A BEARING manufacturer was marking two anniversaries in Ilminster this morning by planting a cherry blossom tree.

Daido Industrial Bearings Europe Ltd (DIBE) was established in September 2001 at Winterhay Lane, and its sister company Daido Metal Europe Ltd (DME) has been on site since January 2006.

Mr. Hanji, the chairman (CEO) of parent company Daido Metal Co Ltd (DMJ) and Mr.Kashiyama, the president (COO), visited the site at 9am this morning to plant what is the first of four cherry blossom trees at the front of the business.

Over 200 people are employed in the two companies on site with DIBE manufacturing plain bearings for medium speed diesel engines and DME controlling sales in Europe.

The parent company DMJ invests in the latest manufacturing technology, material specifications and bearing designs to support the future development of medium speed diesel engines and turbochargers.

The trees were chosen as the cherry blossom is the national flower of Japan, and represents a symbol of peace to countries all over the world.