Mitsui Buys Stake in U.S.-Based Contract Assembler

Japanese trading house Mitsui & Co. has spent 3 billion yen ($29 million) to acquire one-third of Android Industries LLC, a Michigan-based contract producer of suspension and other complex subassemblies, The Nikkei reports.

The investment marks Mitsui's entry into automotive assembly work. Android operates 12 factories in the U.S., four in Central and South America and one in Europe, according to the newspaper. The American company's customers include General Motors, Ford and Chrysler.

Android generated sales estimated at $800 million last year from about $720 million in 2012, The Nikkei says. The company describes its operations as flexible, responsive and highly automated.