About Amtech International

Helping automotive suppliers grow with Japanese OEMs through trusted technical and market support.

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Where Automotive Engineering Meets Japanese Business Culture

The automotive industry is evolving fast. From the rise of electric vehicles to shifting global economics, the rules of engagement are changing. Amtech International exists to help you stay ahead of that change. We don’t just respond to industry shifts—we anticipate them, adapt to them, and position our clients to succeed within them.

Your Partner in the Japanese Automotive Market

Amtech’s Japanese Automotive Business Consulting team has a proven track record of helping companies expand their market share with Japanese OEMs across North America. Over the past five years, transformation has redefined global business. Our commitment to continuous improvement ensures you don’t fall behind—you move forward with clarity. While you focus on innovation, we ensure you’re aligned with the market that matters.

Engineer working with virtual car model

What We Stand for

We work as an extension of your team—bringing insight, structure, and direction where it matters most.

  • Navigate complex Japanese business environments.

  • Strengthen relationships with OEM decision-makers.

  • Align strategy with evolving market expectations.

  • Create opportunities for sustainable growth.

Built to Bridge Worlds

Decades of experience. Global reach. One clear purpose—making cross-border business work.

  • Established: 1999.

  • Headquarters: Troy, Michigan, USA.

  • Founder: Eric F. Heard.

  • Specialty: Bridging the Gap Between East and West.

  • Markets Served: North America, Japan, Europe, Southeast Asia.

  • Subsidiary: AG JAPAN (Tokyo, Japan).

Success With Japanese OEMs Requires More Than a Product

Success with Japanese OEMs depends on more than price or capability. Strong partnerships are built through trust, communication, process alignment, and long-term commitment.

  • Trust — Built through consistency, reliability, and proven performance.
  • Process — Japanese OEMs value structured systems and operational discipline.
  • Engineering Communication — Clear technical communication supports stronger collaboration.
  • Expectations — High standards for quality, timing, and documentation are essential.
  • Decision Making — Multiple teams are involved in supplier evaluation and approvals.
  • Business Culture — Understanding Japanese business practices strengthens relationships.
  • Local Support — Regional guidance improves responsiveness and customer alignment.
  • Long-term relationships — Sustainable growth comes from ongoing partnership development.

Meet Our Leadership & Team

A team built not just on roles but on results.

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Tom Bodell

Managing Director

Extensive background in automotive operations, supplier development, and OEM program management. Known for bridging engineering, purchasing, and manufacturing teams to support efficient execution for Japanese and international automotive customers.

As a minority partner of AMTECH USA L.L.C., Tom Bodell brings an impressive record for Japanese based OEM parts sales to AMTECH USA LLC and its subsidiary companies.

Creative and growth focused, Tom utilizes his entrepreneurial skills to assist AMTECH in meeting its strategic objectives. His extensive business experience in sales and marketing among the Japanese automotive manufacturers and suppliers, along with his multilingual attributes has proven beneficial in his steady pursuit of business growth.

A graduate of Michigan State University, Tom earned a Bachelor of Science degree in International Relations. While an undergraduate, his core curriculum encompassed emphasis in Japanese, Economics and Political Science. In addition to his educational endeavors, Tom also earned a spot on the Varsity football team for his entire tenor in college.

Following graduation, Tom joined Freudenberg-NOK as an account representative, where he helped grow the company’s business with Auto Alliance and Mitsubishi Motors in North America. Three years later, Tom accepted an assignment to establish the Asian sales office for Ventra Group Inc., a Canadian automotive supplier for mechanical assemblies and plastic trim components. In less than three years, Tom grew Ventra’s Asian related business by more than 250%. Subsequently, in late 2001, Tom returned to the United States as Director of Sales for AMTECH USA LLC.

Today, Tom utilizes his International business experience, along with his knowledge of Japanese business practices, language and culture to compliment his partners at Amtech USA, LLC.

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Eric F. Heard

President & CEO

Brings decades of automotive industry leadership with deep experience supporting Japanese OEMs and global JOEM supply networks. His strategic direction, engineering insight, and strong industry relationships help drive long-term growth and trusted partnerships across the automotive sector.

Eric F. Heard – Founder and President, Amtech International
Eric F. Heard, founder and president of Amtech International, has a distinguished career with leadership roles with some of the world’s foremost automotive manufacturers. Renowned for his innovative thinking and strategic vision, Eric combines exceptional leadership with outstanding interpersonal skills to deliver impactful results across diverse business ventures.

With extensive experience spanning sales and marketing, business development, and program management, Eric is a seasoned professional adept at navigating multicultural and multilingual business landscapes. His expertise has been instrumental in driving success in increasingly complex and globalized automotive markets.

Educational and Early Leadership Foundations
Eric earned his Bachelor of Arts in Labor and Industrial Relations from Michigan State University. At MSU, he demonstrated strong leadership by serving as Vice President of the university’s 44,000-member student body. Additionally, he co-edited the MSU New Student Register and acted as Director of University and Community Affairs for the Spartan Spirit Collegiate Association.

Automotive Industry Career Highlights
Eric’s career began at DENSO, where he played a pivotal role as a sales engineer, securing the company’s first contractual agreement with General Motors and its inaugural non-automotive business in North America.
In 1985, Eric joined TRW Automotive as Manager of Sales and Marketing for the Asia-Pacific region. In 1991, he transitioned to Director of Business Development for Asia-Pacific in Tokyo, Japan. He led negotiations and expanded TRW’s business footprint across Japan and Korea.
In 1993, Eric returned to the United States as General Manager of Asian and Transplant Sales for Freudenberg-NOK. In 1996, he was appointed Director of Business Development for Asia-Pacific worldwide at CMI International, further solidifying his reputation as a dynamic and results-driven leader in the automotive sector.

Unique Multicultural and Multilingual Expertise
Born in Japan to an American father and a Japanese mother, Eric possesses native fluency in both English and Japanese. This dual heritage has provided him with invaluable insights into both societies' cultural and business practices, making him uniquely equipped to bridge gaps between international companies and Japanese automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

Leading Amtech International
As the President and CEO of Amtech International, Eric leverages his rich industry experience and cultural expertise to provide consulting services tailored to the needs of global automotive suppliers. He has become a trusted advisor to leading companies and executives navigating the complex Japanese automotive market by sharing his strategic business and cultural insights.
Eric’s commitment to fostering global partnerships and delivering exceptional results positions Amtech International as a leader in Japanese automotive consulting and market entry strategies.

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Thomas J. Spence

Technical Director

Highly experienced in automotive engineering and technical program leadership. Provides critical expertise in product development, manufacturing processes, and technical coordination for JOEM-focused projects and supplier integration.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Wyle, Aerospace Division

Sales Engineer– Sterling Heights, MI - Oct 13’ – Feb 16’

  • Identify opportunities and provide solutions
  • Negotiate technical solutions and cost benefits with engineering and purchasing
  • Captures voice of the customer through listening and effective discovery questions
  • Experienced in briefing complex ideas and solutions to Purchasing and Engineers
  • Combines business objectives with engineering knowledge for best return on investment
  • Experienced in assessing third party vendor capability and quality so product meets original equipment manufacturer (OEM) specifications and requirements.

Aircraft Systems Engineer – Ogden, UT

Applications Engineer  - Oct 09’ – Oct 13’

  • Systems Engineering support for T-38 MECSIP at Hill Air Force Base
  • Acting T-38 Wyle Subject matter expert in sustainment engineering

Terrafugia – Woburn, MA Aug - Oct 09’
Engineering Intern

  • Lead-Designer for windshield wiper/washer system, beta prototype
  • Design & drawing assistant to wing folding actuating system, beta prototype

EDUCATION

Stevens Institute of Technology
Masters, Systems Engineering, received May 2015

Western Michigan University
Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering, received May 2008

MoreSteam, Six Sigma Training, received July 2010

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Masashi Miyasaka

Masashi Miyasaka

Recognized for extensive experience working with Japanese OEMs and automotive suppliers. Offers valuable insight into engineering collaboration, purchasing expectations, and cross-cultural business development within the Japanese automotive market.

English
Japanese

Masashi Miyasaka

Business Development & Purchasing Advisor

Masashi Miyasaka brings extensive experience from both the OEM and supplier sides of the automotive industry. His technical and commercial understanding of the automotive industry has proven invaluable to AMTECH and its clients in supporting Japanese OEM business development, purchasing strategy, and supplier engagement.

Professional Experience

NISSAN MOTOR COMPANY (27 Years)

  • Instrument Cluster and IP Layout Engineering
  • Door Mirror, Steering Wheel, Seat Frame, and Instrument Panel Design Engineering Manager
  • Vehicle Interior Component Purchasing Director

ALPHA CORPORATION (5 Years)

  • Door Lock and Door Handle Business Development Director
  • Alpha Locker System Engineering Management

CEMEDINE AUTOMOTIVE CORPORATION (2 Years)

  • International Purchasing General Manager

KASAI KOGYOU CORPORATION (7 Years)

  • Global Purchasing Executive
  • Interior Trim and Global Supply Chain Management
  • China Joint Venture and New Business Development Support

MARKLINES CORPORATION (1 Year)

  • Automotive Business Development and Human Resource Advisor

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Miho Ohsawa

Senior Research Specialist

Specializes in Japanese automotive market research, OEM intelligence, and supplier analysis. Her deep understanding of Japanese business practices and industry trends supports informed decision-making and stronger customer alignment.

English
Japanese

Miho Ohsawa

Administrative and Client Services Manager

Miho Ohsawa is a bilingual Japanese-English business professional with more than 30 years of experience living and working in the United States. Her strong communication skills, market research capabilities, and extensive industry network have become valuable assets to AMTECH. Ohsawa plays a key role in identifying potential business opportunities, supporting market research activities, and developing relationships with prospective clients in both Japan and North America.

Education

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Law – Seijo University (Tokyo, Japan)
  • Master’s Degree in Communication – Eastern Michigan University

Professional Experience

DELTA USA CORPORATION

  • Employee Communications Manager
  • Supported communication and organizational alignment between Japanese and American associates in manufacturing, engineering, and materials operations

AUTO ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL (AAI)

  • Material Handling and Production Planning Specialist
  • Inventory analysis and procurement coordination
  • Budget analysis and supplier relations management

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Okano

Yoshimasa Okano

Brings strong expertise in automotive manufacturing, supplier relations, and JOEM business practices. His industry knowledge helps strengthen partnerships and support technical and commercial alignment with Japanese customers.

English
Japanese

Yoshimasa Okano

Executive Technical Advisor

Yoshimasa Okano is a highly experienced, hands-on engineering specialist with extensive experience supporting Japanese OEM engineering activities, technical problem-solving, and supplier development. His technical credibility, OEM communication ability, and problem-solving skills have made him an extremely valuable technical resource for AMTECH and its clients.

Professional Experience

ADIENT 

  • Seat Engineering and Development Management
  • Engineering communication and technical coordination with Japanese OEMs

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Jin Hashioka(1)

Jin Hashioka

Experienced in automotive engineering and OEM engagement with a strong understanding of Japanese automotive standards and supplier expectations. Plays an important role in supporting technical communication and customer relationship development.

English
Japanese

Jin Hashioka

Chief Technical Advisor

Jin Hashioka is a highly respected former Toyota Motor Corporation powertrain executive with approximately 40 years of engine development experience. Today, he leverages his extensive relationships with Toyota and keiretsu suppliers to support AMTECH and its clients by opening doors, facilitating technical discussions, and strengthening business opportunities in the Japanese automotive industry.

Professional Experience

TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION

  • Engine Planning, Design, Validation, and Development
  • Gasoline and Diesel Engine Development
  • Engine System and Component Engineering
  • Development of validation standards and durability evaluation methods
  • Advanced supplier collaboration and technical integration activities

AISAN INDUSTRY CO., LTD. (Secondment)

  • EFI System and Intake Module Development
  • Heat Management System Development
  • Joint supplier development activities

TOYOTA TECHNICAL DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (TTDC)

  • Engine and Powertrain Development Leadership
  • Mass production engine and vehicle development support
  • Engineering education and development process improvement

TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION (Rejoined)

  • Digital Development Infrastructure
  • AI utilization and CAD integration initiatives
  • SSA quality improvement activities and supplier support

 

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Immediate Advantage.
Long-Term Impact.

  • Trusted by Japanese OEMs to support supplier engagement.

  • Expand OEM coverage across North America, Japan & Southeast Asia.

  • Gain immediate expertise in Japanese automotive business practices.

  • Strong, established industry network.

  • Build presence in Japan—without high operational costs.

Gain Market Advantage

If You're Entering the Japanese Market, You're Asking:

  • How do we grow with Japanese-managed customers?

  • How should we present our value effectively?

  • What cultural adaptations are required?

  • Who are the right decision-makers to approach?

  • What does the competitive landscape look like?

  • Do we need a presence in Japan to succeed?

Where Answers Become Strategy

These aren’t just questions—they’re the difference between effort and results. Amtech International provides the clarity, insight, and direction needed to turn uncertainty into a structured path forward.

Professionals shaking hands in modern office.

Built for Where You’re Going Next

Growth in the Japanese automotive market isn’t accidental—it’s engineered through alignment, understanding, and execution. Amtech International brings all three together, so you can move forward with confidence and purpose.

Begin Your Next Move