Freudenberg-NOK, Ishino Gasket form joint venture in U.S.

PLYMOUTH, Mich. (Feb. 3)—Freudenberg-NOK G.P. and Ishino Gasket Manufacturing Co. Ltd. have formed a Michigan-based joint venture, following the acquisition of Ishino by Freudenberg's Japanese parent company NOK Corp. Ishino Gasket North America will add the Japanese company's cylinder head and exhaust manifold gasket technology to Freudenberg and the former Meillor S.A., giving the Freudenberg & NOK Group as a whole "world-class capability," and ensuring it can fully meet all of its customers' total engine sealing needs in all major global automotive markets, the company said in a release.