Adobe® Reader® Download
The files are in Adobe Acrobat Format.
To view them you will need to download the Acrobat Reader.
The files are in Adobe Acrobat Format.
To view them you will need to download the Acrobat Reader.
2004 News Release
August 3 
August 3, 2004
Hitachi Metals to Establish
Tool Steels Sales and Service Company
—Consolidating Tool Steels Distribution— —Responding to the Sophisticated and Diverse Needs of Customers—
Tokyo, Japan, August 3, 2004—Hitachi Metals, Ltd., announced today plans to establish Hitachi Metals Tool Steel Ltd., a tool steels sales and service company. The purpose of this initiative is to consolidate tool steel distribution in response to the increasingly sophisticated needs of customers, including mold manufacturers that support Japan’s manufacturing industry.
1. Background
Molds and cutting tools are integral to the nation’s basic industries, including automobiles, electric machinery and machine components, providing the platform for Japan’s manufacturing industry. As technology continues to evolve, calls from the market for increased quality and durability intensify, and as a result, even higher performance is demanded of tool steels for molds and cutting tools. Furthermore, in addition to more functional materials, manufacturers are seeking comprehensive services and new alternatives to improve cutting, processing, heat and surface treatment processes, and technical support designed to increase customer productivity and reduce manufacturing lead times.With the aim of addressing market needs in an accurate and prompt manner, the Hitachi Metals Group plans to consolidate the tool steels businesses of Group companies including Nichiei Corporation, Hiyoshi Kouzai Co., Ltd., and Hitachi Metals Trading Co., Ltd., and to establish the specialized tool steels sales and service company Hitachi Metals Tool Steel, Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as the “new company”). Based on a structure that combines the development and manufacturing capabilities of Hitachi Metals and the sales and service capabilities of the new company, our goal is to deliver the highest in customer satisfaction through enhanced quality, product delivery and technical support. At the same time, we will continue to develop business as a unified and professional corporate entity specializing in tool steels.
2. Objectives
| (1) | Respond to customers' needs through a specialized tool steel service structure |
| In order to respond to the increasingly sophisticated and diverse needs of customers, Hitachi Metals is creating a unified, comprehensive manufacturing and sales structure that encompasses upstream and downstream functions from development through manufacturing and sales. Hitachi Metals is responsible for new product and technology development and manufacturing. As a specialist tool steels sales and service company, the new company will be responsible for marketing, distribution, processing, and heat and surface treatment. | |
| (2) | Support sales expansion at sales offices |
| We are working to reinforce the support structure for sales offices by enhancing Inventory systems at the new company, providing comprehensive delivery services, and at the same time expanding traditional process and heat treatment, and technical support. | |
| (3) | Realize high-value-added direct sales |
| Leveraging the technology development capabilities of Hitachi Metals, we will endeavor to deliver more sophisticated heat treatment and cutting-edge surface treatment services. At the same time, we will strive to create additional value that extends beyond the distribution function. |
3. New Company Profile
| (1)Company Name | : | Hitachi Metals Tool Steel, Ltd. |
| (2)Date of Establishment | : | October 1, 2004 |
| (3)Head Office | : | 1-8-8 Shinkawa, Chuo-ku, Tokyo |
| (4)Representative | : | Shigeo Sawamura, President (Currently General Manager, Tool Steel Division, Specialty Steel Company) |
| (5)Capital | : | ¥100 million |
| (6)Principal Shareholder | : | Hitachi Metals, Ltd. |
| (7)Sales Forecast | : | Fiscal 2004 ¥16 billion (October 1, 2004 to March 31, 2005) Fiscal 2007 ¥40 billion (Full year ending March 31, 2008) |
| (8)Number of Employees | : | Approximately 400 |
| (9)Network | : | 17 branches nationwide, 3 processing plants, 6 heat treatment plants, 3 overseas affiliated companies |
Inquiries:
| Akio Minami Corporate Communications Office, Hitachi Metals, Ltd. Telephone: +81-3-5765-4079 Facsimile: +81-3-5765-8312 |
