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DETROIT-Eight Japanese companies say their will be adding or expanding operations around Michigan. The news comes shortly after Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm spent a week in Japan, seeking to lure more business and jobs to the Great Lakes state.

The eight companies are: Hitachi Automotive, Sekisui Chemical, Nippon Antenna, Nippon Piston Ring, Advanced Special Tools, Nakagawa Special Steel, Taiko Device Technologies and A&D Inc. They join DENSO and Tokai Rika, which previously announced similar plans.

"I went to Japan with one thing in mind--to bring new jobs and new opportunities back to Michigan" Granholm said. The projects include: Hitachi Automotive, which said it will expand its computer and high-tech operations in Farmington Hillsm where it currently employs 130 people; Sekisui Chemical's Voltek division in Coldwater, which is expanding; and Nippon Antenna, which is undertaking a site search for a new R&D facility in Michigan.

Additionally, Nippon Piston Ring is completing a new plant in Grand Haven under the name NPR manufacturing Michigan and preparing to hire new workers; Advanced Special Tools in Battle Creek will create a new subsidiary called Advanced Plastics Molding in Battle Creek; Nakagawa Special Steel is opening its first sales office in Novi; and Taiko Device Technologies is opening its first North American office in Southfield.

Instant Insights /

Eight Japanese Operations Plan $8M in Michigan Expansions

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