By Zach Spicer
Eight months.
That’s the time it took to transform an empty floor space at AISIN Drivetrain Inc. in Crothersville to set up equipment and produce six-speed automatic transmissions for its newest customer, Japanese automotive company Mazda.
“That’s almost unheard of — the timeframe to install, assemble and start production,” ADI President Joe Neuman said during a first shipment ceremony March 10 celebrating the new Mazda transmission business.
“However, with ADI and Mazda members, you worked tirelessly together to achieve this feat,” he said. “The production line looks absolutely gorgeous.”
Employees of both companies attended the ceremony. Neuman said the Mazda members in North America and Japan provided guidance, expertise and support on the assembly line and expedited the supply chain verification process.
“You guys have been outstanding, and I hope your time here in the U.S., you’ve enjoyed every minute of it,” he said.
Neuman said AISIN officials provided unwavering support to ensure the company’s standards were met and ADI systems were the top priority.
“No words could express my sincere appreciation, dedication, work ethic and just the tenacity that everyone demonstrated to complete this project in a way not many other teams could achieve,” he said.
“I always say pressure is a privilege,” he said. “Winners want pressure and excel when high expectations are placed on them. Without a doubt, you guys excelled. You were definitely winners.”
Two years ago, ADI ended a 12-year relationship with Stellantis for heavy-duty transmissions. AISIN and Mazda then began working on a joint venture for another localization project for a six-speed transmission, known as M-Z01, for the CX-30 and CX-50 crossover SUVs.
“With ADI experience and skill, we were able to localize this transmission. Our skill was highlighted in that joint venture at that point,” Neuman said.
From being awarded the business to the full start of production, 13 months passed.
Shinji Kochi, vice president of sales for AISIN World Corp. of America, said by August 2025, equipment was installed.
“It normally would be considered extremely challenging, if not impossible,” he said.
But with “remarkable speed and commitment,” he said members from both companies made it happen.
“For us at AISIN, it is especially encouraging to see their interest not only in the equipment and process but also in the people behind this achievement, teamwork behind this achievement,” Kochi said. “Projects like this remind us strong partnerships are built not only by technology, but also by people.”
Alan Morrison, business unit manager for ADI, said during the process, members of both companies came to the Crothersville facility to look at the empty space.
In July 2024, four ADI members traveled to a plant in Japan to view the existing process and equipment to determine what modifications would be needed to be successful back home.
“The original process was very man dependent and designed to be operated by highly experienced operators,” Morrison said.
That required some changes to be made to meet safety recommendations, and the machinery was professionally modified.
Morrison described the quick transition from the empty floor space to the first transmission build as “amazing, absolutely amazing.”
In January of this year, ADI conducted the first preproduction build staffed with all ADI members.
“To think just eight months after we started with nothing but an empty floor, we’re getting ready to ship,” Morrison said. “This project isn’t just about speed. It’s about innovation, improvement and excellence. The best personnel in Mazda and AISIN worked as a team to create a process that employs our collective knowledge.”
Success like this requires a massive endeavor by the people, he said.
“We have crafted a world-class process, and coupled with proven design six-speed automatic transmissions, now, ADI must have the craftsmanship,” he said. “This is all about people.”
Neuman said last week, ADI hosted Mazda executives, including Taketo Hironaka, managing executive officer of Mazda Motor Corp. who built and launched the production line.
“Hironaka stated this production line was his ‘baby boy,’” Neuman said. “He was overwhelmed and impressed when he saw the line and stated how much his ‘baby boy’ has grown up and matured and ‘Please take care of my baby boy.’ I assured him that ADI would do just that.’”
Kochi said the first shipment ceremony marks the realization of a symbolic partnership.
“We believe that AISIN can continue to compete as a strong partner for Mazda,” he said. “At the same time, I hope this project becomes an important foundation for even stronger collaboration and for new opportunities between Mazda and AISIN in the future.”
Neuman said officials from AISIN and Mazda agreed “This is just the beginning.”
“This was a large global localization project, and its success is a starting point for future partnerships,” Neuman said. “Today marks the beginning of an AISIN/Mazda partnership not only in North America but globally. Congratulations on a job well done.”
ADI was founded Oct. 1, 1996, and was the first company established in the Crothersville Industrial Park. ADI manufactures a wide range of products for customers in the automotive and heavy equipment industries, including Toyota, Lexus, Honda, Stellantis and now, Mazda. The products include industrial and commercial transmissions, electric rear axles, electric water pumps and power steering columns.
For information, visit aisindrive.com.
