Celebrating 50 Years3 table of contents Shibaura Machine Japan. ........................................................4 America ....................................................13 International .............................................25 Consulate-General of Japan in Chicago ......30 Industry Associations ...................................32 New Products ...............................................36 Customer Testimonials .................................49 Our Customers Talk About Us ......................63 Our Sponsors ...............................................66 Sales Partners ..............................................83 Manufacturing Partners ................................88 Our People ...................................................90 Company Events ..........................................95 In Memoriam ..............................................1094 I would like to extend my warmest greetings to Shibaura Machine Company, America (SMA) as you celebrate your 50th anniversary. We owe our ability to continue our business activities across North America for half a century to the unwavering support and patronage of our customers, agents, and employees. On behalf of the entire group, I would like to express my deepest gratitude. I have been stationed in Toronto, Canada since 1990, and I have fond memories of my time with SMA. Back then, I provided technical support in machine tool design and frequently visited customers across the United States. Even now, when I visit our distributor’s warehouse, I feel a sense of nostalgia seeing photos and materials with my signature. Since those early days, SMA’s business in North America has grown significantly, becoming the second-largest market after Japan. Today, SMA oversees operations not only in North America but also in Canada, Mexico, and Brazil. Over the past 50 years, we have faced many challenges and significant changes. However, thanks to the wisdom and efforts of everyone involved, we have overcome these obstacles and reached this remarkable Golden Jubilee milestone. We aim to continue this success into the future. To achieve this, it is crucial that we continue to provide high-quality products and services while building even stronger relationships of trust with our customers and agents. This commitment extends not only at SMA but throughout the entire company. As we celebrate this 50th anniversary, we will strive to grow into a company that meets everyone’s expectations as we approach our 100th anniversary. We look forward to your continued support and encouragement in the future.■ Shigetomo Sakamoto President and Chief Executive Officer Shibaura Machine Co., Ltd. ....it is crucial that we continue to provide high- quality products and services while building even stronger relationships of trust with our customers and agents.5 I t is with great pride and admiration that I extend my warmest congratulations to Shibaura Machine, Company, America (SMA) on its 50th anniversary. This milestone is a testament to the success and dedication of our North American sales and service company, highlighting its significant role in the global Shibaura Machine Group. Over the past five decades, SMA has consistently demonstrated excellence in service and innovation. Your efforts have strengthened our presence in the North American market, contributing immensely to the overall growth and success of our company. This achievement would not have been possible without the hard work, dedication, and forward-thinking approach of every team member. As we celebrate this significant anniversary, it’s important to acknowledge the rapidly changing external environment. The pace of technological advancement and market dynamics, such as the development of electric vehicles, geopolitical factors, and social and environmental responsibilities, demand agility and continuous adaptation. SMA has always been at the forefront of embracing these changes, ensuring that we not only meet but exceed customer expectations. Looking ahead, the future holds immense promise. The rapidly evolving technological landscape presents both challenges and opportunities, and I am confident that SMA will continue to lead with innovation and resilience. Your ability to adapt and excel in this dynamic environment will be key to our sustained success. On behalf of the Shibaura Machine Group, I express our deepest gratitude to every member of SMA for your outstanding contributions. Your dedication and hard work have been the cornerstone of our success. We also extend our sincere appreciation to our customers, partners, and stakeholders, whose support and trust have been invaluable. Congratulations once again on 50 years of excellence. Here’s to many more years of success and prosperity for SMA and the entire Shibaura Machine Group.■ Hiroaki Ota Representative Director and Chief Financial Officer Shibaura Machine Co., Ltd. This achievement would not have been possible without the hard work, dedication, and forward-thinking approach of every team member.6 C ongratulations on the 50th Anniversary of Shibaura Machine Company, America (SMA). I extend my gratitude to the many dedicated individuals at SMA who have been instrumental in the sales and service of our products since our founding in 1974. Reflecting on society 50 years ago, Japan’s era of high economic growth had ended, prompting our strategic decision to expand overseas. We entered the United States ahead of our competitors, successfully establishing and spreading our brand. Over the past five decades, technological advancements have drastically transformed our lifestyles, with the pace of change accelerating. Personal computers were not yet common 50 years ago, but the release of Windows 95 sparked their rapid adoption in households. The Internet further revolutionized our lives. Communication evolved from landlines and faxes to mobile phones, and now, smartphones are indispensable due to IT advancements. Our customers in the automotive industry are experiencing a monumental shift, transitioning from gasoline to hybrid and electric vehicles. The future will likely bring significant changes to car design with the evolution of autonomous driving technology. In this dynamic environment, we must adapt not only our products but also ourselves. As the world shifts Jun Koike Director and Executive Operating Officer General Manager - Metal & Plastics Industrial Machine Company ShibauraMachine Co., Ltd. As the world shifts from hardware to software, we must enhance our ability to provide comprehensive solutions, moving beyond mere machine sales. from hardware to software, we must enhance our ability to provide comprehensive solutions, moving beyond mere machine sales. America remains the most important market for SMA. As we celebrate our 50th anniversary, let us redouble our efforts and advance together toward sustainable growth.■7 I am honored to extend my heartfelt congratulations on the 50th anniversary of Shibaura Machine Company, America (SMA). This remarkable milestone is a testament to the dedication, hard work, and exceptional achievements of the entire team at SMA. Reflecting on my visit to your office this past April, I am reminded of the warm welcome I received and the inspiring conversations we had. Witnessing firsthand the commitment and enthusiasm of your team members reaffirmed my belief in the strength and potential of Shibaura Machine Group. The innovative approaches and collaborative spirit that I observed during my visit are truly commendable. Over the past five decades, SMA has made significant contributions to the growth and success of our global operations. Your achievements in innovation, customer service, and market expansion have not only enhanced our brand’s reputation but also set new benchmarks in the industry. The seamless integration of your local insights with our global strategies has been pivotal in navigating the dynamic business landscape. This 50th anniversary is not only a celebration of past successes but also an opportunity to look forward to a future filled with possibilities. As we continue to expand and evolve, I am confident that SMA will play a crucial role in driving our collective vision forward. Your unwavering commitment to excellence and your ability to adapt to changing market conditions are key strengths that will undoubtedly propel us to greater heights. In closing, I would like to express my deepest gratitude for your hard work and dedication. Your efforts have been instrumental in building a legacy of excellence and innovation. Please extend my heartfelt congratulations to the entire team at SMA. I look forward to celebrating many more milestones together in the years to come. Congratulations once again on this momentous occasion. Here’s to the continued success and prosperity of SMA.■ Yoshiaki Kai Director and Managing Executive Officer General Manager - Corporate Strategic Planning Division Shibaura Machine Co., Ltd. Over the past five decades, SMA has made significant contributions to the growth and success of our global operations.8 I t is with great pleasure that we celebrate the 50th anniversary of our American subsidiary. This milestone is a testament to the dedication and hard work of everyone involved, and we extend our sincere gratitude to all of you for your tremendous support and commitment. To our employees, thank you for your daily efforts and unwavering dedication over the past half-century. Your passion, professionalism, and relentless pursuit of excellence have been instrumental in driving our company’s growth. It is your hard work that has laid the foundation for the success we enjoy today. As we look to the future, let us continue to work together to face new challenges and seize new opportunities, always striving for further growth and success. To our valued customers, we sincerely thank you for your patronage and support over the years. Your trust in our products and services has been the cornerstone of our success. To live up to your expectations, we have always strived to provide high-quality products and exceptional service. Your feedback has been invaluable in guiding our efforts towards innovation and quality improvement, and we are committed to continually meeting your evolving needs. As we celebrate our 50th anniversary, we reflect on our journey with pride and gratitude. This significant milestone would not have been possible without the collective efforts of our dedicated employees and the unwavering support of our loyal customers. We are proud of what we have achieved together and are excited about the future. Our commitment to excellence remains steadfast, and we will continue to innovate and improve to meet and exceed your expectations. Once again, we express our heartfelt thanks for your support. All of our employees will continue to do their utmost to ensure that we maintain the high standards you have come to expect from us. We look forward to your continued patronage and support as we embark on the next chapter of our journey. ■ Yutaka Hasegawa Managing Executive Officer General Manager - Sales Strategy Division Shibaura Machine Co., Ltd. This significant milestone would not have been possible without the collective efforts of our dedicated employees and the unwavering support of our loyal customers.9 C ongratulations on the 50th Anniversary of Shibaura Machine Company, America (SMA). We owe our half-century of success to the tremendous efforts of all SMA employees, past and present. Your dedication has been the cornerstone of our enduring business, and for that, we are truly grateful. Since our founding, our primary business in machine tools has significantly contributed to global manufacturing under the SHIBAURA brand. This achievement stands as a testament to our commitment to innovation and excellence. However, our journey in North America was not without its challenges. Overcoming these obstacles required passion, resilience, and the unwavering support of our customers who held high expectations for our company. In April 2020, we transitioned from TOSHIBA MACHINE to SHIBAURA MACHINE. This change marked a new chapter in our history, and we were heartened by the warm welcome from our long- standing customers. The rebranding reinforced our legacy and our dedication to providing top-tier products and services. As we celebrate this milestone, it is essential to reflect on what has brought us here and what will drive us forward. High-quality machines and exceptional services are at the heart of our operations. Building and maintaining trust with our customers is paramount. Our commitment to providing added value is unwavering, and it will continue to guide us as we strive to become a 100-year company. Looking ahead, the vision for SMA is clear. We aim to continue developing and delivering innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers. Our relationships with customers, the local community, and every employee will remain the foundation of our success. Together, let’s continue to provide high-quality machines and services, build relationships of trust with our customers, and provide added value. I wish that SMA will continue to develop and build a bright future for our customers, the local community, and each and every one of all employees. Thank you for your dedication and hard work. Here’s to many more years of success and growth.■ Yoshikazu ”Yoshi” Tomita Managing Executive Officer General Manager – Machine Tools Company Shibaura Machine Co., Ltd. Our relationships with customers, the local community, and every employee will remain the foundation of our success.Next >