NSG had developed its supply system for Europe and America through joint ventures with LOF in the US and Pilkington in Europe. In July 2000, seeking to strengthen its global supply system in response to changes in the global automotive industry, the company exchanged Pilkington shares with the Pilkington affiliates it controlled, thus acquiring a 10% stake in the company. In October 2001, to further stabilize its ties with the company, NSG acquired another 10% of its stock, bringing its total stake up to 20%. Pilkington thus became an equity-method affiliate.