TRW Automotive in pact with Xi'an Dong Fang Group to set up new plant

TRW Asia Pacific Co., Ltd, a subsidiary of TRW Automotive Holdings Corp yesterday signed a joint venture agreement with Xi'an Dong Fang Group Co., Ltd, a division of China North Industries Group Corporation, to set up an airbag inflator and seat belt pretensioner manufacturing facility in Xi'an, in the Shanxi Province of  China.

TRW said that it planned to take the facility operational before the end of the year.

Dong Fang Group is among the leading 500 machinery companies in China and the top 30 in Shanxi Province.

With 2009 sales of $11.6 billion, Livonia, Michigan, headquarterd TRW Automotive ranks among the world's leading automotive suppliers with operations in 26 countries. TRW

Nancy Gougarty, vice president of Asia Pacific Operations, said, "This is an important development that demonstrates a continued commitment to expanding our manufacturing footprint here in China. TRW has a long established presence in China and continues to invest to ensure that we support our global and domestic customers in this vibrant market."

Through its six joint ventures and three wholly owned plants, TRW manufactures all elements of its safety system portfolio comprising airbags, seat belts, steering wheels, braking, steering and suspension products in China.