoyama, who remains with ATC-A as senior technical advisor.
ATC-A was founded in 2008 to lead the company's engineering and product development expansion in the U.S. marketplace. As its capabilities continue to grow, ATC-A works closely with customers in strategic product development – taking on more local engineering, design and technical initiatives and responsibilities.
Kato says managing the complete product lifecycle makes ATC-A a more agile operation better able to engage and serve local customer needs, while building trust and exceeding expectations.
"Our ambitious goals include developing products that respond specifically to the needs of our customers in markets in the Americas today and in the future," says Kato. "This enormous pursuit is only possible through a global team and a harmonious effort. ATC-A receives support from our Japanese counterparts, but more importantly, we have assembled here a deep knowledge and skills base, and our team members represent a strong, local foundation."
In addition to rapidly expanding engineering and design capabilities, ATC-A has state-of-the-art lab facilities that allow various evaluation tests and procedures to assure quality of its products in Performance; Environmental; Strength and Durability; Electronics; and NVH.
Kato is also responsible for FT Techno of America (FTTA), the 950-acre test track and proving ground in Fowlerville, Mich. The facility supports Vehicle Performance Evaluations for major OEMs, suppliers, and government and academic institutions.
About Aisin
Based in Plymouth, Mich., ATC-A is a subsidiary of Aisin Seiki Co., Ltd., a $30 billion company headquartered in Kariya City, Aichi, Japan. The Aisin Group is a worldwide, Tier One supplier of automotive components, such as brakes, transmissions, drivetrain, chassis, body and information-related navigation systems, and engine-related parts. Worldwide, Aisin has 180 consolidated companies and employs 80,000 people. In North America, Aisin Group companies include approximately 13,000 employees, 28 manufacturing, R & D and sales centers, including Aisin World Corp. of America in Plymouth.
Aisin Technical Center of America
46501 Commerce Center Dr.
Plymouth, MI 48170
www.aisinworld.com
SOURCE Aisin Technical Center of America
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