NTK Precision Axle Corp. (USA) said it will expand its Frankfort, Indiana plant and hire additional workers to meet rising demand.

In operation since 2004, the NTK plant currently employs just under 200 workers producing CV joint axles and components for wheel bearing hub assembly units. Manufacturing operations include soft turning and heat treating.

more details in 2003 article: NTN JV building axle plant in Indiana
NTK is a joint venture with NTN Corp. (Japan) and two long-term supplier partners, Takao Kogyo (Japan), and Neturen (Japan). The plant's primary purpose is to supply other NTN facilities, such as the NTN USA driveshaft plant in Columbus, Indiana.

The expansion at NTK is a $15 million program being driven by increasing demand for front-drive and four-wheel-drive components from Japanese automakers operating in the United States.

Scheduled to start coming online by mid-2009, the expansion will eventually require NTK to hire at least 50 more workers and extend cross-functional training options for the other 200.