TRB Lightweight Structures (Huntington, UK) and Toyota Tsusho USA (New York, USA) announced the establishment of a joint venture to produce high-volume composite parts for the North American automotive industry. The new joint venture will build a plant near Lexington, Kentucky, and will begin supplying composite battery cases to tier one suppliers in the truck and bus industry in April.
TRB is headquartered in the United Kingdom and has decades of experience in providing lightweight solutions for industries such as rail and aerospace. The new company will make full use of TRB's automated manufacturing technology and Toyota Tsusho's global supply chain. The plant will use proprietary robotics and process automation technology to produce cost-effective composite parts.
Mike Lavender, senior vice president of Toyota Tsusho USA, said: "We strive to provide electrification support for our customers. The cooperation with TRB allows us to provide the market with new lightweight solutions that can improve performance."
Richard Holland, Managing Director of TRB Lightweight Structures, said: "We are very pleased to work with Toyota Tsusho USA to bring our knowledge and innovation to American automakers and their suppliers. We share key values with Toyota; we believe in long-term partnership Bring value and maintain a good attitude.