The move is intended to support the company's fast growing business in China by proving out new products and technologies for China-based customers, GHSP said in a statement.

The company plans to further invest in the facilities in 2010.

GHSP has two plants in Shanghai with a combined shifter production capacity of around 500,000 units, according to Sean Chen, a marketing supervisor with GHSP in Shanghai. The plants have produced more than 1 million shifters since starting operations in 2005.

GHSP produces shifters for both automatic and manual transmission vehicles. Its customers in China include local joint ventures of Honda Motor Co., General Motors, Suzuki Motor Corp. and Daimler AG.

GHSP is owned by JSJ Corporation of Grand Haven, Michigan, U.S.