The Chamber Business Spotlight of the week for Monday, 03/01/21 is The Aisin Group.

The Aisin Group in Marion consists of 3 separate facilities—Aisin Mfg. Illinois (AMI), Aisin Light Metals (ALM), and Aisin Electronics Illinois (AEIL). Aisin’s decision to locate in Marion 20 years ago was due largely in part to its proximity to several automobile manufacturing plants as well as access to major thoroughfares, interstates 57, 24, and 64, Southern Illinois University and the local community colleges, and a strong, available workforce.

Even though the three plants operate under the Aisin Group umbrella, each produce very different products. AMI produces sunroofs, grill shutters, center pillars, and door handles which are shipped to Toyota, Lexus, Subaru, and GM facilities located in Canada, Mexico, Texas, Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana, and Michigan, Mississippi, and Alabama. ALM’s main focus is extruded aluminum parts with bumper reinforcements being their number one product. Honda, Toyota, Lexus, and Chrysler/Dodge/Ram are the automakers that are supplied by ALM. And the third Marion plant, AEIL, manufactures electronic control modules that perform various functions -- transmission control, 4-wheel drive control, memory seats, smart handles that operate with your key fob, and power door closers to name a few. They also manufacture electric water pumps that keep your car engine cool. AEIL supplies to many different automakers including Ram, Toyota, Lexus, Mazda, Nissan, Honda, Subaru, and GM.

Since AMI’s opening in 2002, ALM’s in 2004, and AEIL’s in 2005, The Aisin Group has continued to grow. In 2014, AEIL completed an addition to their facility and in 2015, ALM expanded and added 72,000 square feet to their existing facility. Currently the three Marion Aisin plants employ approximately 2000 people from all over Southern Illinois.
The Aisin Group Marion also strives to be a good corporate citizen. Besides being involved with local chambers, Aisin regularly provides support to local causes such as the Boys and Girls Club, St. Jude, Toys for Tots, the Lighthouse Shelter, Gumdrops, The Poshard Foundation, Special Olympics, and numerous others including school activities, civic organizations, and ball teams. Aisin also strives to be a good steward of our natural resources. AMI has been “0 landfill” since 2009. Extensive recycling programs are in place in all 3 plants with the goal of reducing our environmental impact. The Aisin Group has also partnered with some local schools to set up recycling programs, establish “outdoor classrooms”, and help educate students about the importance of conserving and protecting our natural resources.

If you are interested in learning more about our Marion Aisin facilities or interested in a career with Aisin, please go to the website www.aisinillinois.com

Proud to call Southern Illinois home, The Aisin Group Marion plans to continue to be a leader, make a difference, and help make this a great community to live and work in.