< Previous10 C elebrating our 50th anniversary fills the Shibaura Machine Co., Ltd. team with immense pride and joy. Our founders started with a few dedicated individuals envisioning success in this great country. Today, we are over 120 strong, continuing to grow as we have for the past five decades. This achievement wouldn’t be possible without unwavering support. To our customers: your loyalty and trust are the cornerstones of our success. To our suppliers: your steadfast support, even in tough times, has been invaluable. You often made the impossible possible, solidifying our partnerships. Our employees, both in the US and overseas, are another crucial factor behind our success. Your tireless work, navigating through successes and setbacks, highs and lows, has enabled us to reach this remarkable milestone. Though I joined Shibaura Machine Co., Ltd. recently, it was a well-considered decision. Knowing the company for over 16 years and working closely with the team for nearly a decade, it was an easy choice. The quality of our people and the vast opportunities ahead promise a continued success story. The road ahead may be challenging, but what truly matters is the team beside you. I am proud to be part of this company. With the trust and support of our customers, suppliers, and employees, I am confident we will celebrate many more wonderful anniversaries together. In the next 50 years, we aim to maintain our innovative edge, addressing the evolving needs of our industry while staying true to our core values. We look forward to tackling new challenges and seizing opportunities, ensuring that Shibaura Machine Co., Ltd. remains a leader in the market. Our journey has only just begun, and with your continued support, the future holds great promise. Thank you for being part of our incredible journey. Here’s to the next fifty years of innovation, growth, and success. ■ The quality of our people and the vast opportunities ahead promise a continued success story. Dr. Georg P. Holzinger Managing Executive Officer Deputy General Manager - Metal & Plastics Industrial Machine Company Shibaura Machine Co., Ltd.11 C ongratulations to everyone at Shibaura Machine Company, America (SMA) on your 50th anniversary. We wish you and your team many more years of success and prosperity in the future. As a representative of Shibaura Machine Engineering Co., Ltd. (SMEG), your sister company that supports your after-sales business, and as a former employee who has had the privilege of working at SMA twice, I would like to offer my heartfelt congratulations. Strengthening the global after-sales business is extremely important, and this April, the machine tool service department joined SMEG. From now on, we will be working with SMA in three major departments: injection molding machines, die casting machines, and machine tools. I am confident that the collaboration between SMA and SMEG will grow stronger, allowing us to support each other and achieve greater success together. Personally, my time at SMA, from 1996 to 2001 and again from 2011 to 2013, was a period of immense growth for me, thanks to the support of my American colleagues. Living in the United States with my family was undoubtedly one of the highlights of our lives. During my first posting in the US, I contributed to the 25th-anniversary magazine as the branch manager of the California office, and now I have the opportunity to contribute to the 50th- anniversary magazine. Reflecting on this, I cannot help but feel the passage of time. Throughout my stay in the United States, I was often asked whether the American or Japanese way is better. My response was always, “I don’t care about American or Japanese ways. I always look for the best way.” I believe SMA’s strength lies in its commitment to finding the best way, regardless of nationality, and continuously striving for excellence. I hope you will continue to achieve further development with your strong teamwork. Once again, please accept my most sincere congratulations on reaching this significant milestone in the company’s history. We look forward to the next 25 years and beyond!■ Katsuo “Kenny” Ito President Shibaura Machine Engineering Co., Ltd. I believe SMA’s strength lies in its commitment to finding the best way, regardless of nationality, and continuously striving for excellence.12 Yukio Iimura Former Chairman (Until 6/2024) Shibaura Machine Co., Ltd. O n the occasion of Shibaura Machine Company, America’s (SMA’s) 50th anniversary, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to everyone involved. Founded in April 1974 as our Group’s first overseas subsidiary, SMA embarked on a journey that not only marked the beginning of our global expansion but also led to remarkable achievements. I am deeply grateful to our predecessors whose vision and hard work laid the foundation, and to all our current employees who drive our continuous growth and development every day. SMA’s success story is a testament to our comprehensive capabilities in manufacturing, sales, technology, and service. We have earned our customers’ trust and recognition as a company of immense value. Having been stationed in the U.S. twice, I have witnessed firsthand the American business ethos of “fairness” and “rationality,” which both impressed and challenged me. Reflecting on my recent visit to India and the completion of the new plant at SMI, I am reminded of the trans-formative power of innovation and dedication. Just as SMI has grown from selling 448 injection molding machines in fiscal 2012 to over 1,000 units in fiscal 2023, SMA too has been a beacon of progress and excellence. The bold targets set for the future, such as selling around 6,000 injection molding machines worldwide across the entire Shibaura Machinery Group by fiscal 2030, highlights our continued pursuit of growth and our pioneering spirit in exploring new opportunities. This goal is not just a number but a testament to our commitment to innovation and excellence. SMA’s journey is far from over. We are committed to exceeding customer expectations and becoming an indispensable partner for our clients. The United States, a beacon of innovation, continues to lead the world with groundbreaking advancements like generative AI, quantum computing, BEVs, autonomous driving, and fusion reactors. As SMA stands at the forefront of these innovations, it must continue to be the pilot of the Shibaura Machine Group, capturing the essence of this dynamic region. I am confident that under your leadership, the Group will soar to even greater heights. Our purpose is clear: to contribute to key industries, improve society, and achieve “Three-way satisfaction” – good for sellers, buyers, and the public. As the chairman of the Shibaura Machine Group and an alumnus of SMA, I extend my sincere gratitude to everyone at SMA. Your dedication is the cornerstone of our Group’s success. We also thank our customers, partners, and stakeholders for their unwavering support and trust. Congratulations on your 50th anniversary. I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.■“a few words from the people at Shibaura Machine Company, America”14 F ifty years ago, in April 1974, Shibaura Machine Company, America (SMA) was founded. Over the past five decades, our team has driven innovation in the North American market with machine tools, injection molding machines, die casting machines, and at one point even industrial robots, extruders, and printing presses. Our journey, rich with history and challenges, has shaped us for success through continual perseverance and vision. As we celebrate this remarkable milestone, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all our customers, vendors, current and former employees, and stakeholders who have contributed substantially to SMA’s growth and success over these past 50 years. Your trust, loyalty, and collaboration have been the cornerstone of our achievements. A special thank you goes to Shibaura Machine Japan and its affiliated companies for their tremendous support and partnership throughout our journey. Their guidance and resources have been invaluable in helping us reach this significant anniversary. Reflecting on our journey, it is evident that our success is not just measured by the innovations we have introduced but also by the relationships we have built and the challenges we have overcome together. Each product we have developed and each market we have entered has been a testament to our commitment to excellence and our ability to adapt to the ever-evolving industrial landscape. Today, we stand at a pivotal moment in our history. The challenges we face are complex and multifaceted: addressing continuous energy security, tackling pressing environmental issues, harnessing the trans-formative potential of generative AI, and striving to improve the quality of life for all. These challenges are significant, but so are the opportunities they present. To contribute to solving these global issues, SMA will continue to innovate and collaborate with all of you. We are committed to evolving and adapting to meet market demands, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of technological advancement and industry leadership. Thank you for your unwavering support and dedication. Together, we look forward to a future filled with continued success and innovation.■ Hiroshi “Hank” Azuma President Shibaura Machine Company, America A special thank you goes to Shibaura Machine Japan and its affiliated companies for their tremendous support and partnership throughout our journey.15 C ongratulations on the momentous occasion of Shibaura Machine Company, America’s (SMA) 50th anniversary. This significant anniversary would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our customers over the past half-century and the tireless dedication of all past and present SMA employees. For this, I extend my deepest gratitude. I am immensely fortunate to be at SMA during this milestone year and honored to express my heartfelt thanks to our customers, dealers, vendors, and all my fellow SMA employees. Your collective efforts and commitment have been instrumental in achieving this remarkable success. Having served as the General Manager of the SMA Machine Tool Division twice, for a total of over seven years, I am deeply appreciative of the invaluable experiences that have shaped my career. My first tenure, from 2013 to 2016, coincided with a sharp drop in oil prices, leading to a significant decline in orders from the oil and gas industry, which had previously been our main target. Despite these challenges, our team demonstrated resilience and adaptability, steering the company through tough times. My second tenure began in January 2020, just two months before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. This unprecedented global crisis forced us to adapt to remote work and implement “new ways of working,” with travel restrictions making customer and dealer interactions challenging. However, through the collective wisdom, dedication, and innovation of everyone involved, we successfully navigated these obstacles. As we celebrate this 50th anniversary, we also look towards the future with a renewed commitment to excellence. We will continue to provide products and services that meet and exceed our customers’ expectations, and we will strive to build and strengthen our relationships with our customers and dealers, fostering mutual growth and development. Thank you for your continued support and trust. Together, we will achieve even greater success in the years to come. ■ General Manager, Machine Tool Division Shibaura Machine Company, America Katsuhito “Kurt” Endo Our people make us great I’ve been at Shibaura Machine Company, America for so long that it feels like a big family. It’s a very down- to-Earth, laid-back culture where everyone is willing to give a helping hand. Congrats to 50 years! - Renee DeHesus AP Associate. Joined SMA in March 2011.16 I t is a great honor to write for the 50th anniversary of Shibaura Machine Company, America (SMA). I would like to express my sincere respect for the tireless efforts of all our employees, including past presidents, in reaching this significant milestone. The history of SMA closely mirrors the history of the molding machine business. Today, approximately 10,000 injection molding machines and 400 die-casting machines have been delivered to the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Japanese expatriates and local staff work together daily to promote sales and service activities. In 2020, the injection molding and die- casting divisions merged to form the current Casting and Molding Machine Division, which is now SMA’s largest division with 53 employees. Many of our customers in the molding machine department are engaged in automotive parts production. The automotive industry has adopted “Just-in-Time” production methods, requiring equipment manufacturers to provide highly durable machinery that operates under harsh conditions. At a North American plant of a major automobile manufacturer, many ultra-large machines delivered in the 1990s are still in operation, supporting the North American automotive industry even today. The transition from gasoline-powered vehicles to electric vehicles (EVs), driven by global warming countermeasures and the SDGs, presents a significant business opportunity for us. We expect the molding business, including extruders, to continue being a cornerstone of SMA in the future. Reflecting on the past 50 years, we have faced many challenges, and we are grateful to have navigated these challenges and reached this day, thanks to the support of our customers and partner companies. Today, as we celebrate the 50th anniversary, we also mark the beginning of the journey towards our 100th anniversary. We have taken a small step toward further development, and I ask for your continued support and encouragement in the future. ■ Yoshinori Takano Vice President, General Manager, Casting & Molding Machinery Division Shibaura Machine Company, America Our people make us great Customers are always very happy when we can find the issue they’re having right away. We strive to provide exceptional customer service. We try our best to give our best, and we always try to get better. It’s great to receive compliments from our customers; we do not want them to be down or disappointed. One of the best feelings is when a customer requests you by name personally. - Luis Ramirez, Field Service Technician. Joined SMA in November 2021.17 I t is a great honor for me to witness the 50th anniversary of Shibaura Machine Company, America (SMA). As an officer of SMA, I would like to thank all of our employees for their tireless contributions and the cooperation of everyone involved. In the five years since I joined SMA, we have experienced tremendous growth and transformation in a rapidly evolving world. We have faced and overcome many challenges, including a company name change, the COVID-19 pandemic, logistical disruptions, and rapid price increases. Through it all, SMA has grown into a strong and innovative company. This success is not due to the efforts of any one individual, nor the circumstances surrounding the company, but the collective efforts of each and every one of our employees and the support of all stakeholders. The time I have spent sharing this transformation process with you as a member of SMA has been a fortunate, exciting, and irreplaceable experience for me personally. SMA is a wonderful group of people. I am always inspired by their personalities, sincerity, and earnest attitude in their work. Coming from a foreign country, this has been a very positive culture shock for me and a turning point that changed my outlook on life. I believe the 50 years of history and the DNA passed down from our predecessors have created this wonderful culture. SMA is still in the middle of its transformation, and the wave of digital business, including machiNetCloud, will take us to the next stage. I am very excited to share this new transformation with everyone at SMA as we begin our 51st year. I am confident that together, we will overcome the many challenges that lie ahead. On this day, let us celebrate SMA’s Golden Jubilee and start taking new steps toward the next 50 years. ■ Kenta Mizuno Treasurer, GM Finance Division Shibaura Machine Company, America SMA is a wonderful group of people. I am always inspired by their personalities, sincerity, and earnest attitude in their work. Our people make us great I’ve received the most support and help from my friends at Shibaura during tough times. They’re the most supportive group of people I know! - Ray Martinez, Parts Coordinator. Joined SMA in June 2018.18 Hemantha Wansekera CIO, GM, Digital Services Division DGM, Administration Division Shibaura Machine Company, America C ongratulations to Shibaura Machine Company, America (SMA) on its 50th Anniversary in North America. This significant milestone reminds us of the tremendous success and achievements we have accomplished together over the past five decades. It has been an honor to be a part of this remarkable journey for the past 22 years, nearly half of the company’s history in North America. Throughout these years, I have witnessed numerous successes, advancements, and challenges. Our employees’ dedication and hard work have been instrumental in overcoming obstacles and achieving remarkable successes. I am immensely grateful to all past and current employees for their unwavering support and commitment. Our customers have played an equally crucial role in our success, standing by us through every economic challenge. We are deeply grateful for their support and loyalty to the Shibaura Machine brand. Your trust has been a cornerstone of our enduring success. Since early 2020, SMA has embarked on a digital transformation journey aimed at enhancing customer service. As part of this initiative, we have introduced state- of-the-art technologies, including a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system for customer service and sales operations management. Innovations like machiNetCloud, our Industrial IoT application, help customers harness machine insights to improve factory OEE and reduce downtime. Additionally, Robotic Process Automation (RPA) technologies have streamlined internal processes, resulting in faster and better customer experiences. We have also undertaken various initiatives to make SMA a better work environment for our employees, incorporating new technologies, training, and events that enhance collaboration and teamwork. This 50th anniversary is a testament to the loyalty of our valued customers and the dedication of our employees. Together, we have built a legacy of success over the past five decades. Collectively, we have much to be grateful for, and I extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has been a part of SMA’s journey. I look forward to a future filled with many more successes and innovations.■ Our people make us great Chilling in my station Packing slip tucked away Checking out the info so we send it right away Shibaura representative might be kinda rare Efficient hard worker: yes, I really care! - Joshua Torres, Warehouse Associate. Joined SMA in May 2024.19 C ongratulations to Shibaura Machine Company, America (SMA) on its 50th Anniversary! The past 50 years represent a significant milestone and serve as a reminder of the tremendous efforts and achievements by all company personnel. The teamwork and dedication over the past five decades have demonstrated our company’s potential and pointed us toward a strong future. Our vast customer base has supported us through every economic challenge. It has been an honor to be a part of this journey over my past 12 years at the company. As part of the Administrative team, I have observed countless improvements and advancements that will continue to lead us to the next milestone. I see each Sales Division striving to excel and provide both technology and value to our customers. I see the Administrative team working hard to create the best corporate environment for our employees. I see the Information Technology department providing the highest quality software and equipment to promote productivity and ultimately enhance customer satisfaction. I see the Accounting/Finance department maintaining integrity and high standards for our internal controls and financial statements. Finally, I see a SMA team working together to achieve great things. This 50th anniversary is a tribute to all past and current employees who consider the company part of their family. The dedication of our employees, along with the strong loyalty of our customers, has contributed to this 50-year success. Collectively, we have much to be grateful for. Thank you to everyone who has been a part of SMA’s 50- year history. Here’s to many more years of success and innovation.■ Cherie Payne Deputy GM Finance and Accounting/ Corporate Secretary Shibaura Machine Company, America Shibaura Machine Company, America has a relaxing work environment. I’m very lucky to be able to wear jeans and comfortable shoes every day. When someone makes a mistake, they receive an email explaining what happened, along with constructive feedback on improvements that can be made. What really made me feel like a part of the team was the write- Our people make us great up about me in New Hire Announcements. It was great. It’s nice when your manager notices your accomplishments, and even better when the company notices them too. - Krys Preciado, AR Associate. Joined SMA in May 2023.Next >