Ann Arbor Township-based IMRA America Inc., a fiber laser research firm owned by Japanese automotive supplier Aisin Seiki Co., said today that it would donate $150,000 to several community institutions.

IMRA's largest gift was $75,000 for the University of Michigan's solar car team, which raises private funds to compete in national and international competitions. IMRA said in a statement that the gift was designed to recognize the team's "amazing work being done in research and promotion of alternative energy research in southeast Michigan."

The company also gave $50,000 to the Ann Arbor Public Schools Educational Foundation "in recognition of the high value that we place upon the education of our future employees as well as that provided to the children of our local workforce."

“We recognize the tremendous challenges that many organizations face during these difficult economic times and we at IMRA are pleased to be in a position to help,” IMRA America President Tak Omitsu said in a statement. "It is my hope that other corporations will recognize and support institutions in their communities in a similar manner.”

The company in 2009 finished construction on a LEED Gold-certified facility at its technology campus, where IMRA now has 54,000 square feet spanning four buildings. The company has about 70 employees in Ann Arbor Township.

IMRA is also donated $20,000 to the Ann Arbor Township to support its fire and law enforcement operations. And the company donated $5,000 to the U-M Health System's Family Practice Group.

IMRA has become known for its corporate philanthropy in recent years. In March, the company and its employees donated about $36,000 to the Red Cross to support relief efforts after the devastating earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan. The firm also waged a public effort to lobby its corporate contacts to contribute donations.

Contact AnnArbor.com's Nathan Bomey at (734) 623-2587 or nathanbomey@annarbor.com. You can also follow him on Twitter or subscribe to AnnArbor.com's newsletters.