Kiyosu, Japan, June 28, 2017: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd. will enhance production capacity for plastic fuel filler pipes in Japan and the USA to meet growing demand for lightweight parts that contribute to better environmental performance of automobiles.

Toyoda Gosei will invest about 2 billion yen (US$1.9 million*) to expand production facilities in its Heiwacho Plant (Aichi, Japan) and at one of its US manufacturing subsidiaries, TG Kentucky, LLC. The production capacity of the two plants together will be increased to 2 million pipes annually by 2020, about four times the current level. Similar investments are planned in China, Czech Republic, and other locations to meet customer’s demand for the product.

Fuel filler pipes have long been made mainly of metal. Toyoda Gosei was the first to succeed in making these pipes of plastic with its extrusion production method, which are about 50% lighter than previous metal pipes. The company received a Superior TNGA Promotion Award in February 2015 from its main customer, Toyota Motor Corporation, for developing a product that contributes to improved automobile fuel efficiency.

Toyoda Gosei’s plastic fuel filler pipes also meet stricter emission constraints in North America, China, and Europe, and are expected to come into wider use for their contributions to combating environmental pollution.

* Calculated with US$1 = 105 yen

Plastic fuel filler pipe

Outline of Heiwacho Plant and TG Kentucky Name Toyoda Gosei Heiwacho Plant TG Kentucky, LLC Location Inazawa, Aichi, Japan Lebanon, Kentucky, USA Production items Functional parts Safety systems LED products Functional parts Interior and external parts Area Land 142,000m2 Buildings  46,000m2 Land 328,000m2 Buildings 58,000m2 Investment amount Approx. 0.6 billion yen (Approx. US$5.7 million*) Approx. 1.4 billion yen (Approx. US$13.3 million*)

About Toyoda Gosei

Established in 1949 and headquartered in Kiyosu, Aichi Prefecture, Japan, Toyoda Gosei is a leading specialty manufacturer of rubber and plastic automotive parts and LEDs. Today, the Toyoda Gosei Group provides a variety of high-quality products internationally, with a network of approximately 100 plants and offices in 18 countries and regions. Through its flexible, integrated global supply system and leading-edge technologies for automotive safety, comfort, and environmental preservation, Toyoda Gosei is a global supplier that aims to deliver the highest levels of quality, innovation, and satisfaction to customers worldwide.