Aichi, Japan, February 5, 2004 - Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd. today announced
the establishment of a new subsidiary in China. Toyoda Gosei (Foshan)
Rubber Parts Co., Ltd. will be set up in Shunde Industrial Park in
Foshan City, Southern China. The new company will produce body sealing
components targeting the increasing sales facing Japanese carmakers
in the area. The company will create a new stronghold for the TG
Group in Southern China for future anticipated expansion in this
important market. Toyoda Gosei (60%), Tai-Yue Rubber Industrial (35%),
and Toyota Tsusho (5%) are the principal shareholders. The firm was
funded with capital of 8.0 million US dollars (approximately 850
million yen) to set up the 10,000 m2 manufacturing plant on a 50,000
m2 site for body sealing parts for cars (door weatherstrips, glass
runs, opening trim, etc.). Four executives have been appointed to
the board of directors. Established in February 2004, the plant is
slated to begin operations in November 2004 employing approximately
50 employees. The new company projects it will expand to 200 employees
by the year 2007 with sales reaching 1.2 billion yen.