AUBURN HILLS, Mich., March 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- BorgWarner Morse TEC has opened a facility in Aoyama, Japan as an extension of its operation in Nabari City, which is about 17 kilometers from the new location. The expansion reflects the growth of Morse TEC's engine timing systems business in Japan and the continuing trend of engine timing systems moving from belts to chains in Japan and Europe.

"In the dynamic Japanese market, we are experiencing exciting opportunities with customers who are seeking optimized solutions for their engines -- including reduced noise and vibration, and improved packaging, durability and fuel efficiency," said Roger Wood, BorgWarner Morse TEC President and General Manager. "The preference for silent chain over belts continues to increase, and BorgWarner is well-positioned globally to answer the demand."

The 89,000-square-foot facility employs 86 and includes two plants and an office building. One of the plants is already fully occupied and produces engine silent chain and engine timing systems for automotive and motorcycle timing drive applications. An opening celebration earlier this month was attended by BorgWarner executive management, suppliers, and local government officials.

"We are proud to add Morse TEC Japan-Aoyama to the growing list of BorgWarner operations that bring advanced technology and powertrain expertise to customers all over the world," said Tim Manganello, BorgWarner Chairman and CEO. "Congratulations to Morse TEC for this most recent evidence of product leadership in the important Japanese vehicle market."

BorgWarner Morse TEC is a global leader in the design and manufacturing of automotive chain systems and components for engine timing, automatic transmission and four-wheel drive applications.

Auburn Hills, Michigan-based BorgWarner Inc. (NYSE: BWA) is a product leader in highly engineered components and systems for vehicle powertrain applications worldwide. The company operates manufacturing and technical facilities in 62 locations in 17 countries. Customers include Ford, DaimlerChrysler, General Motors, VW/Audi, Toyota, Honda, Hyundai/Kia, Caterpillar, Navistar International, Renault/Nissan, Peugeot, and BMW. The Internet address for BorgWarner is: http://www.borgwarner.com .

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