7/30/14 - A Japanese automotive supply company with local ties is one of several companies being asked to contribute to Detroitâs Grand Bargain. Aisin Seiki Corporation is based in Japan, but its facility in Fowlerville provides testing and research for many of the parts the company sells to Detroit automakers. That economic connection to the Motor City is the reason automotive parts suppliers- both American and Japanese- were called upon last week to contribute to the $100 million needed by the Detroit Institute of Arts. That payment is part of the Grand Bargain, which will keep the DIAâs artwork off the auction block as the city files Chapter 9 bankruptcy. According to the Detroit Free Press, executives from automotive supply companies such as Lear, TriMas, and Metaldyne responded positively to the suggestion. Aisin Vice President of Human Resources Mike Lapinski said he was confident the company would figure out a way to contribute and demonstrate its civic commitment. Automotive suppliers have been tapped for philanthropic fundraisers in the past, usually after the Big Three automakers had contributed, although Japanese suppliers are not always included in the mix. Solid decisions from the companies are expected by the end of August. After the Grand Bargain, the DIA will be transferred to an independent nonprofit to make sure it will never be on the hook for city debt again. (TD)
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