ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Tokyo-based manufacturer of motion control products NSK has announced it will expand production in the U.S., as a result of increasingly strong business growth with domestic automotive OEMs. The company has invested $10 million to expand its Franklin, Ind., manufacturing facility.

The investment will add a total of six new taper roller production lines to the plant. In conjunction with this expansion, several components also will be supplied through local suppliers. After full launch, the Franklin facility will add a total of 35 new positions -- eight salaried and 27 direct employees. In addition, four engineering positions have been filled at the company's Ann Arbor, Mich., facility to support continued customer development.

New line launch started in July and will continue through 2012, NSK said. The Franklin expansion will support approximately $20 million in additional sales for NSK Americas.  

NSK Americas CEO Brian Lindsay commented, "We are very pleased to be able to invest in these state-of-the-art processes, creating additional employment here in Franklin, Ind. This facility has enjoyed great productivity and labor relations over the years, and these new lines will ensure the plant has a healthy future. With NSK's continued growth and drive to support its customers we expect these expansions will continue."