Akebono Brake Establishes New Company in Thailand

JCN Newswires, Sept 28, 2006

Tokyo, Japan, Sept 28, 2006 - (JCN Newswire) - Akebono Brake Industry Co., Ltd. (TSE:7238) today announced the establishment of Akebono Brake (Thailand) Co., Ltd. on August 11 in Chonburi Province.

Akebono acquired a site in Chonburi Province's Amata Nakorn, Thailand's largest industrial estate, to initially manufacture disc brakes for Japanese automobile makers with operations in Thailand. Construction of the facility is scheduled to begin soon and initial production is planned for July 2007. Akebono will make a total investment of approximately 2.0 billion yen, and is targeting sales of 5.0 million yen in 2010.

The new company adds to the Akebono Group's presence in Southeast Asia. In Indonesia, PT. Tri Dharma Wisesa (TDW) manufactures disc brakes, drum brakes and friction material for drum brakes, and Akebono Corporation Asia Pte. Ltd. is a sales base in Singapore. Akebono also supplies from Japan to meet customer needs in the region.

In addition to expanding Akebono's business in the Thai market, Akebono Brake Thailand Co., Ltd. will function as a base to strengthen regional business integration in Southeast Asia. The company will also drive business development in Asia, where further market growth is anticipated.

About Akebono Brake Industry Co., Ltd.

Akebono Brake Industry, Co., Ltd. (TSE: 7238), established in 1929, is a world leader in advanced brake and friction material development and production. Akebono's portfolio includes brake products for automobiles, motorbikes, rolling stock, and industrial machinery, and sensor products for automobiles. The Akebono Group operates R&D centers in Japan, the United States and France, and has wholly owned or affiliated manufacturing facilities in Japan, the United States, France, China and Indonesia. Akebono recorded net sales of 142.3 billion yen in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006, and employs over 6,000 people worldwide on a consolidated basis. For more information, please visit www.akebono-brake.co.jp

Source: Akebono Brake Industry Co., Ltd.

Contact:

Akebono Brake Industry Co., Ltd.
Matthew Nicholson
Tel:  81-3-3668-5171
E-mail: matthew-nicholson@akebono-brake.co.jp

Copyright [c] 2006 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. A division of Japan Corporate News Network K.K.