Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd

In a step toward Japan's goal of developing an aircraft industry, three Japanese manufacturers have reached an agreement to take their largest role ever in development and production of a new U.S. jetliner. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Fuji Heavy Industries reached an agreement with Boeing Co.

Boeing said Friday that three Japanese aerospace firms will build 20% of the structure for the firm's next generation commercial jetliner, setting tighter limits on the Japanese role than had been expected. Under a preliminary agreement, the three Japanese firms will not become "equity partners," meaning that they will be excluded from participating in overall design and management of the new aircraft program, known as the 767-X, Boeing said.