A Japanese auto supplier is forming a new, separate technical center for its North American products.

Aisin World Corp. of America, a subsidiary of Japan's Aisin Seiki, Wednesday announced the creation of a new company, Aisin Technical Center of America Inc., to lead the company's product development for the North, Central and South American marketplace.

AWA President Don Whitsitt said ATC-A will become a strong, self-sufficient and localized development organization that will enable the transfer of research and development processes from the parent company for adaptation locally.

Tsuneo Uchimoto, currently a member of the Aisin Seiki board of directors, will be the new company's first president.

"While we've always had an R&D presence in the United States, most of our automotive components development has come from Aisin Seiki in Japan, with parts modification done here to conform with local needs," Whitsitt said. "The establishment of Aisin Technical Center of America is consistent with the overall direction and organization of Aisin Seiki R&D -- having a stronger presence in the important markets we serve."

Most of the 70 employees of ATC-A are engineers and product design specialists, who will work in areas related to the development of automotive body, drivetrain, engine, chassis and electronics components.

Aisin officials said a search is under way for a permanent home for the new company. Also, they said some of the 70 employees will be new hires.

"This latest growth opportunity is a win for Aisin and win for Aisin customers," said Whitsitt. "It means Aisin will be stronger locally, with accelerated design function capability for our customers here in this market."

Based in Plymouth, AWA is a subsidiary of the Aisin Group, headed by Aisin Seiki Co., Ltd. with corporate offices in Kariya City, Aichi, Japan. The Aisin Group is a worldwide supplier of automotive components, such as brakes, transmissions, drive train, chassis, body and information-related systems and components, and engine-related parts. In North America, the Aisin Group has 32 manufacturing, R&D and sales centers, and approximately 10,000 employees.