< Previous60 A t Lamar Tool and Die Casting, our 42- year journey from a small backyard operation in Modesto, California, to an industry leader has been remarkable. Founded in 1982, we have grown into a premier provider of high-pressure aluminum die casting, serving various industries, including automotive, agricultural, and medical. Our success is attributed to our dedicated team and the strong partnerships we’ve built over the years, particularly with Shibaura Machine Company, America (SMA). Our collaboration with SMA began 5 years ago and has been transformative. The introduction of SMA’s advanced die-casting machines and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) solution machiNetCloud has signifi cantly improved our operations. This technology allows us to monitor machine performance in real-time, whether from the offi ce or remotely, providing instant Lamar Tool and Die Casting: Embracing Innovation with Shibaura Machine “MachiNetCloud has been a lifesaver for our productivity. I can work in my offi ce and have the monitoring system live fed to my monitor, providing me with immediate feedback and information about the production of each machine in real time. I know when machines stop, how long, and why. This system drastically improves our effi ciency, downtime, and quality control. We have improved our overall OEE by 15% by having MachiNetCloud online. The ability to integrate various equipment into one cohesive system has streamlined our processes and elevated our business.” Ken Jones, General Manager Founded in 1982, Lamar has grown into a premier provider of high- pressure aluminum die casting, serving various industries, including automotive, agricultural, and medical. 61 insights into any issues that may arise. Having this capability has been a game-changer, allowing us to address problems immediately, reducing downtime, and ensuring continuous production. The machiNetCloud technology has integrated seamlessly with our existing setup, allowing us to oversee various equipment, from die-casting machines to CNC machining operations, in both our Modesto and Stockton facilities. This integration has streamlined our processes, One of the most significant benefits of partnering with SMA is the reliability of their die casting machines and the exceptional support we receive from their team. improved efficiency, and elevated our quality control. We can now track the performance of our machines, analyze data quickly, and make informed decisions to optimize production. One of the most significant benefits of partnering with SMA is the reliability of their die casting machines and the exceptional support we receive from their team. The advanced technology of SMA machines has enabled us to meet and exceed industry standards, ensuring that we deliver high-quality products to our customers consistently. The support from SMA’s service team has been outstanding, always ready 62 “Our focus on Safety, Quality, Service, and On=time delivery has been bolstered by Shibaura Machine’s innovative solutions. With that, over the years, we have invested in automation with our equipment and operations. These changes have made significant improvements in our competitiveness and Shibaura Machine is another layer of high impact improvements we’ve made to ensure a future as a premier high pressure die cast supplier. The real=time data reporting has allowed us to conduct thorough investigations into our production runs, ensuring that we maintain optimal performance and quality.” Brian Kolsters, Vice President & Director of Operations The introduction of SMA’s advanced die-casting machines and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) solution machiNetCloud has significantly improved our operations. to assist with new machine start-ups and any issues that arise, maximizing our uptime and productivity. Our focus on quality, service, and on-time delivery has been bolstered by SMA’s innovative solutions. The ability to integrate machiNetCloud across our operations has provided us with a comprehensive view of our manufacturing processes, enabling us to maintain high standards and meet the stringent demands of our customers. The real- time data reporting has also allowed us to conduct thorough investigations into our production runs, ensuring that we maintain optimal performance and quality. The automation and advanced technology introduced by SMA have positioned Lamar Tool and Die Casting at the forefront of the die-casting industry. We have invested in robotics and are exploring AI opportunities to further enhance our operations. This forward-thinking approach ensures that we remain competitive and can provide our customers with the best possible products and services. As we celebrate Shibaura Machine Company, America’s 50th anniversary, we reflect on the impact of this partnership on our growth and success. SMA’s dedication to quality and innovation aligns perfectly with our values, and their machines have been integral to our ability to adapt and thrive in a rapidly evolving market. The continuous advancements in SMA’s technology promise even greater efficiencies and capabilities in the future. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Shibaura Machine Company, America on this incredible milestone. Your commitment to excellence and innovation inspires us, and we are excited about the future possibilities our partnership holds. Here’s to another 50 years of success, innovation, and growth together. ■“our customers talk about us”64 D ear Shibaura Machine Company, America (SMA) team, On behalf of Baker Hill Industries, Inc., I extend heartfelt congratulations to SMA on celebrating 50 years of exemplary business success. This significant milestone is a testament to your dedication, innovation, and commitment to excellence in manufacturing superior machines. We at Baker Hill Industries have been privileged to benefit from your outstanding products and services over the past 15 years. The Shibaura Machine machines we acquired have consistently proven their reliability and efficiency, contributing significantly to our operational success and product quality. Your continued support and the superior performance of your equipment have played a crucial role in our own achievements. As you reflect on this remarkable achievement, please accept our sincere gratitude for your partnership and for consistently delivering machines that meet and exceed our expectations. We look forward to many more years of collaboration and innovation as we continue to grow together. Once again, congratulations to everyone at SMA on this extraordinary anniversary. S hibaura Machine Company, America (SMA), congratulations on 50 years! Over the years, SMA has been an invaluable partner to the Taylor team, consistently delivering robust, durable, and precise boring mills that perfectly meet our requirements. You have provided us with great support from Sales all the way through Parts and Service. At Taylor, we take on some of the most challenging parts and assemblies, requiring precise boring and concentric holes. SMA has made sure we have the right boring mills to get the job done! The BP.150.R22 has made machining steer axles for Taylor Machine Works our Taylor forklifts a breeze. The BTD.110.R16 has worked perfectly on all our top heads for masts. We can’t wait to receive our new BTH-150.R24 at the end of the year. Taylor looks forward to a steadily growing partnership for many more years to come. Congratulations again on 50 years of business!65 Our collaboration began with a shared vision to push the boundaries of technology and engineering excellence. Together, we have navigated dynamic market landscapes and evolving industry trends, emerging stronger and more resilient each year. From pioneering new manufacturing processes to developing cutting-edge technologies, our combined eff orts have set industry benchmarks. Our shared commitment to innovation and quality has enabled us to consistently exceed expectations, deliver exceptional products, and earn the trust of customers worldwide. This partnership thrives on values of integrity, respect, and mutual support, building enduring relationships based on trust and transparency. As we refl ect on the past 50 years, we look ahead with optimism. Together, we are poised to embrace new opportunities, tackle emerging challenges, and lead the industry toward a brighter, more sustainable future. Congratulations on this remarkable milestone. Here’s to the next 50 years of partnership, innovation, and shared success. I n 1973, our company was established and incorporated in Atlanta, Georgia with 100% investment by Kyowa Electric & Chemical Co., Ltd. In 1979, we set up our head offi ce and manufacturing facility in Irvine, California. Since the 1980s, we have primarily focused on the home appliances business, including TV housing. Currently, our core business revolves around automotive parts. We use injection molding machines made by Toshiba Machine and Shibaura Machine to mold and assemble automotive interior and exterior parts, as well as functional components, at our Portland, Tennessee headquarters and Tijuana plants. The production of automotive parts is limited by inventory capacity, making continuous operations and quick responses to breakdowns crucial for our users. More than 95% of our injection molding machines are made by Toshiba Machine and Shibaura Machine. Since establishing our U.S. corporation, we have built a strong relationship with these companies as business partners, and we look forward to your continued support. On the occasion of your 50th anniversary, we would like to express our respect and gratitude for your achievements and eff orts in achieving long-term development. We sincerely hope for your continued prosperity. Congratulations Shibaura Machine Company, America on your 50th anniversary! D ear Shibaura Machine Company, America Team, Today marks a momentous occasion as we celebrate the remarkable journey of partnership and innovation that has defi ned our 50 years together. On behalf of TG Missouri, we extend our warmest congratulations to Shibaura Machine Company, America (SMA) on this incredible milestone.“thanks to our sponsors”67 A s Shibaura Machine Company, America (SMA) celebrates 50 years of excellence in manufacturing, ei3 is honored to share in this signifi cant milestone. The partnership between ei3 and Shibaura Machine has been a testament to innovation, growth, and a shared vision for the future of industrial automation. Since the start of the collaboration, the companies have worked together to advance machine control and embrace the trans-formative power of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). Building on decades of expertise in industrial automation and machine control, ei3 has been a driving force in the IoT revolution since its founding in 1999. The company’s commitment to innovation and excellence has allowed it to develop secure, reliable Industrial IoT solutions that seamlessly connect machines to business systems, addressing the unique challenges and meeting the stringent demands of the industrial sector. ei3 has spent years refi ning the platform, strengthening its security, and enhancing its reliability to ensure that customers receive a robust, scalable, and future-proof IoT solution. The Power of Connection: machiNetCloud Shibaura Machine’s machiNetCloud, powered by ei3, stands as a pinnacle of technological advancement in the area of machine control. This comprehensive IIoT platform integrates seamlessly with Shibaura Machine’s state-of-the- art equipment, enabling manufacturers to optimize their operations through connected machines and data-driven decision-making. ei3’s mission is to empower machine builders like Shibaura Machine, allowing them to focus on their core business while ei3 provides a turnkey IoT solution that enhances productivity, reduces downtime, and improves product quality. One of the key strengths of ei3 lies in its ability to serve as a critical Industrial IoT layer, bridging the gap between machines and the broader manufacturing organization’s Spencer Cramer Founder and CEO ei3 www.ei3.com68 business systems. By integrating machine data with enterprise resource planning (ERP), manufacturing execution systems (MES), and other key software platforms, ei3 provides a holistic view of the production process. This level of connectivity empowers manufacturers to make informed, data-driven decisions, optimize their supply chains, and respond swiftly to changing market demands. A Commitment to the Future As the dawn of a new era approaches, the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into manufacturing processes promises to transform the industry. At ei3, AI algorithms are being developed using extensive datasets from Shibaura Machine equipment. These algorithms will enable proactive decision-making, predictive maintenance, and optimized processes, driving significant improvements in quality, uptime, and speed. AI will soon extend its impact to the factory floor, serving as an intelligent assistant that monitors machine parameters and identifies potential issues before they affect the bottom line. The AI-driven insights will redefine manufacturing, enabling intelligent scheduling, adaptive process control, and generative design. These technologies will not only improve operational efficiency but also open new possibilities for innovation and growth in the manufacturing sector. By staying ahead of the technological curve, ei3 and Shibaura Machine are committed to providing manufacturers with the tools they need to thrive in a competitive landscape. Their journey with Shibaura Machine has been marked by continuous progress and a commitment to excellence. As early adopters of IoT technology, ei3 has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible, helping Shibaura Machine stay at the forefront of industrial automation. As this milestone anniversary is celebrated, ei3 looks forward to a future where AI-driven insights transform manufacturing, enabling intelligent scheduling, adaptive process control, and generative design. The partnership between ei3 and Shibaura Machine stands as a pillar of innovation and progress. With ei3 and Shibaura Machine, the future of manufacturing is bright. Together, they will continue to drive the advancement of industrial automation, ensuring that operations are primed and ready to harness the full potential of AI and IoT. Congratulations to SMA on this incredible milestone. Here’s to another 50 years of success, innovation, and growth! ei3 is grateful for the continued partnership and trust.69 T M Acceptance Corp. congratulates Shibaura Machine Company, America (SMA) on 50 Years! TM Acceptance Corp. congratulates the entire SMA organization on successfully completing 50 years of business in the U.S. This signifi cant milestone highlights SMA’s dedication to excellence and innovation in the manufacturing industry, and we are proud to have been part of this incredible journey. Our relationship with SMA dates back to 1981 when I was hired by Heller Financial, a commercial fi nance company in Chicago. Over the next few years, Heller Financial underwent many changes, the most signifi cant being its acquisition by Fuji Bank in early 1984. This acquisition aimed to expand Fuji Bank’s U.S. operations and strengthen its international network, leading to the formation of the Japan Client Group at Heller Financial. The sole purpose of this group was to provide fi nancing for Fuji Bank customers doing business in the U.S. Along with two Fuji Bank employees, I made sales calls on various Japanese manufacturers and trading companies. Given its reputation as a leading manufacturer of equipment, SMA was one of my primary prospects from the start. When I fi rst called on SMA, Mr. Osamu Shimada, the Injection Molding Division’s General Manager at the time, felt that Heller Financial’s services were unnecessary, as he was satisfi ed with his current fi nance company. Despite his initial reluctance, I continued to try to establish a relationship with SMA. Fortunately, my persistence paid off , and Mr. Shimada agreed to have another meeting with me. That meeting went well, and numerous meetings and many conversations followed. In the end, Mr. Shimada agreed to establish a program with Heller Financial. As the relationship between SMA and Heller Financial evolved, a signifi cant amount of trust developed between Mr. Shimada and myself. This trust allowed us to discuss credit decisions in great detail, avoiding certain transactions due to inherent risks. I believe it was situations like these that helped Mr. Shimada realize that I approached all my dealings with SMA with a great deal of honesty and sincerity. This open and honest communication helped build a strong foundation of trust and mutual respect. In 1989, Mr. Shimada returned to Japan, and Mr. We are honored and proud to be a part of your organization. Gregg J. Newhuis President TM Acceptance Corp.Next >