Aisin Drivetrain Inc. held a celebration last Monday in observance of their quarter of a century of manufacturing in Crothersville. To celebrate the company made $10,000 gifts to the town and school.
Left to right representing the town of Crothersville were councilmen Jamy Greathouse, Chad Wilson, clerk-treasurer Danieta Foster, ADI President Scott Shade, representing Crothersville Community Schools were CHS principal Doug Ballinger, School Superintendent Dr. Terry Goodin, and school board member and ADI associate Chad Ord.
Aisin Drivetrain, Inc. (ADI), a business unit of Aisin Corporation, the world’s largest automotive transmission supplier, presented donations in celebration of its 25th anniversary of doing business in Crothersville.
ADI was founded on Oct. 1, 1996 in Crothersville and was the first manufacturing plant to located in the community’s industrial park.
A check in the amount of $10,000 was made to the Crothersville Community Schools and an additional check in the amount of $10,000 to the Town of Crothersville to be used for public safety services. The presentation was made by ADI President Scott Shade at a small, private event due to COVID safety protocols.
“We’re thrilled to be able to give back to the community that has supported us for 25 years,” said Shade. “The ADI family attitude extends beyond the plant and into the community. It makes a difference how we work together, how we treat each other, and ensures we can safely and successfully co-exist for many years to come.”
ADI manufactures a wide range of products and systems such as power steering columns, automatic transmissions and electric water pumps for the automotive and heavy equipment industries. The company is nearing completion of a major $55 million expansion that is expected to add up to 80 new jobs by the end of 2022. The expanded business will support Aisin’s global initiative to accelerate vehicle electrification. ADI will accommodate equipment and design changes for the Toyota large capacity Hybrid electric rear axle assembly and electric water pump in the 353,799 square foot facility.
Reflecting on ADI’s history, Shade said through the years of typical ups and downs experienced in the automotive and heavy equipment business, the company has persevered.
“It’s been quite a journey,” said Shade, who’s been with ADI since 1998, the last 3 years as president. “Anyone in manufacturing knows there will always be challenging years, but we are tough and we got stronger thanks to generations of strong leaders, an excellent employee base, and strong community support.”
Shade also credits their mother plant in Ogawa, Japan and the members from Japan that gave a portion of their personal lives to help ADI grow and provide critical technical product and equipment training.
“We’re a world-class manufacturing facility with a legacy of excellence, and the best workforce anywhere, and were very proud of that,” Shade added. “We’ll continue to be a good neighbor and provide a stable workplace well into the future as the auto industry evolves.”
Founded in 1996, ADI currently employs 476 team members with projected annual sales of over $299 million for 2021. Since 2008, ADI has invested nearly $96 million into its operations in Crothersville.