Parts makers target growing auto market

apan’s NSK and Timken Co, the largest bearing manufacturer in the US, plan to set up a US$40m joint venture bearings facility in Suzhou, Jiangsu province. The two companies, which already have a sales tie-up, will supply bearings to the growing number of auto makers setting up in China.

Another Japanese auto parts manufacturer, Unisia Jecs Corp, said it would invest an initial US$15m to establish a global supply base in Guangzhou. The plant, due to start operations in 2004, will make items such as water pumps and valve parts for engines.