Kyosan DENSO Manufacturing Kentucky (KDMK)—Kyosan Denki America (KYDA) of Winchester, Ky., and DENSO International America have established a North American manufacturing company in Mt. Sterling, Ky., to produce automotive components for North American car manufacturers.

The new company—Kyosan DENSO Manufacturing Kentucky (KDMK)—is expected to employ 230 people by 2008. KYDA owns 70 percent of the company and DENSO, 30 percent. KYDA has transferred all U.S. production to KDMK, including assembling automotive fuel systems, fuel cutoff valves and on-board refueling vapor recovery valves. In addition, the following products will be added to production at KDMK:
• Fuel pump modules and fuel filters
• Suction filters
• Pressure regulators

“We’re looking forward to doing business in the great state of Kentucky,” said Katsumi Urano, president of the new company. “Mt. Sterling is centrally located to our customers, and we’re excited to be part of this community.”

“Kyosan Denki America has been an excellent corporate citizen for Kentucky, and we appreciate the investment they have made in the Commonwealth,” said Kentucky Governor Paul E. Patton. “Having an existing business expand in Kentucky shows the corporate world that Kentucky is a profitable place to do business.”

Kyosan Denki America and DENSO International America announced at a news conference the establishment of a new joint venture—Kyosan DENSO Manufacturing Kentucky (KDMK). Katsumi Urano, KDMK president (pictured), outlined for journalists the products KDMK will manufacture: fuel pumps and filters, suction filters and pressure regulators.