NOVI, Mich. -- Cooper Standard Automotive has announced its acquisition of USi Inc. from Ikuyo Co. Ltd. of Japan, effective immediately.

USi, based in Rockford, Tenn., provides an exclusive hard coating process for use in automotive and industrial applications, including bright trim assemblies on vehicles produced by a number of global automakers, including Ford Motor Co., General Motors Co., Honda Motor Co., Hyundai Motor Co., Nissan Motor Co. and Toyota Motor Corp. Terms of the sale were not disclosed.

"This is an excellent acquisition for Cooper Standard, as it allows us to apply USi's innovative hard coating technology on products we currently offer, while also expanding our product offering," said Jim McElya, chairman and CEO, Cooper Standard. "USi's portfolio incorporates Japanese, North American and European technologies, which will allow Cooper Standard to offer our global customers a full-range of bright trim sealing assemblies that are quickly gaining popularity."

Through the sale, Cooper Standard acquires USi's 109,000-square-foot plant in Rockford. Cooper Standard also gains access to USi's unique coating process that allows for the development of a multitude of surface finishes to meet growing customer demand.

Cooper Standard says it has plans to spread USi's technology and capabilities to its European businesses, where automakers are also seeking bright trim and hard-coated products to enhance overall vehicle appearance.