Kosei set to boost wheel production

ST. MARYS - Kosei Aluminum of Japan plans to increase aluminum wheel production from 8.5 million to 13 million units over the next five years after acquiring AAP St. Marys, according to an AAP St. Marys news release.

Kosei purchased AAP from Hitachi Metals after Hitachi officials decided to exit the global aluminum wheel business. The transfer will be final on March 1, and the company's new name will be Kosei St. Marys, the release stated.

AAP St. Marys Senior Manager Dan Hosek told the newspaper the facility has about 650 employees. Since AAP was founded in 1988, the company has reportedly undergone six major expansions and shipped 55 million wheels to its customers. The business supplies wheels to Honda, Subaru, Nissan and Volkswagen, the release stated.

"This change in ownership should be very beneficial for AAP," said Michael Nikolia, AAP president/CEO. "Kosei is in a unique position to provide the necessary technology and resources that will help AAP succeed in a very challenging marketplace."

Earlier this week, Kosei President Shunkichi Kamiya reportedly visited the St. Marys location to assure associates that Kosei is committed not only to the aluminum wheel business but also to them and the community.

"We are very happy to have AAP St. Marys Corp. joining the Kosei family and, with your help, we can increase our market share and secure a bright future for all of us," he said.