Let me begin by offering my sincere condolences to all those affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake that occurred in March this year.

 

I assumed the office of president on April 1, 2011. With your continuing support, I will make every effort to achieve further growth under the new management structure.

Although unfavorable exchange rates due to the strong yen and the earthquake in Japan created a challenging operating environment in fiscal 2010 (ended March 31, 2011), positive factors included volume efficiencies achieved in conjunction with new car model launches by our customers, the start of full-scale operations at new plants, and continued streamlining efforts as Unipres Production System (UPS) activities expanded. As a result, consolidated business results for fiscal 2010 showed sharp increases in sales and profits, with sales totaling 219,000 million yen, operating profit reaching 21,700 million yen, and net profit amounting to 11,700 million yen.

The Unipres Group continues to respond to demand from fast-growing emerging markets, especially in Asia.

 

Our transmission parts business has established in China its first overseas plant. Operated by Unipres Precision Guangzhou Corporation, the plant started volume production in March this year.

 

We will continue to actively invest in emerging markets with a view to further expanding sales.

 

As environmental awareness grows, the global automobile industry is seeing rapid changes in vehicle technology and structure, typified by hybrid and electric cars.

We have established Unipres R&D Co., Ltd. to respond to such changing market needs and accelerate innovation in our core press technologies.

 

Creating structures that advance and integrate the press technologies underpinning our three main businesses of car body products, precision products, and plastic products will encourage cooperation in the development of new technologies and products and drive increased sales.

 

Fortunately the direct damage inflicted on the Unipres Group by the Great East Japan Earthquake in March 2011 was comparatively light, and repair work in our Japanese plants was swiftly completed.

 

However, widespread serious damage and electricity supply problems are still creating uncertainties in the Group’s operating environment.

 

To respond flexibly to such changes in the business environment, we will continue to expand UPS activities and boost profitability and competitiveness, inspired by our motto “Unified Commitment to Manufacturing.” I look forward to your ongoing support and encouragement.

 

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