Fukoku adding rubber parts plant in US

Saitama City, Japan – Fukoku Co. Ltd has established a new US subsidiary as part of efforts to expand its American operations amid changing automotive and geopolitical conditions.

Set for operation in January 2027, the planned site covers nearly 60,000m2, announced the Japanese industrial rubber products maker.

New entity FKC America Inc. has been incorporated in the state of Virginia with paid-in capital of $7.4 million (€6.1 million), said the Saitama City-based manufacturer.

The US operation is 50/50 jointly-owned by Fukoku and its Korean subsidiary, Fukoku Korea, added the group's 28 Jan statement.

The move, it said, responds to “changes in the business environment,” Fukoku citing innovation in the automotive sector, heightened geopolitical risks and US tariff policies.

The new subsidiary will manufacture and sell industrial rubber products, including damper pulleys, heat-dissipation gap fillers, and other battery-related components.

According to Fukoku, these products are already being supplied by Fukoku Korea to the US market, including damper pulleys and EV battery-related gap fillers adopted by Hyundai Motor.

The group expects the new subsidiary to support sales expansion to existing customers, the acquisition of new customers and entry into new markets.

The company also said the move will also allow it to respond to requests from Korean automakers for increased local procurement in the US.

Fukoku currently operates in the US through Fukoku America Inc. in South Carolina, where it manufactures resin boots and sells products including brake seals, anti-vibration rubber and wiper blade rubbers.

The company said the addition of the Virginia operation will broaden its product portfolio and strengthen the group’s global business base.