THE first managing director of Bolton's only Japanese-owned business is retiring and returning home.

Akira Miyamoto is leaving Hitachi Automotive Products Europe Ltd this week with fond memories of the town.

He has sent letters to various people he has met, expressing his "sincere appreciation" for the support and co-operation he has received during his four-year stay here.

Mr Miyamoto, who has worked for Hitachi for 37 years, writes: "I was very happy to have been engaged in setting up a new factory in Bolton surrounded by many historical places and to have worked together with warm-hearted people during my last working years."

Hitachi's decision to establish HAP-EU at Middlebrook was a major triumph for Bolton Council, its local partners and regional agencies. The factory, which now employs 130 people, is the European production centre for hi-tech engine control systems designed to make car exhaust emissions more environmentally-friendly.

Mr Miyamoto visited the Mayor's Parlour at Bolton Town Hall to say some of his goodbyes. The Mayor and Mayoress of Bolton, Cllr Kevan Helsby and Mrs Alice Kilcoyne, presented him with a Wedgwood frame -- which will eventually contain a picture taken on the day -- on behalf of the council and the people of Bolton.

Mr Miyamoto's successor, Haruo Okamoto, had to miss the town hall visit because he was attending a meeting in Munich.