THK Rhythm (a subsidiary of THK, Japan; TSE:6481) said it will build a bearing and automotive hard parts manufacturing plant in Rayong, Thailand.

The facility will produce automotive-size bearings, primarily for Thailand's fast-growing auto industry. It will also produce hard parts such as steering gear and linkages.

All in, THK will invest at least USD $10.2 million in the Thai facility, which will eventually produce more than 2 million bearings per year when it is fully online.

THK Co. Ltd. acquired Rhythm Corp. (Japan) from private equity Carlyle Group in mid-2007 for $106 million. Carlyle had acquired 97% of Rhythm by funding a management-led leveraged buyout. Rhythm manufactures a variety of hard parts for automotive steering, suspension, brake and transmission applications.